The Elkhorn Expoettes bring together a number of area women who played high school fastball together.
The team competes in the 11-team Westman Ladies Fastball League. The Expoettes continue league play this week. The Westman Ladies Fastball League tournament is on Aug. 18 in Wawanesa.
“The best part about playing with this team is the camaraderie that has occurred,” Expoettes player Stephanie Sanheim said. “It’s great to be able to get out of the house, meet new people, laugh and get a bit of exercise as well.”
The team started three seasons ago. Its name is a play on the Elkhorn’s men’s baseball squad’s moniker – the Expos.
“Carmen Paull and her family were instrumental in starting this team up and supporting us since the beginning. … When the opportunity arose to continuing playing, many of us jumped at the chance to continue playing the sport we love,” Sanheim said.
The squad has some talented player who enjoy competitive ball mixed with a few players who have never played organized fastball before. The roster includes: Courtney Osudar, Justine Rhodes, McKenzie Rowan, Kelsea Sanheim, Kaylin Hall, Julie Hole, Sydney Stonehouse, Kerri Steffenson, Brandi Pollock, Robin Poggemiller, Jennifer Chant, and Stephanie Sanheim. Some Moosomin area players have helped out the team this season as well.
Virden Wild
The Virden Wild fastball team, which was previously featured in this publication, has been having a good season.
“We are always improving and we at least have more wins thanlosses so we see that as a success,” said Wild player/organizer Adelle Gervin.
The team has home games upcoming on Aug. 9 versus Deloraine and Aug. 16 against Killarney 2.
“We love all of the support from the community and we would love to see some new faces come out to our home games,” Gervin said.
Westman Fusion
The Reston-based Westman Fusion has played together since 2014. Each year the team welcomes new players. This summer’s edition of the Fusion includes Ashley Campion of Pipestone and players with Virden connections such as Julie Mathieson, Hayley Densmore, and Julie Paradine.
“I love continuing to play a sport we all grew up playing,” Mathieson said. “It feels great stepping on the mound to pitch decades after I thought I would have to be done playing.”
She indicated that the team’s strengths are its offence and socializing.
