The Midget and Bantam Gibsons Crusherz are both off to respective provincial championships after each won a best-of-three playdown last weekend.
The Midget Crusherz won both games against the North Vancouver Diamond Dolls on Saturday to advance to the provincials in Campbell River July 8 to 10 while the Bantam squad defeated the North Vancouver Stars in two straight games to claim a ticket to the provincials July 8 to 10 in Rutland.
The Midget squad jumped out to an early 7-1 lead after two innings in game one. Katelyn Nestman hit a two-run double in the first inning, and Kassandra Mackenzie smacked a bases-loaded triple in the second inning. The Diamond Dolls chipped away at the lead and pulled to within one in the sixth (and final) inning. North Van had the winning run on base with no one out, but the Crusherz defence was able to shut the door as Gibsons won 8-7.
"Both teams were able to put the ball in play, but our defence was far superior," said coach Randy Younghusband.
In game two, North Van jumped out to a 2-0 lead, only to see the Crusherz respond with five runs in the third.
The Diamond Dolls again were able to take the lead and were up 8-6 with the Crusherz down to their last at bats. The Crusherz scored three in the bottom of the last inning to win the game 9-8 and the series. "The entire team contributed offensively and were again the better team in the field," added Younghusband. "We received exceptional performances from Trina Borley and Marlice Josephson. Trina pitched five and 2/3 innings allowing only three hits and was an offensive force with four hits. Marlice finished the game with four RBIs and scored the winning run. She also set the pace defensively, making key catches at key times."
The Bantam squad also played two strong games to win their series.
"Heavy rains and rain delays in both games were not enough to slow down the girls' determination," said coach Darren Roufosse. "Strong hitting, pitching and defensive plays made the difference in the two games. All the girls played extremely well all weekend and look forward to the challenges of the provincial championships."
