Heat softball teams gear up for provincials runs

By Lethbridge Herald on July 6, 2023.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Heat softball teams are gearing up to play in provincial championships this weekend.

The U17s are in Blackfalds this weekend for the U17 Alberta Softball Provincials with the goal in mind of medalling again after all but two players won silver last year at the U15 level.

The Heat were fortunate this year to qualify for provincials with Medicine Hat being in their zone.

“And normally we have playdowns against them,” said U17s head coach Beth Moulton.

“But Medicine Hat has gone into the ‘B’ (category) and there was openings in the ‘D’. So we’re able to just have the zone rep just move right into that spot. So there was no playdown this year.”

Moulton has had a talented roster to work with this season.

“We’re pretty deep,” she said.

“This year we have six pitchers that we can rely on, which is nice. Each of them bring different strengths to the game.  Some have that faster speed, some have that nice consistent forward speed, which really plays with the opposite team’s minds, because you know, you  get used to one speed and then we throw in one of our pitchers who has a different kind of style. So that works in our favour.”

The Heat are also strong defensively.

“We have a lot of skill there,” said Moulton.

“(We) field the ball well, we have good arms, we’re quick. This year, I think our biggest struggle is consistent hitting. So offensively. But we still manage to move the players around. You know, keep reminding the girls it’s just that one hit, one base at a time and that seems to be when we do really well. We’re advancing the runners.  So those are our strongest games when we’re hitting the little hits that make the plays and everything, rather than them getting it in their heads that they have to hit the bombs to make a difference. Yeah, one base at a time is when we’re at our best, I think.”

Moulton thinks there is that confidence that the team did well in provincials last year going into this year.

“And knowing we have the skill and ability to do it,” said Moulton.

“I think that transfers over well and then remembering that they do have those  good fundamental skills that will carry them through and the enthusiasm. You know we keep telling them if we can keep our enthusiasm up, that’s contagious and brings us up when we’re down.”

The difference this year is the girls will be playing against 16 and 17 year old’s.

“So they’ll have that extra year of experience, and growth and strength I guess,” said Moulton.

The team is looking forward to potentially getting a medal.

“It would be nice to have a top 3 finish,” said Moulton.

“Of course gold or silver would be great but  I think top 3 would be fantastic for our first go in U17. And then of course, they love just the travelling and comradery. You know just staying in a hotel and we’ll have a team meal and you know that kind of bonding. So, you know it’s  not necessarily the game but it is a social part of the game that I think is important for the girls.”

The U15 Heat are preparing to host the Little League Soft Provincials tomorrow and Sunday at Miners Field beside Winston Churchill High School.

“They’re feeling good,” said Kurt Parks, U15 Heat head coach.

“They’ve worked hard all year and week (and)especially ramping up for the tournament kind of  all spring and summer. So we’re ready to go.”

The team has been focusing on working on their defensive play, getting in some hitting and the pitchers and catchers have been working hard dialing in and throwing strikes.

Parks thinks the strength will be teamwork.

“They (are) a fairly energetic crew, they’ve been working hard together and having a lot of fun. They really bonded together and as a coach, you can’t coach that.”

The winner will advance to the Little League Regional in Victoria.

There will be three teams in the tournament with a representative from central Alberta and Calgary along with the Heat as a northern team dropped out.

Game times are noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.