2 Bluffton teams headed to Dixie Youth state tournament

A pair of Bluffton baseball and softball teams are headed to the Dixie Youth state tournament next month after winning district titles last weekend in their age divisions.

The Bluffton American All-Stars emerged as champions in baseball’s AA Machine Pitch division for 7- and 8-year-olds, sweeping Hilton Head Island in back-to-back games by identical 12-11 scores. Roman Colella provided the winning hit in the opener, while Archer Dewig’s defensive play preserved the clinching win.

Meantime, the Bluffton Angels captured the 10-and-under softball title, prevailing in its championship series over Colleton County.

The state tournament begins July 8 in Florence for both, and each team has launched GoFundMe accounts in hopes of offsetting travel costs for the week.

Donations for the Bluffton Americans can be made at GoFundMe.com/2adnn3g, with the team planning a trio of additional fundraisers — June 27 at Five Guys in Bluffton, June 30 at the Bluffton Farmers Market and July 6 at the Okatie Ale House.

The Bluffton Angels are taking contributions at GoFundMe.com/2apt2d8.

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 7:37 PM with the headline "2 Bluffton teams headed to Dixie Youth state tournament."