The U10 mites and U12 squirts age groups entered the recent Innisfail softball tournament.
Ponoka teams have been rebuilding and hope the trend will grow next season. The squirt Bandits fielded 13 determined and dedicated young ladies and they displayed talent and grit over the weekend to battle back from a round robin loss to play for gold. Although their hearts and cheers wowed the large crowds, they fell short in the championship game to return home with silver and bragging rights over eight strong teams. Most are first-year ball players and they played like giants and where great ambassadors of the town and the sport.
The Mighty Mites on the other hand, were gold from the start, from their great pitching, fielding, and hot bats, they battled all weekend to win the championship gold event in extra innings. The Mighty Mites started out with a small group and grew into two teams. Once kids see the girls out on the diamonds cheering, the excitement draws them to sign up. With so many talented mite players it was decided that they would extend the season to compete at the provincial level.
The “Have fun” philosophy has been the driving force for both teams this season as the coaches believe sports muscles work better when you’re happy and smiling and the smiles have been a big part of the uniforms. So if you have a smile you have the first tool to becoming part of the Ponoka Minor Ball association.
— Submitted