Virden’s Mackenzie Roach played a big role as the University of Regina women’s softball team won its second straight national title.
At the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association championships, the Cougars defeated the University of Calgary 5-3 in the finals.
U of R coach Mikaila Etheredgesaid Roach gave a really solid performance at theevent, which was held in Kitchener, Ont., Oct. 11-13.
“She was consistent at the plate and vital in the outfield for us. In the semifinal game and the championship game, she made numerous catches in leftfield - some of which were routine and others were outstanding catches. If she doesn't make some of the catches that she does, the championship game would have likely had a different outcome.”
Roach said she enjoyed beating the Dinos, a Western Collegiate Softball Association foe, in the finals.
“Since all year they have been our major competition, it was a lot sweeter to win against them,” said the daughter of Doug and Nicky Roach of Virden.
Mackenzie’s sister, Brooklyn, was also a member of the team. Unfortunately, an early season injury prevented her from competing much of the year and at nationals.
“It was very special sharing last season with her when we won gold, but as well as this year, even though she is hurt, because she is there every game cheering us on and being a positive role model, which encourages me to do better each game.”
Etheredge said Brooklyn swings a big bat and her absence left a gap in the Cougars lineup where she would have been used as a designated player this season.
“She also did a little pitching for us last year and I see her doing a lot more in the future, as we are graduating our very veteran pitching staff at the end of this season,” Etheredge said.
HORIZON SENFF
The Cougars also include Winnipeg’s Horizon Senff, the granddaughter of Oak Lake’s Bob and Maureen Senff.
“What I like about Horizon is that I know she is always mentally focused,” Etheredge said. “I never have to worry if her head is in the game. She is also a hard worker. She hustles, has a great attitude, and is very receptive to coaching.”
Senff was primarily an outfielder for the Cougars. She also did some catching.
“I am constantly asking her to try new things or play new positions and she is always down for anything,” Etheredge said. “She is the type of kid you wish you could fill your whole roster with.”
