The Dixie Softball Debs State Tournament started with 12 teams on July 15, but only one team was left standing by July 22 — the Prince Edward- Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA) Debs.

They became state champions, earning the right to represent Virginia in the 2016 Dixie Softball Debs World Series. The achievement deserves commendation on several levels.

First, they are the first PEFYA Debs team to ever reach the World Series.

Second, they went undefeated in the double-elimination state tournament, finishing 5-0.

Third, they showed versatility by winning in a variety of ways. They trailed early against Amherst and Blackstone, but came back for big victories. They trailed throughout against Lunenburg, winning on the final play. They edged out Amelia, and also registered a blowout shutout in the title game, a rematch against Blackstone.

Fourth, the PEFYA Debs experienced all this success while being remarkably young. The standard age range for the Debs division of Dixie Softball is 16 to 18 years old. Half of PEFYA’s 12-player roster fell below that range.

Fifth, the team showed toughness and depth in winning its last three games without one of its elder team leaders, Melissa Wright, who was sidelined by illness.

Sixth, the Debs had two shots at winning the title in the championship round and took care of business in the first game with efficiency and humility.

TITUS MOHLER is sports editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is titus.mohler@ farmvilleherald.com.