The Abbotsford Outlaws 2009A team has captured the U15A provincial softball championship, but took the scenic route to capture the crown.
The Outlaws entered the playoffs after a 43-10-4 regular season and were ranked the top seed after the opening round robin play.
However, a crushing loss in the first round of the playoffs meant that the team would have to win out for the remainder of the event to win. They completed that impressive comeback with five straight wins on Championship Sunday (July 14) and outscoring the opposition 27-2 in the process.
Sunday saw the girls play five games over 14 hours to achieve the win.
“It was a day we will never forget," stated head coach Sebastian Wong. "Arriving at the park needing to win five back-to-back games to be provincial champions, our belief never wavered. This was the ultimate team accomplishment and I couldn’t be prouder of the heart and character these athletes displayed.”
The team will now represent Abbotsford and the province of British Columbia at the U15 Softball Nationals in Montreal next month.
"Watching the hometown Outlaws compete and win the U15A Provincial Championships on home soil, while the community gathered all weekend long to support them, and the volunteers worked tirelessly to create an exceptional experience for everyone – it was the smiles on the faces of the players, parents, and coaches as they left the field was proof that our purpose had been fulfilled," stated Abbotsford Minor Softball President Tom Eaton said.
The Outlaws roster consists of players from:
Abbotsford:
Charlotte Rayson
Boston Wiebe
Kaia Happner
Leanne Alegado
Lily Wiebe
Chilliwack:
Emma Kinar
Sienna Gascon
Delaney Danyluk
Langley:
Zoey Strathdee
Lauren Stewart
E Savage
Mission:
Cassi Kennedy
