NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams Softball League is entering into its final two weeks of the season, and so far a new addition has been a major highlight.

The league added a ponytail division for ages 3 and 4, and league secretary Bridget Wactor said the addition has been a success so far.

“It’s really been fascinating,” Wactor said. “We’re trying to teach fundamentals, and the girls are having a good time.

“Several of the girls are playing in the dirt and making dirt mounds, but some are starting to get serious (about the game).”

The ponytail division was added after many requests, Wactor said.

“We had several people ask us to do it, and so we did,” she said. “Hopefully it’ll carry over into the ages 5 and 6 group. Both age groups are hitting off the tee.”

Wactor said no area league had an ages 3 and 4 division prior to this summer, although she said she thinks the Vidalia league lets some children that age play.

“We figured we’d only have two teams, and we ended up having three to four,” Wactor said. “I think it’s the parents wanting the children to get involved so they can learn the game early.”

Lauren Dunbar, who plays in the ages 5 and 6 division, said it’s her second year in the league, and she didn’t have a specific reason for wanting to play softball.

“I just wanted to,” Dunbar said.

Dunbar plays on the pitcher’s mound and in the infield and outfield, but she said the pitcher’s mound is her favorite position.

“It’s closer to the ball, and you get to see it more,” Dunbar said.

Hannah Murray, 7, said she also likes playing on the pitcher’s mound for the same reason. But her game against Dunbar’s team was cut short Thursday night due to a thunderstorm.

“Last year we played in the rain,” Murray said. “It cools you down, because it gets hot out there.”

Hitting is Murray’s favorite part about softball, she said.

“If I try really hard, I could hit it to the fence,” she said. “I can hit it to the outfield, and I’ve hit seven home runs and three grand slams.”

Closing ceremonies for the league are June 17, and although it’s the same night as Relay for Life, Wactor said she doesn’t anticipate that being a huge problem.

“We’ve had games and stuff on Relay’s day before, so a lot of people come to the games, then go to Relay,” Wactor said.