Heartland softball team to play first game in national event

The Heartland Nationals softball team will try to begin a run at another title when they play their first game in the Babe Ruth 14-and-under national tournament in South Bend, Ind., today.

The team won a state tournament in Washington, Mo., and then a regional tournament in Chaffee, Mo., last week to qualify for the national event.

The Nationals team scored 13 runs in each of the three games of the regional tournament last weekend.

"They've all played well," manager Troy Smith said, "but we've really had excellent pitching."

The team allowed at most three runs in any of the three games of the regional tournament.

Then again, maybe it's the cheers. Before every game the team shouts "white water Wildcats."

"It's a long story but, it's working so farm," Smith said.

But actions do speak louder than words.

"Its been a joy and a real pleasure to coach these girls so far," he said. "You can tell someone has worked with them pretty hard to get them to this level."

-- David Wilson