The Gibsons Crushers rode a perfect 8-0 record to capture the Midget C provincial softball title in Vernon last weekend.
Led by solid pitching, timely hitting and stellar defence, Gibsons steamrolled through the round robin with a 4-0 record.
After the round robin, the field of 16 teams was cut down to six, who advanced to the double knockout playoffs.
Three teams with 4-0 records, including Gibsons, and three with 3-1 records advanced. The top two teams received first round playoff byes, while Gibsons was seeded third, determined by runs scored and bases touched.
Despite not getting the bye, the Crushers cruised through their first playoff encounter with Castlegar 12-6.
Maria Flumerfelt and Jasmine Nebocat combined to pitch a strong contest, while Marlise Josephson and Dani Proby hit back-to-back home runs to set the pace for the offence.
In game two, Gibsons took on the undefeated Guildford Sliders.
Trina Borley pitched a gem, while the rest of the squad broke out the bats, pounding the Sliders 13-4.
That set up Saanich as the next victim on Sunday morning.
Saanich proved to be Gibsons biggest test as they held a 6-4 lead after two innings. Gibsons fought back, scoring five in the fourth inning to win 11-8.
Kasandra MacKenzie made a spectacular catch in right field with the bases loaded in the late innings to preserve the win.
The championship final was a well-pitched, defensive struggle as Gibsons edged the Peachland Peaches 5-3 for the title.
Trina pitched a complete game, allowing no walks while striking out six. She and Laura Nickerson were named co-MVPs.
Other strong performances noted by coach Dave Nestman in an interview on Tuesday included the play of Stephanie McLeod who made three magnificent catches, Katelyn Nestman who caught seven of the eight games in very hot conditions and Tanis Borley, who, as a 14-year-old first year bantam, stepped into the lineup and made three big catches and drove in two runs.
Nestman said he's proud of the whole team for the way they played and represented themselves on and off the field."We got a call Monday from the tournament director and he congratulated us and told us they voted us most sportsmanlike team," Nestman said.
"I think the whole team bonded very well together. All the parents were outstanding and provided a lot of support throughout the year."
Nestman also pointed out Mandi Lineker as being a "real leader" this season.
"It's her last year playing. Mandi really emerged as a leader for us," said Nestman.
Nestman also wanted to offer his thanks to coaches Michelle Borley, Claude Charleton and Randy Younghusband, who due to other commitments was not able to make the trip.
"We thought about Randy a lot. Even though he wasn't in Vernon, he played a big part in this championship," added Nestman.
