The Guelph Gators U15 Blue team tackled their very first tournament since the team formation in the fall of 2022.
The
hosting #waterlooghost softball organization put on a first class event,
offering several age brackets.
Game
#1
The
Gators started out against the Brampton Blazers on Friday night and
dropped the game 14-4. The Gators made good contact at the
dish, but the Blazers were flashing the leather on defense and halted any Gator momentum.
Game
# 2
Saturday
morning the Gators woke up to a beautiful sunny day and were ready to
compete. Facing the Stratford Flames, the Gators went to work
early scoring in the first 3 innings and adding at the end of the
game. Strong base running, and patience at the plate had the Gator
offense firing on all cylinders. Dana #22 threw a great
game hitting her locations and doing an excellent job at speed control.
This one wrapped up in the Gators favor 14-4 for a well deserved win.
Ainslie brought home the helmet of excellence for her strong play in this one.
Game
#3
Saturday afternoon matched the Gators up with the Kitchener Klassics White. The Gator
bats did not go quiet from the previous game, and stormed out of the gate
with 4 runs in the 1st, then 3 in the 2nd, and didn't look back from there.
Erica #3 threw a peach of a game only giving up 4 hits and 2 runs. Erica
also went the distance with a complete game. Final score Gators 16-
Klassics - 2. Erica earned herself the helmet of excellence for her
performance.
Game
# 4 (semi final)
With
the Gators 2 wins and a strong run differential, the Blue team earned
themselves a bye into the semi finals Sunday morning. Facing off
against the Lucan A's with Dana #22 on the mound, the Gators hit the field with momentum and positivity. A very low scoring game for the
first 2 innings tied at 1 each, then the Gators pulled ahead leading by 3 runs
in the 4th. Both teams were strong on defense, and refused to let
anything by them. Late in the game Lucan strung together some timely hits
and dropped them in the holes pulling ahead of the Gators with 5 runs, defeating
the gators 8-4 final. Even though this was a loss the the Gators, it was
probably the best game they played as a team in the tournament.
Strong defense, positive spirits, and overall good fundamental
ball. **Leah #5 made an incredible catch in left field to save runs early
in the game, Alyssa #29 caught a great game behind the plate , and Dana # 22
threw a complete game on a very hot day. This earned them all the
coveted helmet of excellence.
Game
#5 (bronze medal game)
Earning
the right to play in the Bronze medal , the Gators matched up against the
Brampton Blazers again for a second crack at them. Thus wasn't meant to
be as the Blazers put a defensive wall up and shut Blue down. Scoring
early and often, the Blazers shut down the Gators and defeated them
14-0. Congratulations to the Blazers on their bronze medal.
Another shout out to the Blazers for their fair play, respect, and
sportsmanship.
(Gold
medal game, side note)
The Stratford Flames and Lucan A's earned the right to play in the gold medal
game. Even though the Gators fell short, they took comfort in knowing
they can run with the best teams and compete at a high level.
Overall a very successful weekend for the Gators Blue in their first tournament of the year. A lot was learned, and will only help the team moving forward. The coaching staff is very proud of the team for their performance, poise and efforts. What a great start to the Gators 2023 Softball Summer!