An exceptional final capped a great weekend of women’s fastball.
The only disappointment for the hosts was that they weren’t able to repeat as champions.
Silverline from Alberta beat the Moose Jaw Mitchell Moxie Relics 2-1 in the final of the Master Women’s Western Canadian Softball Championship Sunday in Moose Jaw.
“It was a great weekend, especially playing here in front of everybody,” said Relics pitcher Kim Neithercut.
The Relics beat Silverline in last year’s final in Kamloops, B.C. and the rematch was everything you would expect from two teams of their calibre.
“It was a great game, a great final,” said Silverline pitcher Rhonda Denbow. “I think that’s what everyone wants to see: a close game like that. Well maybe not the players.”
The Relics posted a 3-1 record in the round robin. That included a 5-0 loss to Silverline. Silverline lost their opener 1-0 to the Saskatoon Connextion and finished third. That left them needing to win three games Sunday to earn the title. The Relics beat Saskatoon 8-0 Saturday night to advance to the final.
With two strong pitching performances and good defence all over the field, there weren’t many openings in the final.
The Relics got on the board first as Bruse singled in the second inning. She advanced to second thanks to a Nicole Whitehead sacrifice bunt and to third on a passed ball. Sheila Thul drove Bruse home with a single.
In the fourth Kathy Yeats reached base to lead off the inning for SIlverline. Denbow moved her over with a sacrifice bunt and Jen Holoien’s single drove her home. Sharon Larsen hit an RBI single drive in the second Silverline run.
The Relics puts runners on second and third in the bottom of the fourth and couldn’t cash anyone in.
Neithercut and Bruse finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Neithercut and the Relics also retired the last 10 Silverline batters in order, but the Relics couldn’t find the tying runs.
For more please see Monday’s Times-Herald.
