There were many success stories that came out the 2014 softball season in Unity.
It was evident by the number of players that still continued to attend late summer softball Excellence camps, as well as those who tried out for fall and winter programs that if you love the game, you want to keep playing.
Lorne and Irene Acton's twin granddaughters Mackenzie and Haley (parents Al and Suzan) will play this winter as they have made the cuts on the winter training team for Team Saskatchewan. This team has played exhibition games against the University of Saskatchewan and other WCSA teams as part of their winter training program as they prepare for the 2015 Jeux Canada Games.
Several Unity players tried out for a new winter program called 222 Fastpitch coached by former Team Canada pitcher, Dean Holhein, and infielder, Keith McIntosh. Samantha David and Marina Gampe earned a spot on this team that headed to Florida in October to play in a tournament for the U16 team. U14 players that captured a spot on their team were Josie Huber from Wilkie and MacKenna Vany and Morgan Mock from Unity.
U16 players Marina and Samantha travelled to Palmdale, Calif. Oct. 23 to 26. On Friday evening, Sam and Marina participated in a camp hosted by college coaches. The girls, as part of the U16 team, played three round robin games, all against California teams. They lost their first game 10-7, but it was apparent nerves were part of that equation.
The second game was won 5-2 and the third game, against California Crush, was lost 7-2. Seeded 9/12 after round robin the girls couldn't quite pull off a first playoff victory. The end result was a great experience for these Unity gals. They look forward to their next tournament with the "222 Fastpitch" team coming up in 2015. Until then the team will practise around the province.
U14 players, MacKenna, Morgan and Josey, were part of the team lineup. Enjoying the California sunshine was all part of the great experience had by these players.
This tournament hosted some of the best teams from all over the Southwest United States. The website for "222 Fastpitch" states, "Our teams can come back holding their heads high, both with one and three records."
Players will now work out and practise leading up to their next tournament coming up in early 2015.
