JACKSONVILLE – The Piedmont 8-and-under softball team hosted a benefit tournament for Jacksonville State softball at University Field on Thursday evening. Piedmont played two games against Alexandria and Collinsville.

Piedmont 8U coach Molly Jordan said she wanted to get some practice games in because rain had cancelled some of their games of late. The team made arrangements with JSU softball coach Jana McGinnis to allow the teams play on JSU’s field.

Piedmont split its games, losing a close contest to Alexandria before defeating Collinsville 8-5.

“It was fun for the kids. They had a great time,” Jordan said. “We had $5 donations for JSU softball as a benefit for them. One of their girls umpired. We just played ball and had a great time.”

Jordan appreciates McGinnis for making Thursday night possible.

“She (McGinnis) took them in the locker room, gave all the girls posters. She talked to them about thanking their parents and coaches for introducing them to the sport of softball,” Jordan said. “She’s just a great person and we appreciate her doing that for us. They’ll never forget this. Not every 8-and-under team gets to play on a Division I softball field. This was special. We really enjoyed it.”

Piedmont heads to Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) state tournament in Vestavia next weekend.