Bombs parent Brian Webb said NC USFA organized the tournament with the help of lots of local parent volunteers. The planning started six months ago, and Webb said everyone is pleased with the growth. Now that this weekend is over, the preparations will begin for a November tournament in Fuquay.

Fastpitch club teams play spring and fall seasons and typically participate in tournaments two or more weekends per month, travelling regionally. The Summer Challenge was contested on six fields around Fuquay.

So why brave near 100-degree temperatures and spend your weekends travelling around the state? Bombs 12U pitcher Kaitlan Smith said the answer is simple.

"We all like to be together. And I've got dreams and aspirations. I want to get a scholarship to play college softball and possibly go further."

Smith's coach, Chris Long said he loves what he's doing.

"They're a good group," Long said. "They're ready to play - good attitude, [ready to] learn, listen. It helps with parents that are on board with it as well."

Long's Bombs had a great weekend, going undefeated over two days to with the 12U trophy. The Carolina Black Widows from Selma took second and the Harnett County HotShots were third in the division.

The youngest division of play featured girls 8-and-under. The Harnett County HotShots won the title, with the 8U Bombs and Cleveland All-Stars second and third.

The N.C. Challengers won the 10U group, followed by the HotShots and the Bombs. Fayetteville's Athlete's Choice Batting Center won the 14U division with the Benson Lady Trojans finishing second and the Black Widows taking third.

The Cape Fear Storm from Lillington won the high school division, downing the Fuquay Bombs in the championship game. The Goldsboro Blue Breeze finished third.

Rod Skinner is the USFA State Director in three states. He organizes and directs fastpitch tournaments 42 weeks a year in the three states. Skinner said he really understands what it takes to put on a weekend tournament, and he appreciates the preparation and hard work that local clubs like the ones in southern Wake County put into their tournaments and their teams.