The Union Dixie Belles defeated Andrews in their first 2010 State Tournament game — the first for both teams — on Saturday.

Union, as host of the tournament, was the only team not required to have won their district and that did not seem to faze the girls, who literally came out swinging.

The first hit of the night came from Andrea Eison who singled and also scored two of Union’s three runs. Other big hits came from Ashley Vaughn, Tiffany Vaughn, Laquanda Thompson and Abby Allen who provided Union with a two-run cushion after she smacked a triple with runners on.

Andrews tried three different pitchers on the mound, while Union stuck with starter, Ashley Vaughn, who went the distance pitching a one-hitter.

Vaughn racked up seven strikeouts with only two walks.

Coach Johnny Vaughn said that overall he was pleased with the girls’ performance.

“It was a good team effort. Andrews is a strong team that played well,” he said.

Union left 12 runners on base over the course of the game, but the game included highlight reel plays such as a diving catch on a fly ball by right-fielder Tristen Tidey.

Union’s defense also proved too strong for the Andrews club.

“Every team here is good or else they wouldn’t be in the tournament,” Vaughn said. “I think nerves were a factor for the girls tonight, but still, we pulled out a win.”

The Union Dixie Belles were scheduled to play their second tournament game Sunday at 8 p.m. vs Seneca at the Timken Sports Complex.