MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball U11 Vipers capped off a strong 2025 season with gold, edging the Davidson Red Sox 4-3 in a tightly contested final recently at Optimist Park.
It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with both teams bringing intensity and heart to the diamond in the final match of the season. In the end, Moose Jaw’s pitching depth and team-wide effort gave them the edge they needed to clinch the league title.
“I just thought that the girls came together at the right time, whether it was in the tournament or the playoffs,” said head coach Brad Molde. “They all played as a team and yeah, the outcome was what we wanted.”
The championship game against Davidson, a team known for its strength in hitting, put early pressure on the Viper’s defence. Moose Jaw’s pitching tandem of Sophia Ferland and Allison St. Dennis rose to the occasion, delivering clutch performances that contained Davidson’s hitters when it mattered most.
“Davidson’s really good and (they can consistently) hit the ball,” Molde said. “But our pitching — both our pitchers — were the difference in the game, I thought.”
Molde credited the win not just to the Vipers’ defence, but to the balanced contributions across the lineup.
“Every girl contributed in some way, whether it was getting on base or getting a timely hit,” he said. “It was just a lot of fun.”
With the season now wrapped up, Molde reflected on a year marked by steady progress and noticeable growth across the roster.
“The girls got better every time they were on the field, which is what the coaches want to see at this age,” he said. “(They all came to play, had) good attitudes, and yeah, they were a treat to coach.”
For many of the players, capturing gold was a standout moment in their growing fastball journey. For Molde, it reaffirmed the rewards of coaching and served as a reminder of why he continues to be involved in the sport.
“Softball is such a great sport. I encourage every young female to give it a whirl,” he said. “(The sport has) treated me very well.”
The U11 Vipers compete under the Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball banner, a program dedicated to growing the game and developing young talent across the city. For more information, visit MJMinorGirlsFastball.com.
