Up North: Duluth Fastpitch hold 1st annual Zenith City ‘zmack down’ tournament

The sounds of chants and dingers filled the air this past weekend at Wheeler Fields as Duluth Fastpitch (DFP) held their 1st annual Zenith City ‘zmack down’ tournament.

“It’s been a busy season. They’ve done a lot of growing and learning. We had a lot of first-time players on my team this year and they’ve made huge improvements, learning how to do the basics like fielding, hitting, batting, catching to now making that game play. Just knowing where the ball goes, when there’s a runner on how to walk it in with that ball sense,” said Duluth Mavericks coach Katey Ferguson.

The first-time players ranged in the 10U to 14U age categories. Showcasing, teaching and bringing together young athletes and teams from across the region.

“A lot of local teams but we also have teams from Hibbing and International Falls. So, we’re really offering a great tournament not only for our local communities, but those little bit larger communities outside our circle. What we really have noticed is that the season is kind of wrapped up for the competition season within like your league play,” said DFP secretary Dory Kempf.

“So this is a nice bonus tournament at the end of the season. I think parents and families love to be at the ballpark on a summer weekend, this is exactly what we want, lots of excitement and energy around this tournament,” Kempf added.
 
The thrilling action-packed softball weekend served to provide a platform for players to showcase the skills they have learned, show sportsmanship and teamwork in a competitive environment.

“We are trying to work as a team and communicate. We’re trying to use hand signs for pitching and catching, we obviously have things to work on,” stated 12U players on the Mavericks.

For more information, visit Duluthgirlsfastpitch.org or follow them on Facebook at Duluth Fastpitch.