It's been a solid weekend of ball in Friedensfeld, as the U13 AAA Eastman Wildcats host provincials, and after a strong round robin, the Wildcats are in a great position heading into double-elimination playoff Sunday.
"It's gone really well," local parent Cheree Penner said of the event. "We have seven teams out here this weekend, and everybody came out to play. We've been playing these teams throughout the season starting in May, but it's been awesome to see the different teams, some are coming out stronger, and there is more excitement. The play has been awesome, and the girls are doing super well."
The Wildcats have been very strong, and are feeling confident. "We've had some really good games," Penner says proudly. "We played a team that was undefeated throughout the season, we played them on Friday night, and actually took them into extra innings. That was very exciting for our team. We've had some hard fought games each and every day with some teams that we've gone back and forth with when it comes to wins and losses throughout the season. We finished 5-1, so that puts us in second place heading into Sunday. After (Saturday), three teams were eliminated, and so the top four battle it out tomorrow during the day."
It's a unique format when it comes to playoffs, as Penner details, there is a little room for error, but an advantage to winning the 1st vs 2nd game. "So, we have a different draw here. The teams that finished 1st and 2nd play against each other at 10:00 a.m. (Sunday), same as the teams that finished 3rd and 4th, they'll play each other. The winner of 1 vs 2 goes fully to the finals. It's a double elimination for the loser of that 1st vs 2nd game. So the loser of the first game plays the winner of 3rd vs 4th game, then that winner goes to the finals, which is at 2:45 p.m."
As a parent, Penner couldn't be prouder of the team, but also says the girls really appreciate the support from people coming to watch and cheer them on. "It's been really great, it's been so awesome. We had a huge crowd on Thursday and Friday night. Lots of people coming out and the park has been busy, the canteen's been busy, and we've sold 50-50, it's been great. Tons of support, lots of family and lots of support, it's great. Lots of girls are watching other teams and cheering on players. We're hoping to have even more support heading into the finals. The top two teams go to Westerns this year in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the second week of August."
Penner can't thank the group of people that made this all possible enough, and says the experience has been special for all involved. "They've been so great. I was sitting beside a gentleman today, and he said it was really run amazingly well. The hosts have made everyone feel welcome here, and they've got some very good reviews. Canteen has been great, the guys running the diamonds have been on top of everything, it's been a really great time. Everyone is helping and making it a wonderful experience for parents, fans, and the teams."
Seeing the Wildcats players enjoying the tournament is also special for Penner, who's daughter Berkeley is on the team. "It's great to see a lot of kids, parents, grandparents who have travelled, it's just special. My daughter is a minor on the team, so it's her first year experincing this at this level, and it's just been so awesome seeing the older girls who have been trhough this before be excited. Parents are excited and so is the community. We'd love to have people come out and cheer the girls on, and help them in that way. They're working so hard on the field, so we want to work hard in the stands and support them."
The U13 AAA Eastman Wildcats first game on Sunday is 10:00 a.m.