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Wild, Fusion play for the love of fastball

The Westman Ladies Fastball League provides competitive fastpitch softball and fun for local players. This year, two teams stocked with area players are competing.
fastball
Ladies fastball in Virden, 2018

The Westman Ladies Fastball League provides competitive fastpitch softball and fun for local players. This year, two teams stocked with area players are competing.

The Westman Wild are based out of Virden while the Westman Fusion play in Reston and include players from Virden, Oak Lake Beach, Binscarth, Reston, Alexander, and Souris, among others.

Virden’s Julie Mathieson, a player-organizer for the Fusion, said her team keeps playing in the league because it is “a night out playing our favourite sport with some awesome ladies.” Her comments were echoed by Adelle Gervin, a player-organizer for the Wild.

“I enjoy being a part of a team that allows me to meet so many different women in the Virden area,” she said. “We also have a lot of fun! Thursday nights for us aren’t just about playing fastball. They are about catching up, meeting new people, and having a great time together away from the stresses of kids, families, and life in general. It is a time to let loose and have fun!”

The league’s teams bring together players from a variety of careers and fastball experience levels. Gervin said the Wild’s roster ranges from players aged about 20 to 40.

“It is very beneficial for our team having such a wide age range; there is always someone who can help you out or tell you what you are doing wrong,’” Gervin said.

“The team this year does have more younger girls than usual, but it is nice to see some new faces out! Our team also has several ladies (of all ages) who coach Virden Minor Ball teams. It really shows that we all just love the sport of fastball.”

Gervin said the Wild has struggled with its pitching in the past, but now has seven hurlers it can utilize. As well, the team has improved its batting.

“We have been hitting the ball a lot more than previous years, which makes games a lot more fun. Although, there’s always room for improvement.”  

The Fusion also has a strong pitching staff with Suzy Paradine, Mathieson, Hayley Densmore, Cee Cee Rogers, and Kayla Bertholet. Calling the pitches is standout catcher Ashley Campion, who is backed up by Kayla Moore and Leah Bartel.

Mathieson said another strength of the Fusion is its defence featuring “infielders with amazing defensive skills and outfielders who are quick to get to the ball and have great arms to get the ball back to the infield.”

The leaguewraps up its season with a tournament Aug. 17 in Reston.

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