CSN set to host first softball tournament

Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Home News

CSN Coyotes head coach Ysidro Jimenez shouts instructions to his players during an annual alumni game at Russell Road Softball Complex on Saturday.

By Jared Harmon (contact)

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 | 7:30 p.m.

The College of Southern Nevada softball team will host its first tournament in the program's six-year history from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the College of Southern Nevada Kickoff Classic.

The round-robin tournament will feature nine teams. CSN coach Ysidro Jiminez said it will offer a new experience for his team because they will have home-field advantage at a tournament for the first time.

"This is a great thing for us because it should give us a nice edge," Jiminez said. "We don't have to travel so the girls should be rested and ready. We're not just saving money we're raising money and it also gives high school teams and travel ball clubs the chance to come watch us play and get interested."

The tournament will draw some top-ranked junior college teams as well as conference opponents. The Coyotes will host Central Arizona, Western Nebraska, Northern Idaho, Salt Lake Community College, Yavapai, Snow College, Chipola College and Palomar Community College.

All teams will play five games and there will not be a championship round. Jiminez said coaches have responded positively to the format to because it makes travel easier.

Jiminez said the tournament, which he hopes to see become and annual event, was able to draw top teams because of the draw of the amenities in Las Vegas and the tournament's site — Stephanie Lynn Craig Park at Galleria Drive and Russell Road.

"There's no doubt that our fields are a huge draw," Jiminez said. "Some tournaments we go to can't be run properly because the don't have proper fields. We definitely don't worry about that."

Henderson Recreation Services Supervisor Ted Lockamon said the city is happy for the opportunity to showcase one of its parks.

"It means a lot to us to have teams from across the country playing on our facilities because we take pride in our fields," Lockamon said.

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.