Strathmore Magic use their wizardry at May Opener

Times Reporter

 

The Chinook Credit Union Fastpitch Mother’s Day Opener took place this weekend, with 12 teams competing – from U18 all the way to Sr. B, ladies from Calgary, Red Deer, Marwayne, Medicine Hat took to the AG diamonds. The Strathmore Magic Sr. B Club, however, took the diamonds, and then some.

“Our bats were very lively,” said Jim Songhurst, coach of the Magic, who beat the U18 Strathmore Thunder by a score of 16-1 on Friday night. Songhurst spoke highly of his neighbouring opponents, noting that it was the Magic’s ninth or tenth game of the year, whereas the Thunder had only played two or three. 

“I think they have a very bright future,” Songhurst said. “When we were their age category, that’s the same thing that happened to us.”

Songhurst’s team had similar winning scores in two more tournament games on Saturday.  However, the Magic battled through adversity come the evening, as by Saturday’s third game, only three girls were playing their regular position. They still won 6-5 against the Calgary Hawks. 

“We capitalized on some of their mental mistakes and I think they realized they were playing a team that was there to win,” Songhurst said.

The following day, they defeated the Calgary Red Sox 3-2 in the final, going undefeated all weekend. A clear team effort, Songhurst noted, “if I had to pick on one girl, I’ll take all nine of them sweethearts any day.”

The Strathmore Magic must place first or second at provincials (to take place in Strathmore) to qualify for the Western Finals in Saskatoon from Aug. 8 to 11.

Songhurst admits that in previous years the team has run out of steam at provincials, but has high hopes for this season.

“We’ve gone against the best and we’ve beaten some of the best in this province,” he said.