TROY, Mo. — The talent-rich 18th annual Troy Leadoff Classic softball tournament was played Friday and Saturday in Lincoln County.

Here are a few takes from the first big affair of the season.

Fort Zumwalt West makes statement

The Jaguars flexed their muscles in knocking off Troy 4-3 in 11 innings in a nail-biting championship game.

In a season loaded with parity and balance, Fort Zumwalt West temporarily moved to the front of the class with a 4-0 mark in just over 29 hours.

"This was a huge win for us," junior outfielder Baleigh Shanks said. "We are the team to beat and this gives us even more momentum as we start the season."

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Fort Zumwalt West coach Ryan Oetting is not ready to claim the favorite

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