Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Eddington is excited about the 168 softball teams that have come to Harrison from 13 different states for the National USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) Tournament, which began Wednesday and goes through Sunday, June 29, for girls ages 9-16.
“This is our third year of this great partnership, and we have more teams this year than before. So it is still growing,” Eddington said. The teams are playing on fields in Branson, Forsyth, Hollister, and Harrison.
Each team is guaranteed five games. There are three pool play (round-robin), and then there is a double-elimination bracket play.
The public is invited to watch the girls' softball games, which begin at 8 a.m. The last game begins around 9:30 p.m. Adults are $12, and students, seniors, or military are $6.
The championship will be on Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. Team statistics are on the USSSA.com site under the Branson Nationals Event.
In two weeks, another USSSA Tournament will be held in Harrison. Currently, 150 teams are scheduled to participate.
Equity Bank Sports Complex is at 348 N. Industrial Park Road.