The Covington County 8U All-Stars kicked off the district tournament on a strong note as they knocked off Ashland 16-1 Friday at Johnson Park.

Katelyn Ranta lead off the top of the first inning with a single and then moved around to third on a single from Sophie Pettus.

Covington County grabbed the lead when Kinsley Short drove in Ranta with a single.

Annlee Wise followed with a scorching line drive to left center for a double.

Pettus and Short came around to score with ease and then a throwing error allowed Wise to come all the way around to score.

Caroline Blackwell then got a single and later came around to score.

Ellie Mooney and Jenna Kate Clark each picked up singles as the Covington County All-Stars led 6-0 after a half inning of play.

In the bottom of the first, Covington County’s defense retired the Ashland batters in order.

Olivia Griggs started off the inning with a hard hit ball to second, but Ashland was able to make the play for the first out.

Carleigh Irelan singled with one out in the top of the second inning and then hits from Ranta and Pettus loaded the bases.

Short then drove in a run with a single.

Wise then drove in a run with a fielder’s choice to push the lead up to 8-0.

Ashley Coleman drove in a pair of runs with a single and then scored off of a throwing error to put Covington County up 11-0.

Ashland got runners on first and second with two outs in the bottom of the second inning, but Covington County kept the off of the scoreboard.

In the top of the third inning, Bella Griffin singled with one-out in and then came into score on a hit from Layla Walker.

Walker also scored on the play due to an error.

Clark then reached off of an error and came around to score single from Pettus to go up 14-0.

Covington County added a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning to go up 16-0.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Ashland picked up one run, but Covington County came away with the 16-1 victory.

The 8U All-Stars will be back in action today at 10 a.m.