The sun rose high in the sky on Sunday, July 8. Temperatures soared as the Drumheller Rage girls softball team played for a gold medal. Despite the heat and the pesky mosquitoes buzzing all around them, the team kept their focus. The bleachers were packed with cheering spectators, as they watched the teams battle for number one.
The Rage not only reached their goal of playing in the finals in front of local fans, but obtained the gold medal in the process. The girls advanced to the final game after beating Amisk Heat 7-0 in the semi-final.
“Every girl on this team stepped up this weekend and played a level they haven’t played before. It was truly amazing to see and the coaches, parents and families couldn’t be more proud,” said Shari Fournier, head coach of the Drumheller Rage.
Playing the gold medal game against the Calgary West Valley Sliders, the Rage were victorious, winning 5-3. The team scored two runs in the first inning and never looked back.
“We have talked all year about the girls taking their game to a higher level. All the way through the line up, each player had their own moment yesterday, their own key play that turned the game in our favour,” said Fournier.
Playing in the Calgary league for the past two seasons, Fournier said the team hasn’t had a home game in two years. She said the amount of support from the community of Drumheller over the weekend was thrilling.
Fournier also said the dugouts recently built at the Newcastle Diamonds were a big help. With temperatures soaring throughout the weekend, she said they were definitely appreciated by all the players.
“We do really want to thank the Town of Drumheller for all they did to make this weekend a success. Also, the financial support we received from local businesses was just unbelievable,” said Fournier.
Provincials mark the end of the season for the girls, and they certainly end on a high note. Nothing can compared to winning gold in one's hometown.