While many were at the lake enjoy the August Long Weekend, Unity hosted the 2010 Western Canadian Midget B Girls' and Boys' Softball Championships.Of all the teams competing from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba it was the Prince Albert Aces winning the tournament on the girls' side.
The Aces were in fourth place after the round robin, winning four of the six games.On the final day, theyplayed against the third place Manitoba Angels. Prince Albert won 7-0 moving on to play the second place team - the River Meadow Rage.They also won this game with a score of 4-1. They then played the first place Manitoba's Smitty's 92, taking the win and the gold medals in a nail bitter 1-0.The Aces played 19 innings back-to-back in which their main pitcher, Lori Earl, pitched all 19 innings.
As for the host team, although the Unity Panthers did not go home with any medals, their performance at the Western Canadian level was respectable, both on and off the field.
The Unity Panthers team consisted of CourtneyAbel (first base), Courtney DeJong (utility),Marley Ervine (catcher), Jessica Gerein (third base), McKenna Heintz (pitcher), Trislyn Isaac (pitcher), Charnele Jellison (shortstop, third base and right field), Natalie Kiefer (centre field), Janelle Kuhn (catcher, second base and outfield), Alex McAdam (pitcher and shortstop), Chelsea Robertson (pitcher and shortstop), Brandyn Schell (second base), Leah Timmermans (right field), Taylor Timmermans (catcher), Shirraya Tuchscherer (outfield), Christine Watson (second base), Jenna Wood (left field) and coaches Bob Abel and Pat Risling.
"It is an honour to participate in Western's with Unity after only one season of playing with them.Each of the girls wants to play ball and it is an exhilarating atmosphere."says Isaac, who without a midget team in the Battlefords was fortunate enough to join the Panthers and be a key part of the pitching staff.
The Panthers' first game against Pilot Butte was a close game at 6-4 with Heintz pitching, but suffering the loss.Next, they played against the River City Hornets from Alberta. The Unity Panthers lost this game 4-1 with Isaac pitching and McAdam finishing the last inning.The Panthers' last game of the day was against the eventual champions the Prince Albert Aces.The Panthers lost this game 6-1 with Heintz pitching once again.
The next day, the Panthers were on the diamond for two more games. The first game was against Ridge Meadow Rage from B.C. and again the Panthers lost a close one with Isaac being the starting pitcher. The Panthers lost 5-2 and Heintz finished the last inning a half.
The last game that day, was against the Manitoba Angels and was close with the Panthers losing 6-5. Heintz started pitching and McAdam finishing the sixth and seventh innings.
Although they had lost five games straightthe Panthers did not give up and won final game 18-13 with Heintz starting and Isaac finishing the game from the third inning on.The Unity Panthers came into the tournament excited, ready to play and as the underdogs.
"I am honoured that Unity is hosting Western Canadians," said Gerein before the tournament began. "As a young team I feel very privileged to be representing Saskatchewan.It will be a great experience."
The Unity Panthers had a young team and no one will be moving in to the older age group next season meaning the experience should be useful come provincial time next season. They look forward to having a strong year next year and hopefully get a chance to experience Westerns once again.
