Five local softball teams slugged it out Saturday in McKenzie for a worthy cause.

Two teams from McKenzie and teams from Georgiana, Evergreen and W.S. Neal took part in the seventh annual McKenzie Softball Tournament hosted by the school’s baseball team to raise money for its program.

&uot;It went real well,&uot; McKenzie Baseball Coach Eartis Lee said. &uot;Everyone had a good time and it went trouble free. We had a lot of community involvement.&uot;

China out of Evergreen claimed the tournament championship after defeating the McKenzie All-Stars back-to-back in a playoff game and the title game. China claimed a 10-7 win over McKenzie in the championship game.

The Young Guns out of Georgiana finished third.

Lee said he decided to hold a softball tournament when he first took over the baseball program because it’s fun and gives everyone something constructive to do on a Saturday.

&uot;You can make a little money, the community enjoys it and it gives the children something to do on a Saturday afternoon to keep them off the streets,&uot; Lee said.

The program raised $600 through team entry fees and concessions. Lee said the money will be used to purchase new equipment for the upcoming season.

&uot;We’ve got to get some new bats, new balls and other equipment,&uot; he said.

Lee said the tournament couldn’t have been made possible if not for the support and help of the community.

&uot;We had a lot of community involvement and help,&uot; Lee said. &uot;We really appreciate it.&uot;