Pulling up to the softball field at Camp Hansen's athletics complex on Okinawa, one would have thought that the Hansen Open Softball Tournament on Friday included a women's bracket, since the Firecracker Shootout champion Yard Busters were on the field.

But open further inspection ... they were the lone women's team in a nine-team field that included unit- and open-level teams, most preparing for next month's Marine Corps Far East Regional Tournament at Camp Foster.

It was something the players wanted to do; with so few on-island women's teams, "they wanted to play against men," coach Lance Jones said.

And there was plenty for the women to take with them from the field; they won one of three games, losing 22-5 to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, beating 12th Marines 9-7 and falling 13-3 to KNAdmin.

"It's a learning experience for everybody," first baseman Abbie Annicella said. "It helps us improve our all-around game."

"It's fun. It's a challenge," left fielder Tara Ballard added.

Don't expect it to be the last time it happens, coach and players said.