Local girls capture U11 provincial softball title

A new local team made up of players from Exeter and Zurich played in the ORSA U11 tournament in Innerkip on July 4 and 5, becoming provincial champions. In front from left are Danni Holmes, Kinsley Ferguson, Adele Hern, Maddie Renning, Olivia Baehnisch and Leah Masse. In middle from left are Emelia Davies, Cailin Willert, Jaden Cann, Claire Bilcke, Payton Batten and Abby LaPorte. In back from left are coach Mitch Masse, coach Megan Davies, coach Courtney LaPorte and coach Justin LaPorte.

By Dan Rolph

After an undefeated run at the U11 Girls Ontario Rural Softball Association (ORSA), a local team of players were crowned provincial champions.

The fresh squad, made up of players from local Zurich and Exeter teams, was venturing into a more intense competitive landscape for the first time as they set off to compete in the provincial championships in Innerkip on July 4 and 5.

Justin and Courtney LaPorte, who were the force behind the team coming together, said they created the group in the hopes of their daughter getting a shot at competing at a higher level in the sport.

“It took off from there,” said Courtney.

Though their daughter unfortunately broke her arm and was unable to play in the tournament, the team went on an impressive undefeated run that included a string of three consecutive games.

Courtney said they got in touch with Exeter players to gauge interest in competing at ORSA and organized tryouts to cement the roster. From there, it was hard work and dedication that pushed the team forward.

“Some girls had to practice back-to-back or at different diamonds, but they were all keen and ready to go, so it worked out,” she said.

Though many of the players knew each other through other sports they’re involved in, most were new to playing baseball together.

However, that did little to slow them town.

“They just gelled right away,” said Courtney. “They knew it was going to be more competitive, they were ready to learn, and they were all a part of the team right from the start.”

With the tournament being the first time the team stepped into the diamond together competitively, Justin said the first inning of that initial matchup was dominated by nerves, and the team gave up three runs while scoring one of their own.

After a pep talk and a moment to find their footing as a group, they started to see the results of their practice out in the diamond.

“Pretty much after that it was game on,” said Justin.

Finding their momentum, the team earned their spot in the semi-final game against Port Dover. That match was a nailbiter, where the Zurich squad narrowly edged ahead 7-6.

The final matchup against Wyoming was a different story, and the local girls stormed their way to a 22-10 victory.

Courtney said the moment they finally won is one she’ll carry with her forever.

“The girls ran out and circled our pitcher,” she said. “The excitement was something I’ll never forget. That sense of accomplishment and that hard work had paid off. It was really fun to watch that and experience it.

“We’re so proud of them.”