RAPID CITY - Now that the dust has settled, and the USA Softball Women's National team has loaded its team bus and headed for the next town, softball fans in Rapid City are left with only memories of a game in which 3,800 people packed Pete Lien Memorial Field for one night, and watched the Black Hills Gold stay close with the best softball players in the world. It leaves only one remaining question. What did USA National Softball Team's trip do for Rapid City?

"It gave our young people a chance to see their idols or their heroes," said Black Hills Gold head coach Rick DenHearder. "Most of them got to shake hands with the Team USA players and get an autograph, and anytime a 7- or 8-year-old softball player gets to meet Jennie Finch or Monica Abbott it makes a huge impression. It is something that they will remember the rest of their lives."

Many of the Team USA players stayed at Pete Lien Field for almost 45 minutes after the game signing autographs, talking to fans and taking pictures. Kids lined up on the outfield fence with gloves, and Team USA jerseys waiting to meet their favorite player.

"It was an outstanding experience," said ASA board member and coach Robin Beard. "The excitement was amazing. I was working at the will call table and some fans waited for over an hour in line for tickets since the game was sold out. There was a little girl who's family was waiting, and when she was finally told she would get tickets she just shrieked with joy. It was really heartwarming to see."

Many people spoke about the experience for the kids, especially young softball players, but there were many adults that seemed to enjoy the game as much as the kids. One particular fan, Jesse Denison, 20, of Rapid City, dressed in full painted red, white, and blue over his shirtless body.

"I stood in the very top row of the center-field bleachers, waiting for (Crystl) Bustos to hit one to me," said Denison. "She didn't even get one out of the infield, but (Andrea) Duran's home run was only a few rows away. The game was special for Rapid City because seeing these girls play is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Ultimately, the event accomplished what it was designed to do, according to DenHearder, which was to promote Team USA and its trip to the Summer Olympics in Beijing as well as get young people interested in playing softball.

"The coverage from the media and the support from the fans were phenomenal. From an association standpoint, this will raise the profile of the sport in Rapid City. The score of the game alone shows that softball has come a long ways in South Dakota," DenHerder said. "It proved to the people that were at the game Tuesday night, and to the people in both dugouts that South Dakota has some talent, and maybe that will interest some young people in coming out and playing softball in Rapid City."