Army claimed the All-Armed Forces women’s softball tournament title it last won three years ago, finishing the three-day, triple-round-robin event at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with an 8-1 record, two games better than two-time champion Air Force (6-3).

For 10-time All-Army first baseman Vivian Colbert and rookie second baseman Roxanne Finks, it marked a title trifecta. The two played for a Yongsan post team in South Korea that captured the 8th U.S. Army and Koreawide post-level tournament titles earlier this summer.

“It’s great,” said Colbert, adding that defense and team play helped Army regain the All-Armed Forces gold. “Fifteen players working together as one.”

Army just missed in its bid to become the second team in tournament history to win all nine games, joining Air Force in 2002. Air Force edged Army 10-9 in Thursday’s final day of play.

Colbert also was selected to the All-Armed Forces team for the third time. Joining her were two Pacific Air Forces selections, shortstop Latricia Munday of Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and second baseman Kathy Braun of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.

Munday said her selection came as a pleasant surprise. Before the tournament, Air Force coach Billy Hardy needed to replace longtime veteran shortstop Cheryl Trapnell, who retired in October. Munday stepped in to fill the void.

“It feels awesome,” Munday said of her selection. “I just told myself to hit the ball and play defense as best as I could.”

The Pacific threesome will compete in the Amateur Softball Association’s Open West Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 4 at Lancaster, Calif., and if selected in the ASA Hooters Championship Series Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at Oklahoma City.

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