(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ridge Meadows Pride 09B Shines with Silver at U17B Provincial Softball Championship
The Ridge Meadows Pride 09B softball team is celebrating a major achievement after securing silver at the U17B Provincial Championships, held from July 18–20 and hosted by Kelowna Minor Fastball.
Competing against 16 top teams from across British Columbia, the Pride delivered an inspiring performance that showcased teamwork, resilience, and heart.
🏆 Strong Start Fuels Championship Run
Led by coaches Nathan Walton, Seb Baski, and Erika Garcia, the Pride kicked off the tournament with dominant wins against Kelowna and Abbotsford 09, quickly establishing themselves as serious contenders.
Though they faced a setback on day two with a tough loss to Richmond, who delivered a standout pitching performance, the Ridge Meadows team bounced back in style.
They notched an important victory over West Kootenay, followed by a gritty playoff win against a strong View Royal side.
🔥 Clutch Performances in Final Stages
On the third day, the Pride outperformed Abbotsford 08, thanks in large part to their pitchers stepping up under pressure.
That win set up a high-stakes rematch with Richmond — and this time, Ridge Meadows brought the bats to life to secure the win and punch their ticket to the gold medal game.
In the final, they faced off against a powerful Central Saanich squad. Trailing 5-1 heading into the last inning, Ridge Meadows launched a thrilling comeback to bring the score to 5-4.
With two runners on base and everything on the line, a dramatic diving catch by Central Saanich’s second baseman sealed the game — and the gold — in heart-stopping fashion.
💬 Coach’s Words: Pride and Passion
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group,” said Coach Walton.
“They played with heart, focus, and determination from the first pitch to the last. No matter the score, they lifted each other up and battled every inning. Seeing them compete with intensity while still having so much fun — that’s what makes coaching so rewarding.”
🥈 Back-to-Back Success and Looking Ahead
This marks the second straight silver medal at provincials for Ridge Meadows Pride 09B, who also finished runner-up in the U15B division last year.
Now, the team is gearing up for their next challenge — the Western Canadian Championships, set for August 7–10 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
