By Ray Hamill — The local high school softball season is fast approaching and local fans will get their first opportunity to check out the H-DN teams in action on Saturday when the Fortuna Huskies host the 2023 preseason jamboree.

Six of the nine league programs will be on hand, with games taking place on two fields at Newburg Park and the action getting under way at 9 a.m.

In addition to the host Huskies, the jamboree will also feature teams from Eureka, McKinleyville, Arcata, St. Bernard’s and Hoopa.

The sport has thrived locally in recent years, with the H-DN remarkably winning five of the 12 combined North Coast Section championships in the past two postseasons, including back-to-back pennants for McKinleyville and Hoopa.

Games at the jamboree will last 60 minutes, with each team scheduled to play four games.

The last games of the day are scheduled for 2:50 p.m.