Last weekend was busy at two South Surrey ball parks, as 17 softball teams from across the province participated in the 2024 U19 BC Provincial Championship.
Hosted by the South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association, the tournament was held at Sunnyside Park and Sullivan Park – a landmark event that marked the first time a provincial championship has ever been held at Sunnyside Park. SSWRMSA's Thunder 05, coached by Alanna Paige, was the official host of the tournament; Thunder 06, coached by Maryse Garcia, also participated.
After an opening ceremonies event that featured a parade of athletes and Softball BC's Baukje Edamura, the teams enjoyed some fierce competition throughout the July 19-21 tournament, SSWRMSA President Thomas Bell said in an email, with a Vancouver team emerging the victor on Sunday.
"Huge congratulations to the Vancouver Wildcats 05 for winning the U19B Provincial Championship in a gold-medal game for the ages against Ridge Meadows Pride 06! This was anyone's game with lead changes, home runs, and great defensive plays: truly a pleasure to watch!" tournament director Angela Humphrey said. "Congratulations to Langley Xtreme 06, who also had a strong tournament, for winning the bronze medal."
Humphrey pointed out how unique the tournament was, in that all 17 U19B teams in the province were competing in it.
"We needed extra diamonds to accommodate all 57 games played."
Bell noted SSWRMSA is extremely grateful to the Surrey Storm Fastpitch Association – and particularly to Norm Marples – for maintaining the additional fields at Sullivan Park.
"We are thankful to the Surrey Storm Fastpitch Association for lending us two diamonds at their home field, as Sunnyside Park was absolutely filled to capacity," Humphrey added.
Bell also praised the umpiring team, headed by Softball BC Umpire-In-Chief Jeff Vanzella, for their professionalism and for doing a fantastic job, and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who made the event possible, giving a huge shout out to Humphrey for keeping things running smoothly.
"This was our first time hosting a provincial championship, and according to the teams in attendance, we knocked it out of the park!"
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the inaugural Deonne Jett Cochran Scholarship Award to Jaya Kotalwi. The scholarship, named in honour of a former South Surrey softball player who tragically lost her life to mental illness at the age of 22, recognizes Kotalwi for her exceptional commitment to her community and leadership in various capacities.
