Members of the Medicine Hat U-12 Thunder softball team are seen at practice earlier this week

By Charles Lefebvre

Softball

Softball provincials in Medicine Hat

Jul 12, 2019 | 5:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — More than 500 softball players are in Medicine Hat this weekend chasing a provincial title.

The city is playing host to the Softball Alberta Provincial Championships this weekend, with games underway at the Moose Baseball Diamonds and the Family Leisure Centre baseball diamonds.

U-10, U-12D and U-14D titles are up for grabs this weekend.

The U-12 Medicine Hat Thunder are among three local teams participating in the tournament, and head coach Scott Butterfield says he’s hoping for a strong showing. The team previously competed at provincials last year.

“We went 2-2, and we came up a little short, but hopefully this year, we can give it our all,” he said.

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The U-12 team won all their exhibition games this season, and their only loss came during tournament play.

Butterfield says the close bond between teammates is behind their strong performance.

“You can tell there’s friendships for life here,” he said. “They play for each other, and not just for themselves. It’s a lot of talent, all together.”

Adriene Campbell, a pitcher on the team, says the team is like family, noting she has played with most of her teammates for the past eight years.

“I think that because we’re such good friends together, that our bond kind of helps us keep ourselves together and become a team when we’re on the field,” she said.

Games began on Friday, with the U12 Thunder beating Airdrie 17-11. Campbell struck out nine batters and hit a home run during the game.

The U-10 Thunder were victorious over the Calgary Senior Ravens 17-15

The U14 team is still searching for its first victory, dropping a 13-6 decision to the Didsbury Jetz.

The tournament wraps up Sunday.