The Olds Bantam Stingers lost all four games they played during Provincials in Calgary July 10-14.
Naturally, that wasn't the result they had hoped for, but what impressed Bantam Stingers manager Gina Belcastro was the way they handled that whole situation — with class and good sportsmanship.
One strong example is when they were downed 9-4 by the Lacoka Locos, the team they had beaten in a two-game series in Lacombe back in June to win the 2019 Central Alberta Lacrosse League championship.
"All of us parents couldn't believe what our Bantam boys did at the end of the game," Belcastro wrote in an email to the Albertan.
"There was great sportsmanship between both teams. All of us parents and the Loco coaches were all shocked and stunned when our Bantam boys ran off our bench to congratulate the Locos on beating us.
"They all hugged each other, (gave each other) high fives, fist pumped and did their final cheer together as one big team. Then they high fived the refs and my Spencer hugged the one ref," she added.
"Throughout the whole game they would play rock-paper-scissors, high five, first pump, pat each other on the head, cheer for each other when either team got a goal and joke around with each other. It was so awesome to see, and heart warming.
"Now that's what I call amazing sportsmanship for both teams."
Belcastro expressed thanks to all the lacrosse families — from the tyke level on up — for all their help and support.
"Looking forward to next season and what it will bring," she added.
