It was an incredible tournament in Abbotsford, British Columbia for the Eastman Wildcats, as the group battled their way to a silver medal.
Special season for a special group
"Super proud of the team, super proud of the girls," coach Jason Plett says with a big smile. "With how far we came from when we started practicing in November, till this weekend, it's been amazing. They've taken big steps to get to this point, and they deserve every bit of that silver medal that they won."
Wining as a team
The biggest takeaway for Plett is that throughout the tournament, this group competed and battled as a team. "That's 100% the makeup of our group. The battled they showed throughout the weekend, especially on championship Sunday, in the playoff bracket, the way they battled. We lost the 1 vs 2 game against the Interlake Phillies, and then we had to play the Calgary Kaizen, in a semifinal/bronze medal game, that's just the way the softball world works, and the winner of that goes back to the gold medal game. That specifically against the Kaizen, that was kind of a statement game when it comes to what our team is all about."
Silver lining
Claiming silver had a hint of bitter sweet, but Plett says that faded quickly, and the group could appreciate all that went into winning a medal. "The final out of that game, there were obviously some tears, because we didn't win gold, but it didn't take long, and the smile were on their face. They realized what they accomplished, being the second best team in Western Canada, it's a pretty great feeling."
Fun beyond the games
Getting to be together for a few days in Abbotsford are memories that Plett says the team really will appreciate for years. "That was a blast, too. This team was super close, all twelve girls were hanging out with each other, all weekend long. Whether it was at the diamonds, or at the hotel, they were just together. It was special to see when kids from all different communities can come together and be friends, it's really what it's all about."
The community around the team also enjoyed in the experience, and Plett believes it was them that made it all even more special. "I mentioned before, the parent group has been so awesome, supportive in every way. There's no animosity, or anything between anyone all weekend long. All year, everyone has gotten along, and it makes the whole experience just that much more enjoyable. Everyone is in the same mindset, having fun all weekend, and all season long."
Future in good hands
The U13 program is a pillar of strength for the Wildcats programs going forward, something Plett is very proud of. "This is the starting stone for all these girls within the AAA softball world. To see the steps they've made this year, to be role models for the U11 and U9 girls who come and watch. As they grow older, they keep moving up the ladder. The girls that were on this team, they are nothing short of wonderful people. That's a big things, too, as a coaching staff, we obviously want them to succeed, and be the best athletes they can be, but if we can help them become better people, as well, that's the goal as well. It was just awesome to see."
Team Photo:
Back row, left to right
Jeff Penner (assistant coach), Brinley Remple, Browning Hiebert, Keanna Krahn, Caleigh Giesbrecht, Chloe Nast, Jaycee Neumann, Jason Plett (head coach)
Middle row, left to right
Kylie Plett, Abby Mateychuk, Kali Saurette, Berkeley Penner, Rooney Laluk, Sarah Lacquette-Garrioch
Front Row
Mila Saurette and Lexi saurette (bat girls)