DANVILLE — Danville area residents may notice an influx of out-of-state license plates over the weekend as the borough hosts the National Club Softball Association’s 2024 North Atlantic Regional women’s fastpitch final four tournament.
The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday at Echo Fields and will showcase collegiate club softball teams from St. Bonaventure University, the United States Naval Academy, and local favorites Penn State University as well as an additional team that will receive an at-large bid based on final season standings, according to a press release.
Games will take place at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday with a second “if necessary” game directly following the conclusion of the first game.
The regional champion and runner-up will move on to play in the association’s World Series in Columbus, Georgia, next month.
Vice president of softball operations for the National Club Softball Association Christian Smith said this is the ninth year the tournament will be held in Danville.
Smith said the support the organization receives from the Danville Little League, Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau and local government keeps them coming back year after year.
“It’s not a big event and it’s not making a massive economic impact, but they make us and our teams feel very welcome and bust their butts as far as meal preparations and making improvements every year,” Smith said “They really support our event and make sure our teams feel important.”
Matt Hickey, volunteer with the Danville Little League, said hosting the event would not be possible without the support of Danville Borough, the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau, Montour Area Recreation Commission and county commissioners.
“It gives us an opportunity to welcome players, teams and families but also provide capital improvements that get enjoyed by the community and the Danville Little League,” Hickey said.
This year’s improvement was the complete rebuilding of dugouts, which was possible thanks to the financial backing of the county and visitors bureau, according to Hickey.
“We were able to knock them out and rebuild them to make them safe and accessible for both the Little League and Challengers team,” he said.
Though a club event, the regional tournament showcases a lot of talent, according to Smith.
“When people hear names of these bigger universities, it’s a pretty cool draw,” he said. “It’s really good, competitive softball.”
Hickey said he has seen very talented players on the Danville field at the tournament in years past.
“Some of the players I’ve seen in years past certainly had the ability to play for a school, but maybe chose to go for academics and play club with a little less commitment,” Hickey said.
Hickey encouraged the community to make the trip to Echo Field for the tournament.
“It’s a great time for people who enjoy the game of softball, especially for younger kids who want to see big name teams like this,” he said.
There will be no cost for admission and all concession stand sales will support the Danville Little League, according to Hickey.