Thunder comes out victorious
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
With 37 games under their belt, the Strathmore Thunder bantam girls team ended the season with the provincial championship, bringing home gold. In the two weeks leading up to the Alberta Softball Bantam “B” Girls Provincial, which took place July 8 to 10, the team played in 15 games, plus practices.
“Having that much time on the diamond helps. Scoring 46 runs and allowing only 10 runs in six games demonstrates how it helped,” said coach Lanky Johnson.
Johnson said one of the highlights to the weekend, team-wise, was the pre-game meetings.
“We could see a look in their faces that said they were ready, seeing the girls have that intensity and focus. Seeing the girls get scrapes and bruises and not wanting to quit,” he said.
Megan Lecavalier hit four home runs over the weekend, and in one game had 10 runs batted in.
Kirstyn Johnson pitched 32 innings, allowing only nine runs, and she struck out 44 to go with six wins.
“Brooke Kennett broke out with strong batting in key situations, and made a great catch in left field to end a potential rally for Lloydminster in a 2-0 Thunder win in round robin that had Jessica Murphy supply the big hit to win the game,” said Johnson.
Alyssa Lavallee led the club with a .450 batting average over the weekend, while Leah Dahm, Hope Tornberg, Bailee Rieger, Brooke Johansen, Brittany Harrison, Payton Bevill, Kaitlyn Brock and Karly Larson all played very well.
Away for provincials were Brooke-Lynn Garrioch and Jessier Rieger, who played in league play.
“Winning the Calgary city championship and provincial championship is a nice way (to end the season) for all the players. Some who move out from bantam and may not play next year, and for others who return should be proud,” said Johnson.
“I am not sure they realize how high they rank as players/team in the sport of fastball in their age bracket. Comments have been asked as to next year for bantam if an “A” level is possible, the answer is yes that it is possible.”
Johnson said they are talking with Drumheller about the possibility of having a competitive midget team formed between the two clubs. He said they also hope that winning this title at home will inspire the players in younger ranks as well.
Great season
The program itself had a great season this year. Squirt Renegades Div. 1, Pee Wee Heat Div. 2 and Bantam Thunder Div. 1 all won gold in Calgary league finals. Pee Wee Blazers Div. 1 added silver in Calgary finals and Mite’s a bronze in their provincial debut.