After six long years of relentless pursuit, the U16 girls fastball team Gibsons Crusherz finally attained its goal of a medal at the B.C. softball provincial championships in Chilliwack, beating Kelowna in the gold medal final.
The Crusherz have been on a long road in an attempt to win a medal at the provincials - each year earning the right to be there but not being able to get to the medal rounds. This year coaches Cheryl Gillard and Laura Ewert changed it up and added a new set of eyes with the addition of coach Sean Whalen. Also added to the roster was North Shore player Bella Gallello.
In the zone play downs the Crusherz ended up playing the North Shore Wild Cats three times before finally conceding victory and dashing their hopes. Lady Luck was on their side, however, as an extra spot was awarded to the district and the Crusherz were on their way.
The provincials, held over the July 5 to 7 weekend, saw Gibsons place second after round robin play with a record of 3-0-1.
The playoffs began with Gibsons facing Abbotsford in what proved to be the most exciting game of the tournament.
Gibsons was ahead all the way, until Abbotsford tied it up, sending the game to extra innings. Gibsons pulled out a 9-8 win in the bottom of the ninth to move on.
On Sunday morning, Gibsons squared off with Ridge Meadows, posting a come from behind 7-3 victory.
That set up a game against Kelowna. Gibsons fell behind and couldn't get their bats going, losing 6-3 for their first tournament loss. The team, however, secured at least a bronze medal and now had to win out to claim gold.
Gibsons took on first-place Penticton and came out of the gate fast, leading 11-0 in the third inning. However, Penticton started chipping away.
Carly Gillard came in to pitch after a great effort by Leah Ewert, striking out the final three batters to preserve the 14-10 win and a place in the final.
The final against Kelowna was tense, exciting and emotional.
"We had never been this far before and now gold was within our reach," said coach Ewert.
Kelowna was ahead by two heading to the bottom of the seventh. Gibsons came up to bat and quickly loaded up the bases, edged in the first run, and then the second run and an easy routine play on Kelowna's part turned into a tense, overzealous throw by the shortstop, and Gibsons scored the winning run.
"The crowd went wild and there were tears of joy. It was a dream we had been chasing for six years," Ewert said. "The girls played well, the team was well received by other teams, and just desserts were served."
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