Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Under sunny skies and gusting winds, the Sandhills Slammers began their quest to "play to the last day" of the 2009 USA/ASA 16 & Under Girls' Fastpitch National Championship.

Over 150 of the best softball teams in the country have come to Sioux Falls with the same goal in mind - working their way through two pool games, which seed each team for the double elimination tournament to follow. Pool play for the Slammers began on July 27, with the S.C. state champions matched up against the Ohio Classics, the Ohio ASA State Champion team.

Savannah Terrapin (White Knoll High School) toed the rubber for the Slammers and was immediately tested by the slap- hitting style of the Ohio team. However, with the score tied at zero in the top of the second inning, Kayley Wilson (Lexington High School) connected for a towering blast into straight center field. Despite the fence- busting efforts of the Ohio center fielder, the shot was good for a home run, and the Slammers went on top, 1- 0.

The game quickly became a pitcher's duel, and the Slammers were only able to muster three more hits for the rest of the game. Nevertheless, Terrapin was just as effective on the mound, scattering six hits over seven innings while striking out six and allowing no walks.

As the game progressed, the Ohio Classics twice advanced runners into scoring position, but with Terrapin hurling timely strikeouts and the Slammers infield coming up with several defensive gems, the Classics were unable to put any across the plate. In the bottom of the seventh inning, still clinging to a 1- 0 lead, the Slammers got into a jam when Ohio players stood on the corners with only one out. But a bold suicide squeeze was foiled when Slammers catcher Alex August (Cardinal Newman) fielded the bunt and tagged out the charging Classic's runner. The next batter grounded out to second, and the game was over.

As is tradition at the ASA National Championship, after the first pool game the teams exchanged gift baskets filled with items representing their respective home states. The Slammers' girls offered decorated beach pails containing pecans, homemade peach jam, sea shells, a Gamecock cup, and state flag design drink cooler, and the book

The Secret Life of Bees among other things.

Their opponents from Ohio reciprocated with a bag full of many useful items, except for one thing. Each bag had a handful of buckeyes. What does one do with a buckeye? Roast it? Boil it? Salt it? I'm still not sure.

On July 28, the Slammers will take on the Orange County (CA) Batbusters, the Southern California ASA champions, who, rumor has it, are deserving of their name.

After pool play, the tournament will commence on Wednesday, July 29.