A new powerhouse in Manitoba's women's slow pitch is making waves both on and off the diamond. The Prairie Queens, a competitive slow pitch team led by sisters Melora Barton and Ashley Ozunko, recently clinched the provincial title with a perfect 6-0 record, a remarkable achievement for a team in its very first season.
The idea for the team started as a casual conversation between the sisters, who had been subbing with other women's teams.
"We just kind of got to talking about how we have enough friends, we could probably make our own team," said Melora Barton. "So, we started asking people we know and care about in Portage and surrounding areas."
The Prairie Queens roster features players from Portage la Prairie and nearby communities including Sandy Bay First Nation, with team members like Jess McDougall, Shannon Tomalin, Brianne Klassen-Smith, and Tereza Roulette. Most of the women have deep roots in the sport, and several, including the Barton and Ozunko have played at the collegiate level.
But what makes the team stand out isn't just their skills, it's the bond they share and the fact that some are moms.
"We're just like one big family," Barton said. "We're a good group of women, lots of moms on the team, just finding time to get together and do what we love."
After dominating the Winnipeg Women's Slow Pitch League and capturing the Manitoba provincial title, the team is now setting its sights on the national stage. The Prairie Queens will head to Leduc, Alberta over the September long weekend to compete at Nationals.
The sister's family name (Smoke) carries weight in local baseball circles, and Melora credits her upbringing for shaping her passion.
"Whether it's pitch, fastball, or baseball, it's just something the family has always done," she said.
Now having a family of her own and being married Barton shares that baseball is a passion of hers she wants to continue pursuing.
“Just because we're moms now doesn't mean we quit playing. We still have that competitive edge."
Support from family and community has been critical to the team's success.
"Our husbands haul the kids, come watch, and let us take evenings and weekends," Barton said, noting her father is still a regular fixture at games.
"Shout out to our major sponsors: Dakota Plains First Nation and Kayo Duct Cleaning."
The team also recently tested their skills across the border in Bismarck, North Dakota, finishing fourth against teams from all across the U.S., including Colorado, Montana, and Las Vegas.
"For a first-year team from Manitoba to go down there and compete like that, it was pretty exciting," Barton said.
As for the team's name? It was borrowed, with a twist.
"My brother-in-law's Ryan wanted to make a men's team called the Prairie Queens, but it didn’t work out," Barton laughed. "So, me and my sister kind of stole the idea."
The Prairie Queens may be new, but with their undefeated season, strong camaraderie, and determined spirit, they’re already leaving their mark.