MONTICELLO — Eighteen youth travel softball teams gathered at Collins Field on Saturday, October 10, for a fall tournament organized by Amy Taggart.

Teams competed across the 10U, 12U and 16U divisions, with seven additional 14U teams scheduled to compete the following weekend. Originally planned as a two-day event, Saturday’s tournament was condensed into one day because of Sunday’s weather forecast.

Taggart began organizing tournaments in Monticello to introduce more Sullivan County children to travel softball, inspired by her daughter’s experience playing with the Orange County Bombers.

The fall tournament has grown from six teams in its first year to 18 this year. Taggart’s summer tournament also saw considerable growth, attracting 23 teams this past summer.

This year’s event doubled as a fundraiser, with proceeds intended to benefit two local firehouses and improvements to Collins Field. Taggart estimated that several thousand dollars could be raised after expenses, although the final amount had not yet been determined.