Four pool-play games lie aheadThe Powell Babe Ruth All-Stars took their place on the field at Centralia, Wash., for the opening ceremonies of the Pacific Northwest regional tournament on Sunday night. The team was scheduled to begin play on Monday afternoon.

Sunday night was about festivities, however. Each of the eight regional teams, representing the states of Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Alberta, Canada, took their turn parading into the stadium.

The ball for the ceremonial first pitch was parachuted into the stadium by a pair of skydivers and thrown by representatives of the University of Washington fastpitch softball team.

A community barbecue gave members of each of the teams the opportunity to interact with each other and settle in to the tournament atmosphere.

Play in the regional tournament began Monday with Powell scheduled to face Ontario, Ore. The local All-Stars are also scheduled to face Calgary, Alberta, at 11 a.m. today (Tuesday), Centralia, Wash. at 8 p.m., Wednesday and South Coast, Ore., at 2 p.m. on Friday.

Scores and game information will appear throughout the week on the Powell Tribune's online blog.

The tournament wraps up Saturday as the top two teams from each of two pools square off in the semifinals. The championship game will follow at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening.