Strathmore Thunder capture provincial championship

Times Reporter     

 

The 2013-2014 season turned out to be a golden one for the Strathmore U12 Thunder fast pitch team. 

It all started with winter and spring ball, the Thunder played the Calgary Kaizen and Calgary Adrenaline in double-header match ups Thursday evenings and practiced at least once a week. 

“We chose not to go into a league this year because we had played in the Calgary league before and driving (to Calgary) twice a week to may be not meet up with the caliber we wanted. (It was) decided we would practice once a week and play those double-headers on Thursday evenings,” said Lana Lane, a coach with the U12 Thunder.  

The Thunder participated in two tournaments, one in Great Falls Montana, losing in a semi-final match up in the ‘A’ Division, and one in St. Albert where they were crowned the gold medalists. As smoothly as the season went, it was sad to see the season end so fast after provincials. 

“The plans for the future will be fall ball for those who want to play as September and October are so nice and we want the girls to meet up again,” said Lane

The U12A Thunder began their conquest for their provincial crown at Westpark Diamonds in Red Deer on July 4 with a decisive victory 19-0 victory against the Calgary Kaizen.  

In afternoon game, the girls came up victorious again by trouncing the Lloydminister Rebels 15-0. The bats were hot and spirits were high when they took on the Edmonton Warrior Wolves early Saturday afternoon. The Wolves were a strong competitor earlier in the season, with the game ending in a tie when the two teams last met. The Thunder proved to be too powerful in the provincial match and edged the Warriors with a 6-2 win.  

To close out round robin play the St. Albert Angels played the Thunder late Saturday afternoon. The Thunder went 4-0 in the round robin and prevailed with a 9-3 win against. St. Albert.

Semi-final play had the Calgary Adrenaline meeting the Thunder one last time for the season. Archrivals throughout the season, it was a back and forth semi-final game. At one point in the game, the girls were down three runs. Following a head coach speech on character building and a timely throw out at home plate, the Thunder dug deep and squeaked out the win 8-7 with a gutsy determination to be on top.  

Also undefeated in round robin play, the Calahoo Erin’s were the opposition for the big final. Again, the girls showed unbelievable grit and what is needed to win. In the final the Thunder rallied from three runs down with timely hits and catches to become provincial champions by a 14-13 score. 

The key to success for the team was using what they learned in practice and what the coaches were trying to implement strategy. 

“I think the progressive practice in what we’re doing (in practice) knowing what skills that we needed (in developing) a practice plan,” said Lane.  

It was a true team effort of girls supporting each other and individuals coming through at clutch times that secured wins all weekend.

“It was not individual efforts per se, like I say there was not anyone that stood out for the weekend, if one girl was struggling, then the rest were kicking in with timely plays and catches, it was definitely a team effort,” said Lane. 

Coaches, parents and fans were left on the edge of their seats throughout the entire weekend. The U12 Thunder championship roster consisted off: Darian Breaker, Emma Goldade, Isabella McIntyre, Alex Mackey, Natalie Funk, Alexis Appleyard, Paige McEachern, Justine Larson, Annabelle MacInnis, Shelby Lane and Ainsley Olson.