Twelve teams will take to the ice on Moran Bay Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18, to compete in the third annual St. Ignace Snowball Softball Tournament.

Depending on the strength of the ice, games will be played on the bay or in the parking lot next to the Mackinac Grille Restaurant in St. Ignace. Either way, said event coordinator Mark Sposito, games will be played no matter what the weather is like.

"Last year we played in a white-out for most of the day, and it was really kind of fun," Mr. Sposito said.

Last year's winner, out of six teams, was Team Dixie from Mackinaw City, which will compete this year as well. Other nonlocal teams are coming from Levering and Alpena.

"It's the most fun of all the winter events we have here, I think," said Mr. Sposito, who admits he cannot wait to play to avenge his team's loss to the St. Ignace Fire Department.

"It was their first win in the tournament in the last two years!" he laughed. "I guarantee they will never win against us again. You can quote me on that."

The games are played by regular softball rules, with a few differences. For example, each team batting is allowed only three balls and two strikes instead of the usual four balls and three strikes. There is unlimited substitution and there is no guy-to-girl ratio rule.

Also, if games are played on the ice, unlimited home runs are allowed. If games are played in the parking lot, as they were last year, a team is allowed only three home runs per game, owing to the shortened field. Any home runs after three will only be awarded a single.

A trophy will be awarded to the winning team. Games will start at 10 a.m. each day.

Mr. Sposito said there is one more spot available for a team. Each team pays $150 for entry into the tournament. The fee includes lunch for players for both days. To enter, call Mark Sposito at the Mackinac Grille at 643- 7482.

A heated tent will be pitched on the ice for players and spectators.

Members of the St. Ignace Saints varsity baseball team, which will have a team in the tournament, will volunteer their time to call the games.

Some tournament proceeds will be donated to the St. Ignace Saints baseball team.