LOCUST - The Columbus County Dixie All-Stars were eliminated from the 2007 Dixie Darlings (ages 6-8) Softball World Series Monday, losing to Florida 7-5 in a fourth-round game.

South Columbus, making a first-ever appearance by a Columbus County team in the Dixie Darling World Series, finished play in the 12-team, double-elimination tournament with a 2-2 record.

In last Saturday’s opening round, South Columbus fell to the Florida champ 10-8. However on Sunday, the SC squad bounced back with a 22-1 victory over the host West Stanly team and a 13-10 win over the Mississippi champion.

Before returning to Columbus County on Tuesday, the team and its supporters stopped off for a visit to the North Carolina Zoological Park near Asheboro.