The 10 squads participated in the Junior League Softball World Series opening ceremony at noon today at Everest Park in Kirkland. All photos by Andy Nystrom/Kirkland Reporter

In game action, Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) defeated Europe-Africa (Netherlands), 9-7, in the opening game at 8:45 a.m. today, and Central (Poland, Ohio) beat Canada (Victoria, BC), 11-0, at 9 a.m.. The combined Kirkland American/Kirkland National squad will play its first game against Canada at 5:45 p.m. today.

Latin America players.

Canadian players.

Canadian player.

All 10 teams line up around the diamond.

The University of Washington band does its thing.

Kirkland City Council member Jon Pascal.

A Latin America pitcher fires away.