A year ago, the Tonganoxie Braves thumped through the 14-and-under division at the American Fastpitch Assn. Girls’ B Fastpitch National Tournament and took home first place.

This year, though the tournament still is down the road in Lawrence, Tongie won’t be back, leaving space for a new champion as the seven-day tournament begins today at the Clinton Lake Softball Complex, Youth Sports Inc. fields and Sport 2 Sport.

The tournament will draw 120 teams and fill the area with nearly 3,000 visitors.

This year’s field is comprised mostly of teams from Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska, though the 16-and-under bracket includes a team from Kauai, Hawaii.

That bracket will include one squad from Lawrence, while three city teams will compete in each of the other two fields – 14- and 18-and under. Pool play begins at 6 tonight, which follows opening ceremonies at Free State High from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tournament play begins Thursday.