The third time was the charm for Virden’s Mackenzie Roach and the University of Regina women’s softball team.
For the third straight season the daughter of Doug and Nicky Roach competed for the Cougars at the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association women’s championships. This time Roach and the U of R took home the top prize.
“The thing I enjoyed most about winning nationals was the feeling of accomplishing one of my lifetime goals, alongside 13 of the best teammates,” Roach said. “The past two years with the Cougars we fell short of a national championship and walked away with a bronze medal. This year walking away with the gold medal was the most exciting and memorable thing that has happened to me, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.”
At the championships in Saskatoon, the Cougars went undefeated en route to beating Durham College, 8-1, for the championship. Roach was thrilled to share the field and the title with her younger sister, Brooklyn, a rookie on the squad.
“Winning a national championship is very exciting, but winning it alongside my sister makes it 10 times more special,” Roach said. “Knowing that she nor I have ever won something so big, makes this experience much more memorable and meaningful because we got to do it together.”
Roach said that the Cougars had a different dynamic this championship season.
“We all supported each other, learned from one another, and meshed very well together,” she said. “(This) ultimately made this year so enjoyable because I knew every time we stepped on the field, everyone had the same goal in mind and that everyone was going to have fun while doing it.”
Roach was an important part of the Cougars’ success. The left fielder had a single a run batted in, and a run scored in the championship game.
“Mackenzie is one of our top players,” Cougars head coach Andrea Wolf said. “She makes outstanding plays defensively and is extremely valuable at the plate. She can hit, slap bunt, and bunt so is a threat to the opposition. She is quick on the bases and able to advance runners with her offensive skills.”
Wolf also praised Roach’s attitude and leadership skills.
“Mackenzie is truly one of those players that all coaches love having on their teams. She is extremely coachable, she is able to play a variety of positions well and she is so dominant offensively.”
Roach, who is an accounting major, said both of her parents have shaped her into not only the softball player she is today but also the person she is.
“My mom and dad did everything they could to make sure I knew that they supported me and that I knew they would always be proud of me no matter the outcome,” she said. “From the good luck texts on gameday when they couldn't be there in person, to the cheering me on from the stands, as well as cheering me up after a loss; they have been there every step of the way. I am truly thankful to have such amazing, supportive and loving parents.”
