With all players contributing, the Virden Collegiate Institute girls team earned the silver medals at the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association Provincial Fast Pitch Championships.
The VCI squad compiled a 4-2 record at the tournament, which was held June 2-3 in Ile des Chênes. The Golden Bears’ only losses came at the hands of Winnipeg’s Vincent Massey Collegiate, which won gold.
“When the whole team was together throughout the season we played great ball, so we had that heading into provincials,” VCI coach Doug Roach said. “Throughout the tournament, the team played solid defence and aggressive offence. Our success at provincials was that everyone contributed.”
In pool play, the Golden Bears romped past Steinbach 13-2 and fell to Vincent Massey, 6-0. In the playoff round, VCI dispatched Mikisew, 13-3 and got by Sanford, 6-3, in the quarterfinals. The Virden squad prevailed 9-5 against Beliveau in the semifinals. In the championship contest, Vincent Massey won 2-0.
“We faced Vincent Massey in pool play losing 6-0 through some rain, so facing the same team in the finals we knew what we were up against,” Roach said. “Along with some outstanding pitching, the rest of the defence played equally as great with numerous catches and throws in the outfield and impressive plays in the infield. Their two runs came in one inning when a couple hits found the gaps. Offensively, we had runners in scoring position a few innings, just couldn't get them across the plate.”
Kendall Charles and Presley Hodson were named to the Tournament All-Star Team. Charles played third base and catcher. Hodson, a pitcher, threw the majority of innings for VCI at provincials, including in the championship game. Avery Ramsey pitched the first two innings of the semifinal tilt. Roach emphasized the contributions of all of his players.
“Coaching this group of players was really fun,” Roach said. “They all were there because they love the game, which makes it so easy. Their willingness to go outside their comfort zone to help the team be successful improved as the year went on. The experience of some was nice as you could just let them do their thing and sit back and watch. Coaching with my two daughters Mackenzie and Brooklyn also made this season one of the greatest I had as a coach.”
The VCI roster included: Kenna Bryant, Kendall Charles, Natalie Draper, Jaydyn Hayward, Presley Hodson, Holly Lane, Dominique Lansing, Jaelyn McMaster, Shae Paton, Avery Ramsey, Peyton Stuart, Shanna Yaskow, and Alexa Banga, who did not play at provincials due to injury but cheered on her teammates.
