Last modified: Friday, May 9, 2008 12:32 PM PDT Submitted Photo The Payette Lady Pirates proudly pose with their 3A District III plaque moments after defeating Homedale in the championship game Thursday in Fruitland. Payette won the game 8-0. Lady Pirates take district championship Argus Observer sports staff Payette—Payette’s Melissa Blackwell went the distance giving up no runs on four hits to lead the Lady Pirates to the 3A District III championship and a top seed in the upcoming state tournament. Payette opened the game with one run in the first inning, then followed that with five more in the bottom of the second. In the four inning, Payette finished all scoring with two more runs, while Blackwell and the Lady Pirate defense took care of business out on the field. “Melissa (Blackwell) pitched a great game for us,” Payette head coach Duane Higley said. At the plate, Payette pounded out 14 hits, with Shelby King leading the way going 4-for-4 with three RBIs. King has been on a tear throughout the tournament, going 7-for-7. For Payette, Jordan Kelley and Caylee Bennett both went yard as Kelly finished the night with a 3-for-4 effort with two RBIs and Bennett went 2-for-3 with a run batted in. “It was a great game,” Higley said. “We are peaking right now.” Payette now waits to see who their first opponent will be next week during the state tournament.