For the second time since 2010, the Drumheller Rage girls softball team will be hosting provincials.
“We had such a wonderful experience [the first time] and had such terrific support from the town and local merchants,” said Shari Fournier, head coach of the Drumheller Rage.
Fournier said the philosophy was that provincials are a big deal and should be treated as so. She said last year, with provincials out of town, the costs associated with that made it feel like just another tournament.
Keeping it in town will give locals the chance to cheer on the girls.
Sports Room Source for Sports is the title sponsor this year, and Fournier said there is a lot planned for the event.
Opening ceremonies will take place on July 6, at Newcastle Diamonds. There will be everything from a twoonie toss, raffle tables, to a tail-gate party.
The Rage is a fairly young team combining Bantam aged players with Pee Wee players to field a team. At the beginning of the season, six out of the 11 players were actually playing the level above their age group.
They are registered in the Calgary Softball League, and travel to Calgary twice a week for league games. Following the opening weekend of the season, the team was re-tiered to Division 1, where the competition got even stiffer.
“It’s a great lead up for us for provincials, and the preparation will definately help us compete,” said Fournier.
Provincials begin Friday, July 6, and will be taking place over the weekend.
“Our season goal is to play in the finals in front of the home crowd,” said Fournier.