Softball tourney to hit Greenville

MOLLIE S. WATERS | The Greenville Standard

Play ball!

The City of Greenville will be hosting the Dixie Belles and Dixie Debs state-level softball tournaments on July 8-12.

According to Ed Sims, city council liaison to the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department, the tournaments will involve ten teams from around the state.

“We have two tournaments that will be going on at the same time,” said Sims. “The Dixie Bells are girls ages 13-15, and the Dixie Debs are girls ages 16-18.”

Sims explained that the teams would arrive on July 8 with opening ceremonies at the Greenville Sportsplex, where all the games will be played, at 7:30 p.m. that night.

“We will have two sessions on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Sims. “The first session will begin at 9 a.m. and the second at 6 p.m. on those days, then we will have games at 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, if need be.”

Sims stated that this event will mark the first time Greenville has hosted a state-level tournament since 2010.

“We have already had a lot of participation by all the city departments,” said Sims. “Everyone has put in a lot of hard work.”

Sims added that the tournaments will be good for Greenville’s economy.

“We’ve reserved blocks of hotel rooms at five local hotels,” stated Sims. “People involved in the tournament will be shopping in our stores and visiting our restaurants.”

Sims says that he hopes area citizens will attend the tournaments, which have an entrance fee of $6 for one session or $10 for a double session. Children aged five and under will be admitted at no charge.

“Come out and watch,” said Sims. “These tournaments will showcase top-notch girls’ softball featuring what will become future college players.”