Daily Leader / Jana Harp / Lawrence County’s softball seniors (from left) Barri Rogers, Jordan Harp, Emalee Gaffney and the rest of the Lady Cougars will be in action today as they host the first round of the Class 4A softball playoffs against the Florence Lady Eagles. Game One of the best-of-three series begins at 5 p.m.

The MHSAA State Slowpitch Softball playoffs begin this week with local teams looking to make a big impact in their march toward the finals in Ridgeland.

Bogue Chitto, West Lincoln, Wesson, Lawrence County and Brookhaven dominated their division races to finish undefeated. Franklin County and North Pike finished runners-up in their Class 3A and 4A race.

During the playoffs, each series will be played in a best-of-three format on the same night.

Bogue Chitto (22-5, 2-0), coached by Scott Leggett, won the Region 8-1A crown and will host the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs. The Lady Cats will battle the Nanih Waiya Lady Warriors today. Game time is 4 p.m.

West Lincoln (20-5, 2-0), coached by Andrew Redd, finished in first place in Region 7-2A and captured its third straight division crown. The Lady Bears will host the opening round of the 2A playoffs today against the Union Lady Yellowjackets. Game time is 4 p.m.

Wesson (15-8, 6-0), coached by Michelle Nunnery, finished in first place in Region 7-3A action to secure its third straight district crown. The Lady Cobras will entertain the Morton Lady Panthers today. Game time is 5 p.m.

Lawrence County (21-1, 4-0),  directed by coach Meleah Howard, placed first in its Region 7-4A race. The Lady Cougars will welcome the Florence Lady Eagles to Monticello today for the first round of the playoffs. Game time is 5 p.m.

Brookhaven (17-6, 8-0), coached by Mandy Vinson, dominated the Region 5-5A/6A race to clinch its third straight softball crown. The Lady Panthers will begin their playoff run Thursday as they host the George County Lady Rebels. Game time is 5 p.m.

Franklin County (10-12, 4-2), coached by Sally Case, finished runners-up in Region 7-3A. The Lady Bulldogs will invade Raleigh to tangle with the Lady Lions today. Action begins at 5 p.m.

North Pike (5-10, 2-2), coached by Sonya Wallace, placed second in Region 7-4A. The Lady Jaguars will have to travel in the opening round to Richland to battle the Lady Rangers today. Game time is 5 p.m.

The second round of the playoffs is scheduled to be played on Saturday. The third round/South State Championships will be next Tuesday. The state championships are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.