Stratford, PE – For the first time in more than ten years softball was played on fields in the Town of Stratford this past summer and it proved to be a very successful season. With over 140 girls between the ages of 5 and 14 playing across 7 teams this year, both a U12 and U14 Stratford Stealers team won their provincial titles recently capturing gold.
“To say that the 2018 season was a success is truly an understatement,” said Troy Fraser, Vice-President of the Stratford Softball Association. “We are already looking ahead to the next season and building further on the great work that took place this year. On behalf of the association, I extend congratulations to all players and their families who spent their summer with us.”
The U12 provincial play downs took place in Tignish September 15-16. The Stratford Stealers had three teams playing in the tournament all of whom played strong throughout the weekend. In the final game, the Stratford Wheel Alignment Services Stealers won 2-1 over the host Tignish team, completing the tournament with a record of 6 wins, 1 loss. Coach Wendy Bruce said of her team “It was a team effort throughout the season but the girls really pulled together for this weekend and as a result of their hard work they are the 2018 U12 Provincial Champions.”
All three U12 teams from Stratford made it to the crossovers on Sunday. The additional two Stratford Stealers U12 teams were coached by Darcy O’Connell and Rod Creaser. O’Connell’s Stratford CSN-Koughan Autobody Stealers finished round robin play with a 3-0 record but lost 13-7 in the quarter finals to the eventual gold medal team. Creaser’s Stratford Atlantic Tire Distributors Stealers also finished round robin play with a 3-0 record but fell to West Royalty in the bronze medal game.
September 22-23 saw play for the U14 teams move to Ellerslie, with some games being held at other field locations to accommodate the tournament. The Stratford Kevin Quinn’s Remax Stealers U14 team, coached by Jason Campbell, finished the provincial tournament winning 5 games and receiving only 1 loss on their way to capturing gold with a 5-4 win over West Royalty. Neely Johnston was named tournament MVP. “I am proud of how our team came together and how hard they played. They came out strong all weekend, particularly in the gold medal game,” Coach Jason Campbell said.
The Stratford Softball Association Board of Directors will be working throughout the winter to plan for the 2019 season. The association hopes to increase their numbers and will be looking to add boys teams and/or co-ed teams depending on the interest and ages of players interested. There are also currently some remaining volunteer positions available for anyone interested in getting involved over the winter. To learn more about volunteer positions please contact us.
“As the season has come to end, we also need to thank the many coaches, parents and volunteers, as well as the Town of Stratford, for helping us have such a great return to Stratford. See you in 2019!” added Fraser.
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For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Public Relations Coordinator
Stratford Softball Association