FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Paul Purser, a Moncrief Army Community Hospital Soldier, looked forward to joining his teammates on the Fort Jackson Knights softball team in defending their title.
But just weeks before the Medical Softball Invitational Tournament - which showcases athletes from across the Army's medical commands - he injured his leg sliding into second base.
Despite his injury, Purser still helped win a title by coaching the Lady Knights to victory.
Eighteen teams participated in the tournament last weekend, including three Men's Varsity A teams, eight Men's Varsity B and five Women's Varsity B.
Fort Jackson's men's and women's teams competed in Varsity B.
"It was a pretty good tournament," Purser said. "The first day of play, we pretty much ran through the competition."
The second day, he said, the Lady Knights lost the first game of championship play 7-2. The team bounced back to beat Fort Bragg, 7-5, in their second game to win the championship.
Though the men's team came in second place this year, Coach George Clash said he was pleased with the tournament.
"It was great. It was a big turnout," he said. "I think we did really well."
This was Fort Jackson's first time hosting the tournament, which has been played since 1978.
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