The Ladner Legit made a strong bid to repeat as champions at the Vernon Classic Midget "C" Fastpitch Tournament, returning home with the silver medal.
The road to the podium for the South Delta Minor Fastpitch girls squad began with a 10-7 victory over the Kelowna Warriors.
Kimi Ohori's solid play at third base and hitting won her MVP honours. The second outing of the day saw the Legit mercy Quesnel 12-3 with the help of some amazing pitching by Kaisha Pearson and game MVP Madison Britz.
The Legit dropped their first game of the tournament Sunday morning, a 9-5 setback to the West Kootenay Warriors. Excellent fielding and hitting earned Brittany Corea the game MVP award.
The result still left Ladner in top spot of its pool, setting up a semi-final game against the Salmon Arm Aces. The locals won the do-or-die affair 8-6.
The crowd was entertained with some 'hotbox' action featuring Madison Taipalus between third base and home, ultimately getting past Salmon Arm's backcatcher. With two out, Legit catcher Gracen McFadyen caught a crucial pop fly in the top of the sixth inning, preventing the Aces from adding another run.
Ladner would add an insurance marker in its final at bat. Hannah McFadyen was named MVP for her consistent play throughout the semi-final game.
The Legit headed to the final for a rematch against West Kootenay. They struck for four runs in the first inning and would later add another but it wasn't enough in a 7-5 loss.
Gracen McFadyen was MVP of the game for providing a solid presence behind the plate.
Coach Mandy Bulteel, along with help from Rhona Challand, saw the Legit play some of their best ball to date.
Excellent infield plays by Amber Challand, Haylee Parker, Madison Taipalus and Corea produced many outs at first base. Deni Olson and Brittany Thackray did an amazing job with RBIs and consistently helped bring runners across the plate throughout the tournament.
Stacey Smith provided her usual exceptional play at first base throughout the tournament.
Head coach Geoff Smith was not able to make the tournament, but was very pleased with the team's performance.
