South Delta '99 Invaders continued their strong play in tournament action, capturing its second straight gold medal - this time at the annual U16B Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournament in Kelowna.
The girls were back in the Okanagan defending their title but this time stepping up to the older Bantam level to do so. They overcame 10 other teams from across the province and near 30C temperatures to take top honours.
Saturday morning saw the South Delta girls open their portion of the tournament with a match against the Kootenays. The Invaders rolled all three of their pitchers who combined to allow just four hits in a 9-1 win. South Delta then met the tournament favorite and host Kelowna '98 Heat. Despite a strong start, the Invaders fell prey to Kelowna's high powered offence in a 12-5 defeat.
Down but not out, South Delta next met the Prince George Thunderbirds who will be hosting this year's provincial championships. Prince George could not handle the speed and mix of the Invader pitchers, and could not adjust to South Delta's aggressive play on the bases, resulting in an 11-1 romp.
Back in winning mode, the Invaders then finished off the round robin portion of the tournament with 13-0 trouncing of the Abbotsford Outlaws.
The playoff portion of the tournament saw the Invaders first meet their cross town rivals, North Delta '98 Sunfire. The see-saw affair featured several lead changes, capped by South Delta scoring four times in the final inning for a wild 9-7 win.
The well-rested Ridge Meadows '98 Rage awaited in the semi-finals - a team the Invaders had yet to beat. South Delta opened up a 4-0 lead after two before the Rage battled back to make it a one run game.
A terrific line drive catch and double play ended a final inning threat, giving South Delta a big 6-5 win and a rematch with Kelowna in the championship game.
The girls got off to another terrific start, scoring six early runs to chase the Heat's starting pitcher. The hosts tried to battle back but a late insurance run sealed a 7-3 win and the tournament title.
"Our philosophy has always been to play as a team and the win was particularly sweet with the team batting the entire roster and ensuring equal playing time throughout the tournament," said Invaders head coach Dave Rally. "Coaches and parents are very proud of the girls' perseverance, friendship and all round team support."
The team includes: Mackenzie Boates, Chloe Cartlidge, Chantelle Twynstra, Leigh Bourque, Mary Berger; Sarah Cartlidge, Kira Watton, Arnelle Basi, Sarah Allan, Violet Rally, Amanda Tabe and Lauren Lucas.
The coaching staff also includes Mike Twynstra, Jim Cartlidge Carol Watton and Brent Bourque.
