NATCHEZ — Youth softball teams packed the infield of Riana “Rio” Flynn Field Tuesday, and each player had smiles beaming on their faces.

The Natchez-Adams Girls Softball League wrapped up its 2015 campaign by handing out awards at its annual closing ceremonies.

League commissioner Belinda Brashier said it was yet another strong year for the league.

“Sometimes we had rainy years, where we were not able to play, but we only had a couple of rainouts (this year),” Brashier said. “We’ve had really good participation this year. We had 26 teams.”

One of the awards handed out was the league’s annual Riana Flynn Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipient is Trinity Episcopal senior Christi Ballard.

“It means a lot, personally,” Ballard said. “I grew up playing in this league, and I always admired the girls that got this award. They were kind of like role models for me.”

Ballard said she is hopeful she can leave the same impression that past recipients left on her.

“To become one of those girls is amazing, and it means so much to me,” Ballard said. “I hope I can be someone the younger girls can look up to, the way I looked up to those girls.”

Although the regular season has come to a close, there is still plenty of softball left on tap, all-stars will be formed from all of the league’s age groups.

The league has been playing at Natchez-Adams Youth Softball Complex since 1991. The league previously played its games at Duncan Park, and Brashier said she has been associated with the league for the past 33 years.

“We wouldn’t have all-stars without our league,” Brashier said. “We try to provide a place for everybody to have a place to play, and we try to get that going year after year.”