This past weekend at Mic Mac Park, the Chatham Golden Eagles showcased their extraordinary talent and determination in the U15 Canadian Qualifiers. Competing fiercely, they played a total of 8 games across three days in the oppressive heat, including four games on Sunday to earn their berth at the Canadian Championships.
The Golden Eagles finished the weekend with a solid 6-2 record, going undefeated in pool play and battling to four bracket wins. Among the highlights was a nail-biting loss to the tough Oakville Angels, who edged Chatham out in the bottom of the 7th inning Saturday night. However, true to their name, the Golden Eagles soared back the very next day, avenging their earlier defeat against Oakville, winning 7-6 and securing the “Ontario2” slot. Their impressive journey paves the way for their next big challenge as they prepare to travel to Winkler, MB, on August 13-17 to compete at the U15 Canadian Championships.
The team’s success can be attributed to their stellar roster of players, who all contributed to the successful weekend.
Emily Sauve proved to be a wall at second base, continuously thwarting the opponent’s offense. She also made a pivotal play at the plate against Oakville, showcasing her commitment and grit.
Avery Swayze played a crucial role in the victory against Oakville, using her speed to score the game-winning run, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Sophia Burgess threw a complete game against the best team in the province, Waterloo, striking out two batters and strategically preventing 11 baserunners from scoring.
Ryann Walton was an absolute monster in center field, throwing out a runner at home in a critical moment and making a spectacular catch deep in the left field gap. Offensively, she hit .346 with 9 hits and added a stolen base to her impressive weekend stats.
Lauren Lloyd contributed significantly as well, tallying 3 hits against Milton in their dominant 22-3 win, and finishing the weekend with a .467 batting average, all while stealing outs at first base with her scoops and stretches.
In the circle, Madi Potter's pitching was nothing short of phenomenal. Throwing 33 innings, she limited opponents to just 19 hits and recorded 32 strikeouts, resulting in a paltry opponent batting average against of .161. Her performance, combined with her offensive contributions, helped guide the team to several victories.
Leia Politi’s pivotal 2-run triple in the rematch against Oakville put the Golden Eagles ahead for good, highlighting her ability to capitalize in high-pressure situations, as she finished the weekend with an impressive 12 hits.
Meanwhile, Alex Dolson brought consistency both at the plate and behind the dish, racking up 11 hits with a batting average of .440 and providing a huge momentum swing by picking off a runner at third early in the first game.
Logan Wrightman made a splash on the bases, proving to be a difficult out all weekend. She finished with an impressive on-base percentage of .519 and scoring 9 runs.
Brynn Walton’s timely triple helped ignite a rally against Oakville, adding to the team's momentum that led to a 7-6 Chatham victory while adding 4 RBIs and solid defence at 3B all weekend
Additionally, Lily Scott played her part by hitting .357, racking up a double and 3 RBIs, even breaking up a late no-hit bid from Waterloo in the final game.
Lastly, Kylee Salisbury’s exceptional pitching gave the Eagles a significant advantage; she went 2-0 in the circle, giving up only 7 hits across 8 critical innings, and delivered offensively with 3 doubles at the plate.
The Golden Eagles’ remarkable teamwork, skill, and resiliency have truly set the stage for a promising run at the U15 Canadian Championships next month in Manitoba. As they prepare for their next challenge, these young athletes are not just representing their community but also embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and determination. Go Eagles!