Chilliwack’s U-16 Stealers claimed top spot at last weekend’s district fastpitch playdowns, punching their ticket to provincials.
The girls now travel to Port Alberni for the year end tournament that takes place July 4-6.
The underdog Stealers opened districts with an 11-4 win over Langley Eh at Abbotsford’s Exhibition Park, backed by the pitching duo of Amanda Marshall and Ashley Guthrie.
The Stealers stumbled in their second game, losing 7-6 to Mission Elite.
That forced them to take the back-door route to the finals, which they did with a 16-6 dismantling of Mission.
Danika Rahnborn and Marshall smacked home runs to lead the offence.
Defensively, catcher Kiana Kelly and shortstop Mercedes Schneider combined for several outs at second base.
Nathania Braun, Danaye Reinhardt, Maddison Atkins and Trisha Jensen vacuumed up balls in the outfield and Taylor MacDonald executed a beautiful pick-off at third base.
The final was a rematch with the Elite.
Marshall pitched a complete game as her team squeaked out a 4-3 win.
Offensive highlights included Mackenzie Johansen laying down a perfect bunt, and Caitlyn Fedrau driving in the winning run in the final inning.
