Local Magic trio enjoy competition
By Robin Wark
A trio of area softball players enjoyed being able to compete against the country’s best recently.
The Virden duo of Jessie Henry and Jordyn Bradbury as well as Oak Lake Beach’s Natalie Draper suited up for the Westman Magic at 2022 U17 Girl's Canadian Fast Pitch Championship. In Montreal, the squad posted a 4-4 record and fell in the consolation final.
“The calibre at nationals was at a very high level,” Henry said. “We never faced one pitcher who had just one pitch. All of them had three or four different pitches they would throw including fastballs, change ups, rise balls, and drop balls. Lots of the teams there, including B.C., would hit everything you would pitch at them, so you had to always be alert and thinking ahead when you were in the field.
“All teams were very consistent with their game play as well. Everyone was super upbeat and cheering all the time, so it was always intense even if you were up on the score board. I really enjoyed the energy that was presented with everyone and I loved how no game was a blow out, so it was very competitive and the adrenaline was always flowing for me.”
Bradbury said she enjoyed the competitions and close games as well as the food on the trip. All three players were strongly backed by their families during a long softball summer.
“My family plays a huge role in my ball career, and their support towards me being a part of the Magic and playing in high level events like nationals is super important to me,” Draper said. “Without my parents, getting to practice, nevertheless places like Montreal, would be nearly impossible. My parents are both very athletic people, which is very convenient when I need someone to play catch with or throw me a BP. I’m very thankful for their help in getting me to where I am skill-wise in the game, and also for just being incredibly supportive and giving me amazing opportunities.”
Jordyn Bradbury
Bradbury, the daughter of Darren and Gina, scored a run while seeing action in two games at nationals on a deep team. Magic head coach Faron Asham said she handles the bat well and provides experience in the middle of the outfield.
“It is nice to have that veteran presence for us,” the coach said. “She can go get the ball when we need her to.”
Natalie Draper
Asham praised Draper, a shortstop, for working hard to develop her game.
“Her swing has really evolved from a put it in play player to now I’m not only going to put it in play, I’m going to put it over the fence. … She really turned her game around and became a team player for us.”
At nationals, the daughter of Erin and David Draper drove in three runs while batting .308 over eight games.
Jessie Henry
The daughter of Steven and Christy Henry paced the Magic at nationals with six runs batted in over eight contests. She hit .304 batting from the left side. This season Henry took on third base duties.
“It’s a new position and she’s really adjusted well to it,” Asham said. “She is a very versatile and athletic young lady, so she is able to make some of the switches over really quickly … She brings that steady and calming influence in that corner position and at the plate.”
