A Thursday night practice is held as intently as any other with Nationals on the horizon for the U15 Lloydminster Liners.
Softball Canada is convening the tournament in Chateauguay and Île-Perrot, Que., a suburb southwest of Montreal from Aug. 14 – 18.
Karsyn Woytiuk, who pitches for the Liners, plays first base and some outfield for the team, explains how this level is different than others she’s played in before.
“The biggest thing going into U15 was probably the difference in hitting and thinking about the game more as a pitcher,” said Woytiuk. “The level of hitters is higher this year.”
She’s looking forward to going to Montreal with her teammates after a long summer of practice and competition all over Western Canada.
Liners Teammate Tayrn Miskiw is credited for being the spark plug of the team and bringing up the energy on the diamond. Her teammates rely on her to cheer extra loud and pick them up when they are down. She’s excited to be going to the Nationals.
“I hope we all have an unforgettable experience in Montreal, I also hope to experience poutine while I’m there,” said Miskiw.
Coach Donnie Atkinson believes they have as good a shot as any if they play the way they have been.
“The girls have earned the right to go, they’ve put in the work since March. They get better at practises which is where we put in all the hard work,” said Atkinson. “They’ve earned the right to play with the nation’s best.”
The team has over two dozen sponsors in the community and has felt the support along the way to get to this level.
“It’s incredible to see the community get behind a team like this. It’s got to go all the way across the country, and everyone’s jumped in,” said Atkinson. “(From) Bottle drive, bake sale, barbecue, everyone’s just jumped into support to see these girls go to their first Nationals.”
Woytiuk echoes her coach’s sentiments and has these words for those who have helped her along the way.
“I want to say thank you for all your help to improve, which has been huge this year. All the practicing at home and all the practicing on the diamond, off the diamond has helped. Huge. So I want to say thank you for that.”
Stay with the Meridian Source for updates on how the team is doing in Montreal.
Read More: Lloydminster Liners fundraising for nationals
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