Several Natchez softball teams will be hosting the 2000 USSSA Softball Tournament today beginning at 9 a.m.

Head coach of the 10-and-under Natchez Baby Bombers Gary Blackwell said this year’s tournament should be a good one.

&uot;We’ve got teams coming in from Brandon, Meridian, Vidalia, Brookhaven, and Jackson, so the competition is going to pretty good today,&uot; Blackwell said.

Blackwell coaches the Baby Bombers along with Boo Miller and Ken Allen.

The 8-and-under Mini Bombers are coached by Forrest Foster and Eddie Gillespy, and the 12-and-under Natchez Stars are under the direction of Dee Dee Smith.

Blackwell said this is the third tournament so far this summer for his Baby Bombers, and he thinks improvements are being made daily.

&uot;We’re beginning to look a lot sharper on defense, and if we can get our bats going, then I’m sure we’ll be up there among the leaders,&uot; Blackwell said.

&uot;We’re improving every time we hit the field, so this tournament should be no different,&uot; he said.

Blackwell also said he looks for his team, as well as the other two teams from Natchez, to reach the state tournament later this month.

&uot;If we play well, then I believe we can make it to the state tournament,&uot; Blackwell said.

After the state tournament, the World Tournament will be held at the end of July.

Blackwell said the girls have a strong board behind them that, &uot;have worked hard for these girls.&uot;

The Baby Bombers will begin play at 10 a.m. versus the Diamond Girls from Meridian.

The Natchez Stars will take on the Vidalia Little Angels at 9 a.m.

The Natchez Mini Bombers will begin their day against the Jackson Crush at 11 a.m.