The Covington County 8U All-Stars started strong with three wins in the tune up games leading up to the 2016 Babe Ruth Softball 8U Regional tournament in Mountain Home, Ark.

In the Regional tournament, each team plays three warm up games that don’t count towards the double elimination tournament that begins today at 5 p.m.

The Covington County 8U All-Stars came to Arkansas tuned up and ready for the tournament, as they breezed through the warm up games.

“I thought the girls played outstanding,” Covington County head coach Heath Williamson said. “In the first game, after we got settled in we played really well.”

Williamson said it was good seeing how his team played in the warm ups.

“It was neat to see how we stacked up against some of the best teams around here,” Williamson said. “The girls have really represented our county and state well since we have been up here.”

When the double elimination portion of the tournament begins, Williamson said he knows his team can continue to play well.

“Our defense is what is going to be the key,” Williamson said. “We out scored our opponents 33-5 in the warm up games. I know we will be able to hit the ball and score runs on anyone. If we keeping playing that kind of defense, we will do great.”

Williamson said that the Covington County girls have really impressed him with their efforts.

“These girls are playing great right now,” Williamson said. “It’s just amazing to see how much they have improved and learned since we began.”

Williamson the big focus is to bring home some hardware.

“Looking at the bracket, we just want to win four games in a row and come how with a regional championship,” Williamson said. “The teams we play up here are going to be able to hit the ball as well, as long as we keep hitting and play defense like we have been we can accomplish our goal of winning it all.”

Covington County begins the tournament at 5 p.m., against the Mountain Home Twisters.