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Berkshire Force Set to Host Softball World Series

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Berkshire Force softball team brings talent, experience and the home field advantage to this week's Babe Ruth Softball 16-and-under World Series.
 
One year after representing the New England region at the national tournament, the Force is hosting seven days of competition at the Doyle Field Complex -- welcoming some of the best teen softball teams from around the country.
 
And hoping not to be too welcoming, at least not between the foul lines.
 
"Basically we're going to try to do better this time," said Lanesborough's Miranda Voller, one of several veterans from last year's tournament in North Carolina.
 
"We know what to expect now."
 
Last year, the Force finished in fourth place at the World Series, an event won by that year's host, Wilson County, N.C.
Among the local contingent that went south to follow the Force a year ago is a member of this year's team, Miranda's sister Rachel.
 
"What you see at the World Series is all the pitchers have different strengths," Rachel said. "Some have screwballs, fastballs, change-ups."
 
Miranda agreed, but pointed out that the Force routinely seeks out strong opposition.
 
Earlier this summer, the team was denied a chance to defend its New England title because as the tournament host, it has an automatic bid to the tourney. But instead of resting on its laurels, it went to Lowell, Mass., for two days of top-flight competition.
 
This week's competition gets under way at 5:30 on Wednesday against the representative from Florida.
 
The Force are scheduled to continue pool play on Thursday afternoon against Louisiana at 2:30 and on Friday against
Kentucky at 3 and Washington at 8:15.
 
For some of the Force players -- like Mir Voller, Taconic High's Megan Boyle and Jillian Campbell and Pittsfield's Allie Hunt -- the tournament will be familar.
 
For all of them, the surroundings will fit like a glove.
 
"It's been really nice becuase we've had the support from the whole community of Pittsfield," Rachel Voller said.
 
A successful tournament in front of the hometown fans would be a heck of a way to end things for the Force's veterans.
 
"This will be the last year I'll be playing," Miranda said. "I know the girls last year, when it was there last season, they were very emotional.
 
"I'm trying not to think about that right now. But this year I'm definitely going to try my hardest."
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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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