The fifth-ranked Austin High School softball team hosts the annual Elks Softball Invite starting at 5:30 p.m. today at the north diamonds at Todd Park.

The Packers, who placed third in last year's tournament, are off to an 8-0 start to the season. Austin plays Section 1AAA rival Lakeville at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Hill-Murray Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Austin lost to Lakeville in last year's Elks Invite semifinals but beat the Panthers twice in sections to earn a trip to the state tournament.

A new Minnesota State High School League rule regarding spring scrimmages forced two teams -- top-ranked Eden Prairie and Hastings -- to cancel their commitment to the Elks Softball Invite.

Six teams will be split into two pools of three with round-robin records determining seeding for Saturday's 12:30 p.m. finals. Austin, Lakeville and Hill-Murray make up Pool A, while Rochester Mayo, Simley and North St. Paul comprise Pool B.

Austin's junior varsity squad kicks off today's softball action with a game at 3:30 p.m.

Elks Invite schedule

Friday, April 25

5:30 p.m.

Mayo vs. Simley

Lakeville vs. Hill-Murray

7:30 p.m.

Mayo vs. North St. Paul

Lakeville vs. Austin

Saturday, April 26

10:30 a.m.

Simley vs. North St. Paul

Hill-Murray vs. Austin

12:30 p.m.

Final round