ST. MARYS – The Listowel Squirt girls’ minor fastball team went undefeated in winning a weekend tournament in St. Marys.
The Squirts, after going 3-0 in the round robin, squeaked past Mitchell 10-9 in a closely contested ‘A’ final.
“Their defence was strong, their bats were on and their running was aggressive as the girls pulled together for this two-day tournament,” Listowel head coach Julie Donaldson recapped.
On Friday, July 16, pitchers Briana Donaldson and Carly Gerber combined to keep St. Marys to just four runs while their offence cranked out nine. Heather Vance led the charge with three RBIs.
The group continued their strong play into Saturday with a 5-4 victory over Mitchell. A Gerber RBI double broke open a 3-3 tie in the third inning.
Despite a rain delay, Listowel came out slugging in a 10-7 triumph over Fullarton. Kuepfer (2), Gerber (2), Ashley Bannerman, Erica Hemmingway, Jenn McDonald, Donaldson, Vance and Reghanne Howes scored the runs.
Mitchell wasted no time in the title game, plating six runs in the first inning, but the Squirts rallied for an 8-7 lead after two. Kuepfer made two stellar defensive plays in the third to keep things close.
Trailing by a run, Mitchell had two runners on with two out in the final frame. Donaldson struck out the last batter to clinch the championship and send her squad into a frenzy.
“We are so proud of all of the Squirt girls,” Donaldson said. “We hope to see them bring that fire to all our upcoming league games and right into our year-end tournament.”