The U14 C Bonnyville Braves swung for the fences and took home a second place finish in provincials.
The team claimed silver during the provincial final on Thursday, July 4, in Vermilion against the Castor Crush.
”We didn’t think we were going to come out with a medal,” noted head coach Marcus Tobin. “This team has only played together since the winter, and we actually had one girl that had never played ball before.”
The tournament was originally held in Castor from Saturday, June 29 to Monday, July 1, with the gold medal match rescheduled as a result of the weather.
Fourteen-year-old Paige Tobin plays third base for the local team. She said she was disappointed they had to wait to play the final game.
”It did suck, but we understood, because somebody could have gotten hurt and there was also other reasons. The wind became a struggle to play in, because our pitcher couldn’t pitch in it and the game couldn’t really go on,” described Paige.
The Angels were on a roll during the tournament. They came out on top at the end of the round robin following a three-way tie, and went into the semi-finals with their sights set on the gold medal game.
In one of their toughest match-ups, it didn’t seem like they would make it to the next round.
”We were down by four in the top of the seventh, and that was the first time we got into a situation like that,” Tobin recalled.
Paige added, “There was one intense game where we were losing. We had two outs in the last inning, we got six runs in and won the game to go to the gold medal game.”
Heading into the final competition, the Angels started out strong. After three innings, they were ahead 10-3.
”In U14, you’re only allowed to use one pitcher for four innings so we figured as a team we’d swap out the pitchers at that time,” detailed Tobin. “She fought hard, but we ended up letting seven runs come in that inning.”
Regardless of their efforts, the Angels couldn’t catch up once Castor found their swing.
”Taking provincials and getting silver, it’s kind of tough because you’re going into the silver and even if you lose you’re still winners,” noted Tobin. “You have to explain to the kids, no matter what, a silver medal is great.”
They may not have claimed gold that day, but every player left with a smile.
”It was a good experience,” said shortstop Kaylie Ross, 14. “I had such a good time with all the girls. All those games were just a good fight for each win, and there was really good competition.”
Their coach was extremely proud with the progress the girls made throughout the season.
”The biggest thing was seeing those girls’ confidence in the last year grow, and become the young women they are. To be able to take a loss like that at the end of the season, and come out with their heads high, that’s everything to us as coaches.”
