WOMEN'S MAJOR SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HAS 12-TEAM FIELD

July 7, 2009 - The Women's Major Softball National Championship tournament is only four weeks away. Slated for Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field and Short Beach Recreation Complex in Stratford, the 12-team field has been finalized for the August 6-9 tournament.

The majority of the top finishers from last year’s ASA event in Buffalo are entered in the tournament, led by the 28-time National Champion Stratford Brakettes. The Stratford Breakers are the other host team in the event.

Also participating in the tournament are the St. Louis Saints, Western New York XTreme of Buffalo, New York Freedom, New York Raiders, TC Tremors of Binghamton, Connecticut Panthers, Hopewell Junction, NY, B.A.T.S., Topton VIPs, Lyons Spirit and Outten Trailblazers of Blandon, PA.

A total of 35 games will be played over the four days, beginning with pool play and ending in the double-elimination format. Teams are guaranteed at least four games. Thursday, August 6 is pool play with six games at both sites and opening ceremonies set for 6 p.m. at DeLuca Field. Friday, August 7 is exclusively winner's bracket action with eight games on tap at DeLuca.

The XTreme finished runner-up last year, while the Freedom placed fourth, and the VIPs and Saints tied for fifth.

There will be seven sessions in the tournament with discounted tournament passes on sale now. Passes are $35 for box seats, $30 for reserved with back rests, and $25 for first and third base bleachers. Brakettes season ticket holders receive a $5 discount on the purchase of any pass. Individual session tickets are $8 for box seats, $6 for reserved, and $5 for general admission.

Tournament passes will be on sale at all Brakettes home games. The reservation form may be obtained here or by calling (203) 378-7262. Tournament passes are also good for pre-tournament games on August 4 and 5 at DeLuca Field.