BRIEFLY: HEARTLAND HEAT AT NATIONAL TOURNEY

MILLVILLE, N.J. -- The Heartland Heat 16-under girls fast-pitch softball team -- a squad based out of Benton, Mo. -- moved to 3-0 in pool play Monday with another win at the Babe Ruth Softball World Series being played here.

Marissa Essner, who had pitched a one-hitter Sunday when the Heat won twice, hurled a four-hitter Monday as the Heat knocked off the Southwest Region champion 2-0.

Pool play will continue today, but the Heat are assured of advancing to double-elimination competition later in the tournament.

No information was received from the 12-under Babe Ruth Softball World Series in Wilson, N.C., where the Heartland Nationals are competing. The Nationals, also from the Benton area, lost their first two games Sunday.