SUNDRE – An exemplary base-running hustle combined with increased confidence at the plate that translated to improved batting led the Sundre U18 Stealers fast-pitch softball team to sweep up the competition earlier this month at a tournament hosted in Stettler.
Lyndsay Edgar, who coaches alongside Jason Packer, said the squad was undefeated after playing four games over the period of June 2-4.
“The girls played some really good ball,” Edgar said during a phone interview in response to follow-up questions.
There were many teams playing in a number of different categories, and the Stealers’ division had four squads. They played against Lacombe as well as Stettler and twice against Red Deer, who the Stealers defeated in the gold medal round to claim their division’s championship, the coach said.
“They were excelling in their base running as per usual,” said Edgar, going onto add the Stealers had also demonstrated more confidence at the plate, resulting in some solid batting.
“They definitely showed it,” she said about the players’ more assertive approach at bat.
The Stealers’ pitchers were also on top of their game, and the coach said the stellar outcome was the result of an overall team effort.
“I’m very proud of the girls and Sundre should be as well,” she said, adding the squad represented the community well.
By the end of June, the Stealers will be winding up regular season play in the Central Alberta Softball League with a run at provincials lined up on the weekend of July 7 in Blackfalds, she said.
