Coach John Calabrese couldn't be happier now that the season for Summit Girls Fast Pitch Softball (SGFPS) is getting underway today at Memorial Field #2 at 6p.m. 

Last month the Common Council accepted a $13, 863.24 donation for the construction of a dug out for the Summit Junior Baseball League. Local contractor Joseph Episcopo and Sons donated time to construct the dug out's frame, with additional support from the Summit recreation department and parents from the SGFPS.

Calabrese, the director of the league, hopes to give his players more of a competitive edge this year since the girls will be part of a championship tournament. "This is the first year we are doing a playoff style league for the third and fourth graders," he said in an email. Calabrese says the girls fast pitch softball league focuses on making the girls ready to play at the high school level. Upping the stakes to include a championship crown is part of the plan. 

"I think the league has matured to the point where the competition is tight and the girls are skilled enough to play for a championship," Calabrese said. There are a total of seven teams in the third and fourth grader league. "It should be a fun league to watch." 

Calabrese says pitching power is in abundance for the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade leagues this year. But don't count out the power at bat. "Our winter clinics this past year focused on hitting for the fifth through eighth graders, so we're looking to see an improvement in our offense as well," he said.

A total of 19 teams from elementary and middle school—a total of 223 girls—are ready for the spring schedule, says league assitant director, Al Hoesly.

And watching from the sidelines will be a little bit easier for players who won't have to worry about having sun in their eyes the whole time. The new 24-foot long canopy that covers the new dug out is a welcome addition.

But the new design of this years softball program isn't the work of just one coach, "I also want to thank all the coaches for their hard work and dedication to the program," said Calabrese.