Let's play ball!

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Members of the RAF Lakenheath and U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg, Germany women’s softball teams form lines to high-five each other after a game during the first RAF Lakenheath Invitational at the softball fields June 17, 2012. Men and women’s softball teams from U.S. bases throughout the U.K. and Germany came out to compete June 16 and 17. The Spangdahlem Air Base women’s team took first place for the women’s bracket. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel)

Let's play ball!

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Tiffany Kiefer, Lakenheath Lady Eagles Varsity team member, runs to first base during the first RAF Lakenheath Invitiational at the softball fields June 17, 2012. Men’s and women’s softball teams from U.S. bases throughout the U.K. and Germany came out to compete June 16 and 17. The Spangdahlem Air Base women’s team took first place for their bracket. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel)

Let's play ball!

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Members of the RAF Lakenheath and Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany men’s softball teams compete during the first RAF Lakenheath Invitiational at the softball fields June 17, 2012. Men and women’s softball teams from American bases throughout the U.K. and Germany came out to compete June 16 and 17. The Lakenheath men’s team finished 1st place with eight wins and three losses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel)

Let's play ball!

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Staff Sgt. Joshua Steen, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief, prepares to hit the ball during a softball game against the men’s team from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, during the first RAF Lakenheath Invitational at the softball fields June 17, 2012. Men and women’s softball teams from U.S. bases throughout the U.K. and Germany came out to compete June 16 and 17. The Lakenheath men’s team finished 1st place with eight wins and three losses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel)

Let's play ball!

Published June 21, 2012
By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Five softball teams comprised of both men's and women's divisions from United States Air Forces in Europe bases throughout the U.K. and Germany gathered at the softball fields for the first RAF Lakenheath Invitational June 16 to 17.

The Spandahlem Air Base women's team took 1st place in the women's division and the Women's Lakenheath Varsity Softball Team took 2nd.

"I feel that our team was strong, both defensively and offensively on Saturday," said Tiffany Kiefer, Women's Lakenheath Varsity Softball Team member. "Unfortunately on Sunday, our bats weren't alive and (Spangdahlem's) were."

Although the Lakenheath women's team did not take first, the Lakenheath men's team came out on top.

"This championship was a team effort as everyone chipped in to earn us the wins throughout the tournament beating Spangdahlem 8-7," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Bast, 48th Munitions Squadron First Term Airman Center cadre.

Four Lakenheath men took all tournament honors: Buddy Rodrigues, RAF Lakenheath dependent, Staff Sgts. Jose Oropeza, 48th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance inspector, Joshua Steen, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief and Bast.

The teams take turns playing at each other's bases.

"This was our third tournament that we have played in this season," said Bast. "We have traveled and participated in tournaments at Spangdahlem, Germany and Camp Darby, Italy. We finished fourth at (the Spangdahlem) tournament and second place at Camp Darby."

With a 1st place win under its belt, the Lakenheath men's team will travel to Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany (June 29-July 1) for the next tournament.