Sixteen 14U and 16U girls fastpitch softball teams played in the Mandy Matula Memorial Fastpitch Tournament Sept. 11 at Miller Park in Eden Prairie. Tournament proceeds benefit the Mandy Matula Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Matula, who played softball at Eden Prairie High School and the University of Minneosota-Duluth, and mentored young players with the Eden Prairie Fastpitch Association. Matula was a victim of domestic abuse in 2013 at the age of 24. The event raised $4,000 for scholarships that are awarded annually to Eden Prairie softball players. Photos by Jim Bayer
Lily Liu, a member of Arctic Blast 14U, launched a fly ball during a game Sept. 11.
Arctic Blast 14U catcher, Genna Streed, led off of first base during a game against Plymouth Riptide Sept. 11.
Natalie Black, Arctic Blast 14U center fielder, prepared to make a play Sept. 11 vs. Plymouth Riptide.
Eden Prairie Arctic Blast 14U pitcher Zoe Hendrickson prepared to deliver a pitch in a 3-1 win over Plymouth Riptide at the Mandy Matula Memorial Fastpitch Tournament Sept. 11.
Arctic Blast 14U first baseman Leilly Kjorness watched a throw into her glove against the Plymouth Riptide Sept. 11.
A young girl stopped at the Mandy Matula Memorial Bench at Miller Park on Sept. 11.
Eden Prairie Arctic Blast runner Carli Archuleta led off of second base Sept. 11 as the Plymouth Riptide shortstop looked on.