Slam Dunk Weekend!
Another ball season
has come and gone. The Mite girls select team has come a long way since the
beginning of the season. The three coaches were excited to see the girls greatly
improve on their skills and game strategy. The transformation from the
beginning of the season leading up to the provincials was astonishing.
The Orléans Mite girls wrapped up their 2007 season with the
Provincial Tournament held in Orléans on August 25th
and 26th. Four teams were competing for the ultimate title of 2007
Mite Select champions! The Orléans Mite girls knew that all of their hard work during
the season culminated to this weekend! And oh, what a weekend it was! First
off, all four teams played each other once during the round robin. Orléans’ first game was against Stittsville.
Even though Orléans beat Stittsville
by a score of 13 to 5, this one was a nail biter. Stittsville
was leading the game and, it wasn’t until the last inning that the Orléans girls found their groove and started connecting
with the pitches thrown at them. I for one was on pins and needles for that
game!! Our second game was against Napanee. Despite a
loss, the first one of the season, by a score of 9-4, the hard work and
determination the girls showed was phenomenal. Our last game in the round robin
play was against
After the round robin
play, we ended up in second place and would play Napanee
for gold the next day. Having lost against them in the round robin, the girls
knew that the 4 months of practices and games culminated to this most important
game of the season. The girls knew what they needed to do to win this game and
the title. They played aggressive base running and made good defensive plays.
And oh what a win it was! The Orléans Mite girls defeated
Napanee 7 to 4 and earned the gold!
As an assistant coach,
I am extremely proud of what these girls have achieved. By the end of the
season, they came together as one team and played as one team. I saw great
intensity in their defensive and offensive plays and, I witnessed great
sportsmanship and camraderie. I thank you girls for
such a great season – you have made a very positive impact on me (so much so
that I will most likely be back next year).
I also wish to thank the parents for their support, for cheering the
girls on and enriching them with such a positive experience. A special thanks
to Mary for also helping out with the coaching. Lastly, thank you Pam for
asking me to help coach this wonderful group of girls.
They say coaching is a
rewarding and enriching experience. I for one can attest to that. See you all
next season!
Diane Darch,
SEE STORY: (by Fred
Sherwin)
http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/S2007082704.htm
Addison Mills, who likes the high ones, lays
down a beautiful bunt down the first base line.