RUSHTON, La. -- For the fifth straight year, the team from Rushton, La., will be the Southwest representative for the Big League World Series.

The host team for the Southwest Regional won finished undefeated in a double-elimination tournament to earn the right to play for the BLWS title in the tournament that begins July 28 at the J.B. "Red" Owens Recreation Complex in Easley.

When the BLWS came to Easley in 2001, there was no Southwest representative, as teams from the area competed for the U.S. West or U.S. Central regional titles. In 2002, Rushton,La., became the first winner of the U.S. Southwest Regional. The team has won the title seven of its nine years, with Texas and Mississippi each winning one tournament.

Louisiana joined S.C. Dist. 7, S.C. Dist 1, Puerto Rico, Panama, Guam and the Netherlands as teams with spots in the Big League World Series. Be sure to check www.theasleyprogress.com for updates.