SPANISH FORT—The Daphne National Dixie Youth All-Stars won the District 7 AA championship title Thursday with an 8-6 final-game win over Municipal National at Spirit Park in Spanish Fort.

The AA champs will advance to the state AA tournament in Enterprise which opens July 6.

Daphne head coach and manager Chad Stewart said solid defense helped his team of 7-8 year-olds go 5-1 through the nine-team field and emerge on top as the District 7 representative at state for 2012.

"This team has always had really good defense," he said after the trophy presentations. "From the first game of the tournament that's how they got it done and won every game, with good defense. And some days we were privileged to have the really good bats, but other days we got just enough. So I'm just very proud of this team, especially their defensive play. Just outstanding defense and that is a big key at this level."

The Spanish Fort American team got the only win over the eventual champions with a 6-4 victory in an early round of the six-day, six-game run. But Stewart said the set back seemed to refocus his players on making each play count and showed their determination to keep going.

"I am so proud of them for that. You know any time you have a loss in a double-elimination tournament, it shows the heart these kids have by going on and coming back and winning three-straight games back-to-back-to-back. And they brought that never-quit attitude to it everyday. As a coach, that's what makes you feel good. And I feel lucky that we have a wonderful support staff and great coaches in Lance Cole, Joel Harvey, Steve Volovecky and all the parents. But most of all I want to thank the kids for working so hard. It's been a lot of hard work in the hot Sun everyday— well, 30-straight days— to get ready for this tournament. And they all showed up everyday and had fun doing it. So now, we have to build from here and get ready and go for the big one at state."

District 7 director Barb Stassen said the AA tournament went smoothly and featured many evenly-matched contests from start to finish.

"The Double A (district) tournament has been exciting this year," she said. "Lots of close games. Lots of great plays in the field and lots of great hitting as well. The sportsmanship of everyone involved has been wonderful. We really appreciate Spanish Fort for hosting the tournament. Spirit Park is a great facility and I think everyone enjoyed their experience here, especially the players. Congratulations to the Daphne team that won here and now they get to go on and represent their district at state. It's been a great tournament."

Player members of the District 7 championship team include Grae Cole, Barton Elliot, Connor Fisk, Tyler Harvey, Alex Lightcap, Gann Nobles, Kaden Pierce, Dominick Settles, Connor Sheils, Bridges Simmons, Sam Stewart and Tanner Volovecky.