For the Burnaby under-19 Oakeys, the 2018 softball season was a smashing success.
By finishing second at the North Shore tournament two weeks ago, the squad laid it all on the line and turned disappointment into a perfect character-building experience.
The Oakeys entered the North Shore tourney after falling in the district final two weeks earlier in a heart-breaking battle with PoCo.
Burnaby responded as head coach Randy Hirakida had hoped, upsetting the tourney’s top seed in the playoffs.
“We weren’t exactly a powerhouse team throughout the regular season, but the girls really stepped it up a notch when it counted most,” said Hirakida. “I think we played our best ball these past few weeks which really did make a nice way to close off our season.”
The Oakeys, whose lineup included players as young as 16, competed in the C division and fielded a roster with just nine players during part of the tourney.
“After playing softball for five years, I couldn’t have asked for a better team of girls to share the field with in my final year,” remarked veteran leader Marisa Skowronski, who is attending BCIT. “I am so proud of our team for all that we accomplished this season, and so thankful to our four coaches for all the support they have given. … I can’t wait to help coach the younger girls coming up and show them how explosive, exciting and rewarding softball is.”
