(Back row L-R): Darren Russell (HC), Katelyn Payne, Katelyn Russell, Maryn Kachmarski, Greir Slabaida, Jorja Chmelnyk, Charlotte Adamcryck, Brett Payne (AC). (Front L-R): Nicole Beausoleil (Manager), Ava Beausoleil, Hayley Scherman, Emily Hango, Peyton Gabruck, Mackenzie Bloom, Leah Beausoleil (Team Helper). (Submitted photo/Darren Russell)

By Martin Martinson

Softball Supremacy

U16 Bandits claim gold at first tournament in two years

Jul 12, 2021 | 1:00 PM

The Battlefords Bandits U16 girls returned to tournament action in style over the weekend taking home gold at their first tournament in two years in Moose Jaw.

Playing three games on Saturday and another two in a back-to-back Sunday, the team swept all five of their games on their way to the top of the podium.

Head coach of the U16s, Darren Russell said he couldn’t be more proud of the team’s ability to come together and make the most of their opportunity to return to high-level competition.

“Everyone was just really excited to be there, as we were finally able to leave town and go play a bunch of ball and see some different teams,” Russell said. “So just to see things come together the way they did, and [see] the team have the success they did was incredible.”

The Bandits opened the weekend swinging, with a 19-0 victory over the Assiniboia Southern Storm, followed by a 16-3 win over the Regina Fighting Saints through their first two games.

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The team’s bats stayed hot in their third game as the Bandits took home an 11-3 win over the Southeast Supernovas to claim top spot in their pool heading into the championship rounds Sunday.

Hayley Scherman was among the catalysts for the Bandits opening day, hitting her first ever over-the-fence home run against Assiniboia, before repeating the feat with another three-run out-of-the-park homer against the Supernovas for her second of the day.

The Bandits continued their sizzling play during their back-to-backs Sunday, beating the 34 C heat with a 10-0 semi-final victory over the Melfort Spirit before ultimately topping the Supernovas again, 5-4 this time, in the weekend final to clinch the gold medal.

Late in the gold medal game with Supernovas’ runners in scoring position and down by just a single, the southeast looked to be pressing for the tying run. However, it was ultimately a couple of clutch plays from behind home plate that ensured the Bandits’ victory.

The team’s back catcher, Charlotte Adamcryck earned their last two outs for her club, throwing out two runners trying to steal. The effort was something Russell said embodied the team’s drive and determination on the weekend that led to their success.

“Charlotte (Adamcryck) played all weekend in that heat with her catching gear on and while she was gassed by the end of the weekend, would not come out,” Russell said. “She ended up winning the games for us at the end, getting our last two outs by gunning them out at the bases; it was incredible.”

In addition to Adamcryck, Russell said the play of the whole team as a group was also something to see, from the pitcher’s mound and out.

“Our main two pitchers, Peyton Gabruck and Maryn Kachmarski, were lights out for us all weekend, and all our kids–all 11 of our players–were on the ball hitting, so it was just awesome to see.”

The U16 Bandits will return to action with back-to-backs this week, Wednesday and Thursday at the Battleford Flats, diamond #3. Playing Macklin Wednesday evening and Unity Thursday, both games will begin at 6:30 p.m.

In two weeks’ time the Bandits will also make their way to provincials held in Regina this year.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1