The squirt division Gibsons Crusherz played in a tournament in North Delta on May 23 and 24, bringing home another victory.
Gibsons went 4-0 in the round robin, with great pitching by Hannah Smith, Carly Gillard and Leah Ewert. At this point, the Crusherz strong hitting was dominating their opponents with several home runs by Veronica Evans, Leah Ewert, Jazz Taylor, Gabby Gunn and Stephanie Slingerland, placing them first overall and a bye to the semifinal.
Gibsons competition in the semifinal was a team they had already faced in the round robin. This was no easy task against the Maple Ridge Strikers. At the end of the fourth inning, the time had expired with the game tied 4-4. The Crusherz were up to bat, and were struggling to get anyone on base the last two innings. The next two batters, Stephanie Kirkham and Gabby were walked, then Gibsons' bats came alive. Stephanie Slingerland hit a sacrifice line drive out to right field scoring two runs. Veronica took one for the team in the leg, getting a base. Carly hit a double, scoring a run. Charli Johnson laid down a perfect bunt, scoring another run. Then Leah hit a single scoring the fifth maximum run allowed.
Now the Crusherz had to take the field to try to hold the lead, which was a sealed deal with Leah's stellar performance on the mound, as she struck the next three batters to win the game 9-4.
Gibsons faced Chilliwack in the final, a team they had not played before.
Not knowing what to expect, Leah started on the mound and struck out the first three batters. The Crusherz's first at bat was a successful one as they scored five runs.
Leah continued her strong pitching, striking out the side again.
Gibsons continued to pour on the offence, scoring four more times, cruising to a 9-0 win.
Gibsons is at the district playdowns this weekend trying to qualify for the provincial championships.
- Submitted
