Youngsters Work On Their Game In Softball Tournament

Wins and losses took a back seat in a few of the games during Friday’s opening day of the American Softball Association (ASA) ‘C’
District championships at Noble Creek Park.

This was especially true when the under-8 teams were on the field.

The players stood knee high, the uniforms were baggy, the play was a bit on and off and most of the players were in their first season of softball.

“At this age it really isn’t about winning and losing,” said Rosanne Judes, Team Manager for the eight and under Beaumont All-Stars. “It’s
more about learning and trying to improve personal mechanics. It’s about getting them ready for sports in general.”

The tournament is a showcase for recreational all-star teams. Games will begin 10 a.m. Saturday and run through Sunday’s championship round. The tournament field features team from Upland, Rialto, San Jacinto, San Bernardino, San Dimas, Jurupa, Norco, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore and Ontario. Tournament host Beaumont has teams in three of the four age divisions (8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under).

Beaumont softball struggled on the first day. Beaumont lost 12-0 in the 8 and under game and 16-3 in the 10 and under game.

Teams to open the 14 and under bracket with wins included Rialto and Jurupa. Winners of the 12 and under division included Upland, Norco and Jurupa. 10 and under winners included San Dimas, Norco and Rialto and 8 and under winners included San Dimas, Upland and Rialto.

As for the Beaumont 8 and under all stars, Judes and her coaching
staff start over on Saturday. This is their second tournament of the all-star season, placing third in Ontario earlier last month.

“It’s tough because no one want to lose,” Judes said. “Everyone
wants to win and have fun. It’s disappointing when we don’t win. We want them to be the best they can be.”