The 2007 North Carolina Dixie Girls Softball Tournament will run from June 29 to July 4 at Shallotte.

Three teams from will compete in the event, which has double-elimination bracket play at five age levels.

The South Columbus Dixie Angel All-Stars (ages 6-8) will step into action on Saturday at 2 p.m., against the Bunn All-Stars at Shallotte Park. The South Columbus team advanced to the tournament after winning the recent District 9 Tournament at Leland.

The East Columbus Dixie Belle All-Stars (ages 13-15) will open against Cherryville Saturday at 10 a.m. at Shallotte Park. The East Columbus squad went undefeated in claiming the District 9 title at Legion.

The Columbus County Dixie Deb All-Stars (ages 16-18) will go against Hope Mills Saturday morning at 10 at the West Brunswick High School softball field.

The Columbus Deb team received an automatic berth in state tournament play.

There will also be tournament play in Angles (ages 9-10) and Ponytails (ages 11-12).
Opening ceremonies will be held Friday night, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Shallotte Park soccer field.

A spaghetti dinner will be served and entertainment will provided by North Carolina-born country singer Matt Stillwell.

Team and player introductions will begin at 7 p.m.

Winners in each bracket will advance to Word Series play.

The 2007 Dixie Girls World Series schedule follows:

Darlings - West Stanly, N.C., beginning July 20.
Angels - Denison, Texas, beginning July 20.
Ponytails, Belles and Debs - Marianna, Fla., beginning July 27.