Virden’s Alexa Banga and Paige Rampton and Presley Hodson of Lenore were members of the Magic. The team compiled a 3-4 overall record at the U15 AAA Canadian National Softball Championships. The 24-team event was held Aug 9-13 at Brandon’s Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. Marc Lyver was the Magic’s head coach and was assisted by Christy Shearer and Bev Neufeld.
“Getting to play in a national championship at any level is an experience that one will never forget,” Shearer said. “For the majors on our team this year, this was their second opportunity to do this, and both were amazing experiences.
“However, getting to host at our home field was something that these girls will probably never experience again in their softball careers. Playing in front of so many family members, friends and a community that came out to cheer them on was something special. For our girls, this experience was made even more amazing, as our home field is the memorial field of Ashley Neufeld, our coach Bev's daughter. Being there with Bev, seeing her get to coach at a national championship in a place that holds so much meaning to her and her family made this experience even more special.”
Hodson was a key hurler for the Magic this past season.
“She is a powerhouse pitcher, who puts in the work, and it definitely shows,” Shearer said. “When Presley is on, she is on. She also batted either lead off, or early in the lineup and had an amazing on base percentage this year.”
Rampton also was a pitcher for the Magic. In addition, she played right field.
“As a minor this year, Paige really stepped up and proved herself playing an integral role at both provincials and nationals,” Shearer said. “She is a powerhouse, who can put that little extra on her pitch, especially when she lets out a little grunt. Her bat got hot at the end of the season, and she made some timely hits helping the team out tremendously.”
A leg injury sustained at the provincial championships kept Banga out of the lineup for nationals. Shearer said Banga played a big role during the season as the team’s main catcher.
“She is solid behind the plate and has an amazing arm, keeping steals to a minimum when she is in the game,” the assistant coach said. “Lex also bats near the top of the lineup, knocking girls around with her powerful swing.”
