The Sharon High School mock trial team won its first case in a state tournament Monday.

Sharon defeated Needham in a preliminary trial of the 27th annual Mock Trial Program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Sharon next faces Westwood at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Brockton District Court, association spokesman Tricia Oliver said today.

More than 100 schools statewide are competing this season. Students will square off in a simulated courtroom, with more than 100 lawyers volunteering as coaches and judges, the association has said.

The state championship is March 23 in the Great Hall at Boston's Faneuil Hall.

Besides Sharon, local high schools competing are: Bishop Feehan, Canton, Dover-Sherborn, Franklin, Mansfield and Oliver Ames.