Despite heavy rain Friday, 16 softball teams took to the muddy fields Saturday for the USSSA Softball Tournament at the Natchez Softball Complex.

And that was music to the ears for three teams from Natchez — the 8-and-under Natchez Mini Bombers, the 10-and-under Natchez Baby Bombers and the 12-and-under Natchez Stars — and one team from Vidalia, La., the 12-and-under Vidalia Little Angels.

Taylor Bowling of the Mini Bombers and Bridget Waller of the Little Angels described playing the all-day tournament in one word — &uot;hot.&uot; Other players said they enjoyed the tournament.

&uot;It’s seems fun, but it’s crowded,&uot; said Danielle Yelverton of the Mini Bombers, who has been playing softball for four years.

&uot;I like it,&uot; said Micah &uot;Grubby&uot; Howell, who has been playing the game for seven years.

And both players would like to continue to play the game for many years to come. &uot;I would like to play softball as high up as I can,&uot; Yelverton said.

&uot;Until college is over,&uot; Howell said.

In the second game of the day for the Little Angels, Howell hit two home runs, including an inside-the-park grand slam, in a 20-12 win over Meridian Optimists.

Many players seemed to like batting more than any other facet of the game.

&uot;I like batting because you can make your team proud of you,&uot; Howell said.

They also said that playing in a tournament in Natchez is fun — especially since they don’t have to travel very far.

For Howell, playing against teams in tournaments presents a challenge — one she and her teammates enjoy.

&uot;It’s more fun playing teams from other areas because you don’t know who and what you’re facing,&uot; Howell said.