The weather could not have been more perfect for the inaugural Zone Provincial Bantam Boys and Girls Softball Tournament, which helped in making it a huge success. Events like this could not be successful without the dedicated organizers and volunteers. Spectators enjoyed three days of fast pitch action, homemade meals at the booth (including lots of pie) and some gorgeous weather.
Zone 7, coached by Unity's Brent Weber, Don Robertson, pitching coach Cindy O'Donnell and Kelly Rempel from North Battleford, as well as trainer John Klaehn (Huntzie), boasted a strong core of girls who were ready to show their talents. The pitching duo of Sydney Rempel and Shelby Solomko led the team on the mound all weekend. Kori Herner caught for these two girls all weekend and was superb at keeping the stolen bases to a minimum.
The Zone 7 girls were matched up against the number one team, Zone 6, Saskatoon, for their first game. This team had won provincials and Westerns and were the favourites coming in. Zone 7 lost this game by a score of 6-2. The game was noted for the phenomenal, highlight reel catch by Dacey Francis in the field. Mackenzie Chorney of Unity hit the first home run for the team in the game.
Game two was against Prince Albert, the Zone 8 team, which resulted in a Zone 7 victory of after providing the pitchers with seven runs of offence. Sydney started this game and Shelby finished it earning the win. This pitching duo had nine strikeouts combined while Mackenzie and Kori had back-to-back home runs. Allison Cey of Wilkie was 3/4, Jess Weber of Unity was 2/4 and Kayla Hartley of Livelong was 2/3.
The third round robin game was against Zone 5 and was won by a score of 6-5. This game went nine innings before a winner emerged. Sydney got the win after closing for Shelby, who pitched six innings. Again, they had nine strikeouts combined. Edam's Keinyn Nordell was 3/4 in the game. Kayla took one of two hard hits to the ankle, but persevered throughout the tournament.
Game four was a mercy with a score of 16-1 in five innings with Sydney pitching all five innings. Major's Kylie Walz was 3/4, Kaley Schmidt of North Battleford was 2/4, Keinyn was a perfect 4/4, Dacey was 2/2 and Kennedy Harris hit a home run. Unity's Kaytlin Robertson was an ace in the hole for base running and steals during round robin play.
The last game of round robin was against Zone 1 where Shelby got the win with 10 strikeouts, with a final score of 5-2.
In semi final action the Zone 7 team met Zone 8 again and there was no score after three innings. However, the hitting opened up and it ended 7-0 score Shelby pitching all six innings and getting the shutout.
The final game was a rematch against Zone 6. Going into the fourth inning it was a tight 2-1 game. It was an exciting match with a double hot box rundown ending with no runs scored. An unfortunate foul off the bat broke the nose of Saskatoon player who left the game for treatment, but returned for the medal presentation. Saskatoon's strong hitting and a couple of Zone 7 errors ended in Zone 7 earning the silver medal in this first ever Zone Provincial Championship.
The boys division was also won by Zone 6 of Saskatoon. Prince Albert earned the silver medal. The Zone 7 boys, coached by Pat Risling, Bob Abel and Dean Dimmick, worked well. The team was a combination of players from various towns in the zone, while some of the boys had never played softball. Although they were winless in the tournament, they had some leads and showed great defensive skills throughout the weekend and the heart of competitors in each game.
Congratulations, teams! Now we say goodbye to the ball diamonds for this season.
