Across the southeast, a team of 16 came together to play on the Moosomin Predators, a junior women's softball team.
Coached by Dale Nixon and Peter Nabholz, the team reached success this year competing and hosting the 2014 U21 "B" Women's Provincials in July and participating in the Western Canadian U21 Women's Softball Championships held in Manitoba Aug. 7-10. With girls participating from Moosomin to Carnduff, the southeast was very well represented as they earned a western championship title.
The Observer was able to catch up with one local player, Sasha Mitchell (21), who played short stop for the team.
Mitchell explained they began practicing in late April in the comfort of the high school gym. As the temperature warmed outside, they would be moved to the diamond to work their skills.
"We practiced twice a week, Wednesdays and Sundays in Moosomin," Mitchell stated. "In June, we began playing exhibition games against a ladies team in Whitewood. This allowed us to practice game situations that were difficult to execute during a practice, which was very beneficial."
The team participated in tournaments heavily as league for this level of ball is only found in Regina, which makes it difficult for players to commit because of travel and work commitments. She explained that they had attended four tournaments prior to provincials, but they were mostly rained out.
Though Mitchell explained they competed at Westerns, she said it was actually Provincials that they had on their minds this summer.
"We held the 2014 U21 'B' Women's Provincials on July 4-6 in Moosomin. This is what we spent all summer working for."
"There were eight teams from across Saskatchewan that took part in this tournament."
The tournament had two pools set up and after winning their respective round-robin, they were on their way to the final. Heartbreak was felt though as they competed against the UK Royals, losing at three runs to two.
"It was certainly a tough loss, but knowing we had another chance to beat them at Westerns was all the motivation we needed to keep practicing and remain dedicated for the next few weeks," Mitchell explained.
The team, resolved to not defeat themselves mentally before heading to Westerns, arrived in Winnipeg, MB, willing to give it everything they had. Their first game was against the UK Royals at Westerns where they fought hard, but again tasted defeat.
They refocused and went on to win against the Southern Bandits from Manitoba, then the Calahoo Erins from Alberta, and the Earl Grey Heat. Playing the Royals again the score sat at nine to eight, but the Predators wouldn't be stopped.
They entered the semi-final game against the Earl Grey Heat winning with three runs to two. This brought them to their biggest rival of the year, the UK Royals once again. The Predators had nearly seen victory in each match prior and were determined to finally stop the Royals.
"After three very close and intense games against the UK Royals throughout the softball season, we knew we were capable of bringing home a gold medal in the final," Mitchell said.
"Each inning consisted of great defence and offence by both teams. With each inning, the score was head to head. In the top of the sixth the Predators brought in three runs, holding a nine to six lead to the bottom of the seventh."
When she realized the win Mitchell says the hard work and dedication you put into something becomes tangible: "At this point you really understand that hard work pays off."
Overall, Mitchell was very happy with the season, despite finishing second in the province, they did go on to earn a Western title over the team that took the provincial title they had been working towards. This, she says has a lot to do with not only her fellow teammates, but the coaches.
"Dale and Peter have put in a lot of time over the years to make sure this team strives for and is successful," Mitchell stated. "They know the game, they're fun, and I couldn't ask for better coaches."
Mitchell has been found on a diamond since she was four and her experiences throughout 17 seasons have been beneficial. Just learning of the close games and struggles from this past season, it becomes evident that those on the team are of solid character and are a hardworking, determined group.
"The games of baseball and softball have been a part of my life since I was four," Mitchell explained. "Every stage and level allows different reflections of how sport has affected the way I approach day to day activities..."
From staying connected to friends across the country, visiting and competing in areas she never thought she would be, to learning skills from coaches to take to the workforce, ball has had a large impact on her life.
"I have learned to be dedicated, committed, and competitive that practice makes you stronger and better to stay active [and] eat healthy [in order] to keep you strong, body and mind."
