MORGANTON — The Washington 12U All-Star softball team took its first step towards the 2014 Babe Ruth World Series Wednesday, defeating the Union County (Va.) Heat, 12-1, in the Southeast Regional Tournament opener.

A week removed from their historic 5-2-win over Pitt County in the Eastern Division Championship, head coach Dallis Tucker’s team picked up right where it left off with a noisy four-run first inning. Emme Davis and Abbi Tucker both picked up RBIs and extra-base hits in the inning.

Sticking to the game plan, coach Tucker utilized his complementary pair of aces to throw Union County’s hitters off with opposing pitching styles. Summer Campbell powered her way through the four innings, allowing just one run on just one hit, as the young right-hander bailed the Washington defense out on multiple occasions.

The Heat retired the side in the second, third and fourth innings, but had very little to show for it at the plate.

In the fifth inning, Washington put the game out of reach. Following back-to-back leadoff walks, Kaylee Elks launched a base hit to left, scoring Dessiree Maurizzo. Abby Pippin followed suit with a single up the middle to plate Campbell and Elks and cap off a three-run inning.

Leading 7-1 heading into the final frame, Washington posted another five runs on four walks and hits by Elks, Macy Main and Pippin. Pippin recorded two hits in the sixth to finish 3-4.

Tucker pitched the final two innings for Washington, allowing one hit and picking up four strikeouts.

Washington will face the Rockville (Va.) All-Stars today at 1 p.m., followed by the Shenandoah All-Stars at 3 p.m.