U7 Athletics Four end season on positive note at year-end tournament

The U7 Tavistock Athletics Team Four won their final game of the season over Fullarton, punctuating a strong year of development for the team. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right, are Gracelyn Pearson, Elle O'Hearn, Maeve Meekes, Emma Hergel and Avery Scott. In the middle row, from left, are Macy Witter, Willa Boer, Leyton Yule, Malaya Aspden, and Edith Jantzi. In the back row, from left, are Jackie Meekes, Hayley McKay, Abby Yule, Julia Petrie and Desiree O'Hearn. Contributed photo

By Spencer Seymour

The U7 Tavistock Athletics Team Four wrapped up a year of growth with a strong showing at their year-end tournament July 26, culminating with a win in their final game of the season.

Head coach Abby Yule described what the win in their last game of the year against Fullarton meant to the squad.

“It was so great to see the girls all come together, cheering each other on to pull off the win against a mixed boys and girls team (from Fullarton),” said Yule. “Everyone was hitting and it was a great way to end the season. I am so proud of these girls and how far they have come throughout the season.”

Yule added the final game saw the young players display an incredible drive to keep progressing.

“Throughout the season, including our final game, we saw our players consistently push themselves out of their comfort zone,” said Yule. “Our players are young, and many positions can be intimidating for them. In the final game, we saw each of our players consistently pushing themselves to do better, which is something that cannot be taught.”

Yule also credited several players for individual showings during the weekend.

"The teammate of the tournament went to Leyton (Yule), who cheered everyone on and was always positive. Emma (Hergel) had a few big hits for the team. Malaya (Aspden) had a great game at first base and catching."

According to Abby Yule, the coaching staff has seen a tremendous amount of development out of their team over the course of this season.

“As coaches, we were able to watch each player flourish in their own way. When we started the season, many of our players had never played baseball before. So many of our players love the game, and many of them took the time to practice on their own time. The time they spent practicing throughout the season really showed.

“They all came together, whether it was a practice or game, lifted each other up and they all want to play again next year. How much their hitting and fielding improved throughout the season has been the most impressive thing about this team.”