The Sylvan Lake U17 Storm will be heading to Westerns in Port Alberni, B.C. in August.
Throughout the season, the team has been growing and improving to make it to this level, head coach for the team Aaron Clements said.
"We played in the Red Deer ladies league, which although we mostly played older more experienced teams it really benefited us because we got to see good pitching, we got to play regularly and we just got better and better as we went along."
For the players, being able to represent Sylvan Lake during Westerns is exciting.
"We have worked hard throughout the season to achieve our goal to qualify for the tournament. I am looking forward to the trip with my teammates and their families," Abby Desormeau said.
"I’m very proud of our team's accomplishment this year, we are a small association playing against a lot of big centres, so placing 2nd in provincial U17 AW and earning a spot to go Westerns is a big deal," Kendra Ulseth said.
"I'm excited to experience the sportsmanship the Westerners are known for and make lasting memories and friendships. This tournament is a significant event for me, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey," Finn Haarstad added.
The players also reflected that the coaching staff's investment in the team is a big reason they have made it this far.
"I am grateful to our coaches Aaron, Marvin, and Kelly. Aaron is a veteran of the sport of softball and he sees the game better than anyone I know. Marvin and Kelly continue to set the standards higher and higher for us and we continue to work hard every time we set foot on the diamond," Ulseth said.
In preparation for Westerns, the team has been continuing to practice.
"I am very proud of the team. We have battled quite a few injuries throughout this season but we continued to get better as the season progressed. We got a good team that plays well together and a great parent group," Clements said.
Westerns will be taking place from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11.
