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Close games highlight final weekend

Conditions could not have been better for Sechelt Minor Softball's year-end tournament last weekend. The sun was shining, the fields were in fabulous condition and the concession was well stocked as 250 young athletes headed out for a weekend of fun.

Conditions could not have been better for Sechelt Minor Softball's year-end tournament last weekend.

The sun was shining, the fields were in fabulous condition and the concession was well stocked as 250 young athletes headed out for a weekend of fun.

Round robin games started on Thursday evening and final games wrapped up on Father's Day Sunday, June 16, as is tradition.

In the Squirt division, Claytons followed up first place in the league with an impressive, come-from-behind win against a surging Hemstreet team.

Sophia Fiedler settled in after giving up three early runs and finished with 14 strikeouts to earn player of the game honours for Hemstreet.

Only in the fifth inning, where both teams tried to give their starters a break, did the hitters get a chance to score runs. Hemstreet was able to take the lead in the top of the fifth, but Claytons answered back as Ally Turpin stole home to tie the game, and Claytons finished the inning ahead 12-11. Claytons' starting pitcher and player of the game Brenna McLean was able to shut down Hemstreet's offence the rest of the way.

In the consolation game, ReMax clinched third with the help of a big catch from game MVP Brian Rono.

The pee wee division double-knockout format set the stage for an unexpected final, as league champions BC First Aid were the victims of exceptional games by Flemming & Sombrowski and Gibsons Building Supplies.

Flemming & Sombrowski relied on the strong pitching of game MVP Jordy Fawcett, while the trio of Jacob Chabot, Leif Magnussen and Jasper Deasey pitched a strong game for GBS.

For GBS, Lydia Harvey-Lloyd and Kelsey McDonell had strong defensive games, and Destiny Wallbaum brought home game MVP.

Flemming & Sombrowski's hitters came through, led by Mary Aguire, Ashley Angus and Kylee Hunsche as they defeated GBS 17-8 to take first place in the tournament.

The bantam final was a matchup between BA Blacktop that rolled through league play to easily finish first and the always-competitive Inlet Raiders.

The dominant pitching of BA carried into the tournament, but they were down to only one pitcher as Brennan Mayers led them to first place in the round robin and continued his dominance in the final game, earning game MVP for BA.

Behind the strong pitching of Kenny Tyson, the underdog Raiders went into the sixth inning ahead 3-1, only to see BA Blacktop end the inning up 4-3.

The Raiders scored one run in the seventh to tie the score at four and force extra innings where the Raiders won 5-4.

James Wall was MVP for Raiders.

Source for Sports took third place as they defeated Dryland Marine.

On Sunday, mini-mite and T-ball teams took part in the action, playing exhibition games and collecting trophies for their inspirational play.

Challenger Ball also made its tournament debut as they joined SMSA this year and graced Kinnikinnick Park with their enthusiastic play. More Challenger Ball action can be seen this coming Saturday at Hackett Park as they host a Jamboree with teams visiting from around the Lower Mainland.

Another great year of ball comes to an end and young athletes start their summer.

Sechelt Minor Softball could not provide this exceptional league without the generous support of our community sponsors, the commitment of our umping crew and volunteer coaches, and the relentless work of board members Lennea Perpet and Colleen Vaughn who make sure the league is healthy and the tournament is a special experience for all involved.

If you are interested in participating on the SMSA Board and helping continue to deliver great minor sport to youth, please email: info@secheltminorsoftball.ca.

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