AREA ALL-STAR SQUAD TO HOLD REGIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

BENTON -- The practices are finally over, but the season isn't for the girls' Babe Ruth softball players here, as most have been playing since early spring.

Members of the All-Star team will be hosts to players from Colorado and Iowa for a tournament this weekend.

This is the first time the local league has held the Midwest Plains Regional Tournament, said regional Babe Ruth coordinator Mike Riley.

Winners from this round will advance to the national tournament held in Freemont, Ind., later this month.

The 13- to 15-year-old team, Heartland National All-Stars, is comprised of players from Benton, New Hamburg, Blodgett, Oran, Sikeston, Chaffee and Scott City.

The girls will face competition from five teams across the Midwest region, although eight teams are eligible for the tournament.

For several girls on the team, this is their last year of playing eligibility, and they are determined to win the tournament and advance to the national tournament.

"It will probably be to our advantage because it's at home," said third-baseman Pam Essner.

The games are very competitive, but the players have more experience, said pitcher Kim Riley. "We know more of what to expect," she said.

Members of the team were all star players in the league, coach Mike Riley said.

"The girls all know how to play the game," he said. "We are working on the little things you have to do to win."

The Heartland team will defend its state title at the tournament. It won the national title three years ago.

Games are scheduled to begin this afternoon at the Benton ball park.

The 12 and under league will also play in the tournament.