Sixty-eight girl’s softball teams from across the Midwest opened play Friday night at the Rushmore Classic Softball Tournament, only to find themselves scrambling for shelter when a massive hail and thunder storm broke over the Black Hills in the middle of 1st round games.

The tournament features a strong field from Rapid City in all age divisions, led by the U-18 Sizzle, who received word this week that they are ranked #1 in the National USSSA “B” Division Power Rankings. Two weeks ago the Sizzle won the Thunder Down Under Tournament in Colorado Springs, and last week came in second in the Colorado Triple Crown State Tournament. Teams from Bozeman, Gillette, Billings, Sioux Falls, Dickenson, Chadron, and North Platte will also participate in the Rushmore Classic this weekend.

The tournament continues Saturday and Sunday at Parkview Softball Complex and at Star of the West Softball Complex.