BRIEFLY: STATE SOFTBALL TOURNEY IN BENTON

BENTON -- Benton will once again serve as host for the annual Babe Ruth Girls Fast-Pitch State Softball Tournament this weekend.

The event, featuring 13 teams in four age divisions, will take place Friday through Sunday. The winners of the three oldest divisions qualify for regionals in Denver.

A local Heartland squad and Washington comprise the 10-under division while making up the 12-under group are two local Heartland squads along with Washington and Boonville.

Competing in 14-under are the local Heartland Heat and Heartland Flames, along with Washington and Boonville.

In 16-under are the local Heartland team, Washington and Boonville. The Heartland 16-under squad features many of the players that won last year's 13-15 national title.

Action begins Friday at 11 a.m., with the final games set for 8 p.m. Games will also be played all day Saturday, with championships scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (16-under) and 6 p.m. (10-under).

The tourney concludes Sunday with two more finals at 11 a.m. (12-under and 14-under).