Sno*Ball Softball Tourney moves to South Tahoe

Iceholes shortstop Mike Dougherty makes the play to first. Smedes photo.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA - The venue for the 24th Annual March of Dimes Sno*Ball Challenge moved from Truckee, California to the beautiful south shore of South Lake Tahoe, California but the location change didn't affect the participation level of this annual fundraising event sponsored by the March of Dimes Defect Foundation. The 24th version played host to eighty-seven teams (up from seventy-nine in 2005) playing in co-ed and men's divisions.

Local March of Dimes community director Jill Cummings was extremely pleased by the turnout and the fundraising effort. "We had a targeted goal of $40,000, which I'm happy to say that we reached. While the entry fee per team was lowered, because of cost savings in other areas we were able to make our target."

Cummings went on to add, "A big thanks to both the South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County Park and Recreation Departments for the generous donation of the fields used for the event."

The men's division had a field comprised of thirty teams playing at scenic Kahle Park that included a breathtaking view of gorgeous Lake Tahoe. The division came down to a battle between two California teams as the Ice Holes, from Placerville, CA dug deep to plow out two wins against a strong Rebo Trucking squad from Rohnert Park, CA. After taking the first championship game, the Ice Holes were able to keep their winning momentum going as they defeated Rebo Trucking in the 'IF' game by the score of 7-3. Colonel's Choice out of Tracy, CA finished in the third spot, while BFC out of Reno, NV nailed down the fourth place slot.

The co-ed bracket fielded fifty-seven teams looking to take home a championship title to start 2006. As it was in the men's bracket, the winner had to take the final two games to land the trophy. Diamond Tribe, who hail from Sacramento, CA, finished with an 8-1 tourney record and were able to outlast a tournament tough Yard Sharks team twice to secure the co-ed title. After winning the first championship game, Diamond Tribe took the ‘if' game with an 8-2 final score. The Yard Sharks, out of Roseville, CA, were 5-0 before the two losses to the champion Diamond Tribe.

Tournament directors wish to thank everyone who attended and/or helped in the organization of this increasingly popular annual event. In addition, thanks to all the participants who played hard and had fun for a good cause.