Huron Perth Fastball CHAMPIONS!, News, Mite Girls, 2014 (St. Marys Minor Ball)

This Team is part of the 2014 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Aug 10, 2014 | mlynch | 1852 views
Huron Perth Fastball CHAMPIONS!
The Hawkins St Marys Mites are the 2014 Huron Perth Fastball Champions! The Mites finished the regular season in 5th place but finished strong winning five of their last six games heading into the final tournament in Stratford this past weekend.  On Friday, St Marys took on the 11th seed Mitchell #2 squad to open the tournament.  Pitcher Chantel Johns opened strong striking out the first three batters of the game.  Julia Cameron came in for some mid relief, while Tianna Glousher picked up the save as the Mites took the game 9 – 8.

On Saturday morning, St Marys battled Fullarton and lead-off hitter Avery Aarts set the tone of the game with a double in what would be a game full of extra base hits.  Cameron had a double, Natalie Johnson and Elora Vanderwal each had triples while Aarts also picked up a home-run as the Mites handily won 13 – 2. 

In the semi-final match, the Hawkins Mites took on the Exeter #2 squad. Despite being down 1 – 0 after the top of the first, St Marys battled back in the bottom of the inning taking a 5 – 1 lead, a lead they would not relinquish on route to an 11 – 5 victory. 

In the finals it was St Marys versus the Exeter #1 team.  St Marys opened the scoring in the top of first when Glousher hit a RBI single bringing home Cameron and Vanderwal for the 2 – 0 lead.   Glousher then took to the mound in the bottom of the first and struck-out two and forced a pop-up to keep the shutout.  The Mites were scoreless in the second and third while Exeter scored one in the bottom of each making it 2 – 2.  In the top of the fourth, Vanderwal drew the walk and Shaylynn Ainslee cranked a RBI triple allowing the Mites to go ahead.  Johns entered the game in relief in the fourth and held Exeter at bay.  In the bottom of the fifth, Johns struck out the first two but then surrendered a double to keep Exeter’s hopes alive.  The threat was short-lived however, as a grounder to the infield with a flip to first ended the game with the Mites prevailing 3 – 2 and earning the title of Champions!

St Marys coach Staci Glousher summed up the girls efforts this season by saying she was “very proud of all the girls this entire season.”  The Mite team was comprised of a mix of rookies and returning players and Glousher was quick to point out that “our first year girls have shown great improvement on both their defensive and offensive play.  At the beginning, some of our first year girls didn't even know how to swing a bat and by the end they all are getting on base. Our second year girls also have shown great improvement with again both offensive and defensive play.”

Throughout the season, the girls showed great dedication and determination both at practice and in games.  Glousher added that “the entire team has always showed up ready and willing to play and were all very positive with one another both on and off the field.  This tournament they have all shown great sportsmanship cheering one another on.  I have had a great season getting to know all the girls and their parents!” 

Representing St Marys this year were: Anna Standeaven, Kaitlyn Deboer, Chantel Johns, Angelina Vanderwal, Julia Cameron, Natalie Johnson, Tianna Glousher, Shaylynn Ainslie, Lauren Gracey, Kaylee Fowler, Avery Aarts, Sarah Lynch, Bailey Ashton, and Elora Vanderwal.  Head Coaches: Staci Glousher and Jared Frayne.  Assistant Coaches: Dale Johnson, Shawn Johns, Bailey Wiffen and Amy Matheson

Glousher summed up her pride of the team by saying “I can't say enough positive things about these girls.  I am very, very proud of each and every one of them!!”

The Mites would like to thank their sponsor Hawkins Cabinetry for giving the girls the opportunity to play and represent St Marys.  They would also like to thank the Journal Argus for their on-going support and reporting of the games.  Of course, thank you to all the parents and fans for cheering on the Hawkins Mites all season long!