The U17 Bandits pictured here in their special Canada Cup jerseys for the tournament. (Submitted photo/Darren Russell)

By Martin Martinson

Home run memories

Bandits reflect on experience to remember at Canada Cup

Jun 22, 2022 | 2:25 PM

The bats were working early and often for the Battlefords Bandits U17 softball team over the weekend, as the lone team from Saskatchewan wowed in the fresh mountain air at the 2022 Canada Cup.

Taking place at Team Canada’s national team facility in Surrey, BC., June 17-20, the Bandits hit the ground running, posting a 4-1 record through their five round-robin games of the tournament.

Winning their opener Friday, 11-4 over the Victoria Glory, the team followed it up with a 9-2 win in their second game against South Surrey. After facing their first bout of adversity with a 12-3 loss to Langley, the team then promptly bounced back with two more victories, over Burnaby 7-0, and Fleetwood 11-4.

Bandits’ third baseman and pitcher, Peyton Gabruck, lead the team with a club-high nine hits over their four wins, while delivering seven strikeouts in five innings pitched in their opener against Victoria. She said it was special to be able to compete against other top teams in Canada.

“It was a good eye-opener to see what other provinces are like in ball, which was really cool,” Gabruck said. “We played really well as a team and came together when we needed each other too, and it made for a really good experience.”

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Entering the playoff rounds Monday as the third-ranked team overall (of 25 total teams), the Bandits continued their hot hand with a 14-9 victory over South Surrey, before falling 12-0 to the Okanagan Elite to end their run just shy of the tournament semi-finals.

Despite the loss, Bandits’ head coach, Darren Russell said he couldn’t have been more proud of the team for their ability to bring their best on the biggest stage they’ve seen yet.

“The girls were ready to play and they were really excited to be there,” Russell said. “They played hard and it was amazing to be able to give them that experience to play on those diamonds at Team Canada’s facility and be able to tour it all.”

“The girls talked probably for the next three hours on the bus ride home about the tournament and it was great just to hear the excitement they had in their voices about the experience they had; it was really special.” – Head coach, Darren Russell.

The Bandits take in the sights in beautiful Bridal Falls on their way to the tournament. (Submitted photo/Darren Russell)

Second basewoman with the Bandits, Greir Slabaida is in her eighth year with the local softball program and said the weekend is one she will remember for some time.

“The trip was very fun and we made lots of memories,” Slabaida said. “It was nice to do a lot of team bonding and sightseeing as well, and it was a great experience to go there and play that high level of ball with this team.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1