SULLIVAN COUNTY – “We had a wonderful weekend of softball with 23 teams from all over the state in 3 different age groups joining us for the tournament this year, “ said tournament organizer Amy Taggart.  After just three years of hosting the tournament numbers have grown from 6 teams to 23. 

The Summer Showdown softball tournament begins on Friday night and is spread out across three different fields: Monticello High School, and both Rock Hill and Smallwood Fire Departments’ fields. “They are gracious enough to allow us to use their fields to bring this tournament to our area,” Taggart said. “I could not do this without them.”

Hosting a tournament of this size requires immense effort, but the large turnout makes every challenge worthwhile. Fields buzz with young athletes, parking lots overflow, and stands fill with cheering fans. This event truly unites the community and brings tremendous energy to the local area.

In the 10U division that came down to the Northeast Devils and Grit going head to head in a tense showdown, the Devils took the lead late to win the game 6-5!

The 12U division featured two brackets. The Silver Bracket game between the Corsairs and CNY Monsters proved to be another tough game with the CNY Monsters winning 1-0!

The Gold Bracket was played by the OC Bombers Taggart/Worden and Grit Black. The Bombers took the win in that chip 10-0 and went undefeated on the weekend!

The 14U chip was played between the #3 seed Titans and #5 seed New Paltz Riot Black. The Riot came out victorious to take home the championship win!

Following the conclusion of the game, Taggart reflected on the tournament’s success, stating, “It was a great weekend of softball. Nothing is better than hearing the crack of a bat, balls hitting gloves, and people laughing and cheering all weekend long. This event isn’t easy to pull off, and it truly takes a village—but I have a great one. As long as I am able, I will continue to bring this event to our community.”