UNITY — There is no place like home for Unity ball teams. July 9-10 will be full of softball and baseball action.
The U19 Unity Panthers have been practising and playing all year for their chance to capture a provincial title at home. A provincial title would also earn them the Team Saskatchewan berth to upcoming Western Canadian Softball Championships in British Columbia.
A two-team event with the North Battleford Bandits as the other U19 team vying for the same title, a best-of-five series will be held with action beginning July 9 at 11 a.m. Saturday games continue at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. If games four and five are necessary they will play July 10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. until a winner is determined.
The Panthers roster includes coaches Denelle L’Heureux, Garan Rewerts, Kurt Elder, Doug Rutley and Pat Risling. Players include Amy Deck, Jaymie Myszczyszyn, Ayranna L’Heureux, Alexis Elder, Addison Rewerts, Abby Rutley, Paige Schultz, Devyn McLean, Makayla Bakken, Amy Gruber and Kalin Harrabeck.
Long-time Unity Panther coach, and a member of the U19 2022 team, Pat Risling says, "We have played 19 games so far this year and three tournaments. The group's core players have been together since they were very young, along with two of the coaches. With this year's additions due to the new age change, it has become a well-rounded team. They will battle to win, and for seven of the eleven players, it is their last year of minor ball. These players have demonstrated they will be leaving it all on the field one last time, and our first-year players have followed suit."
While not vying for a title the Unity Junior Cardinals are hosting some 22U exhibition action on the Cards diamond. Calgary and North Battleford will come to Unity to participate in the exhibition series against all teams in attendance.
Unity begins the double header action against Calgary July 9 at noon and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Battleford takes on Calgary at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Unity vs. North Battleford matchup.
The Cardinals will host a beverage garden for the weekend while the Panthers will have a progressive 50/50, guaranteed at $500.
Whether you enjoy softball or baseball it will be an exciting weekend to be a fan in the stands in Unity.
