KAWARTHA LAKES- THE Kawartha Lakers U16 Girls Softball team accomplished a goal they set at the beginning of the season. They won the Eastern Canadian Championship held in PEI.
The girls dominated for most of the tournament that started on August 24th and ended today with the gold medal coming home to Kawartha Lakes. They downed Quebec’s Lac St.-Louis Lions 9-4 in the championship final. It was their fourth win of the day. Pitcher Jordyn Hartley won the Playoff MVP title.
We talked to the team before they left and they were confident in their skills.
The coach attributed their winning ways to their grit. “I think the biggest difference is they don’t give up. When we were in Chatham we were down 9-4 and they came back and won the game 12-9, they have a no quit attitude.”
The girls told Kawartha 411 it’s teamwork that sets them apart. “I really like how the team works together to win games and how excited everyone gets when someone hits the ball” Claire Dempsey says. Dempsey is 16 years old and has been playing softball since she was just five years old. Starting out in t-ball, she is now the pitcher and can also play first base. Teammate Emily Armstrong points out there’s no drama on this team. “I think its your bond, we just gel together so well, we trust each other and are able to pull through.” she says smiling. Armstrong, a Fenelon Falls native, started playing ball about five years ago and instantly loved the game. She can play a number of different positions.
All of the players are from the Kawartha Lakes including Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, Little Britain, Manilla and more, getting together to practice at least twice a week. Coach Debnam says his players are high level athletes. “A lot of people say oh it’s just kids ball but you’re still playing 7 inning games, 8 games, 4 in a row so if you think of the major leagues, the Blue Jays playing four games in one day, this takes a special athlete.”
Special athletes who are now Eastern Canadian Champs!
Congrats!
