It was a learning experience that will only make them better.
That is how Barrhead Orioles Mosquitoes (11 years old and under) coach Jessica Luciak characterized the team’s performance at the Alberta Tier IV Championships in Oyen, July 26-28.
The team qualified for the provincials after sporting a 9-5 record in regular-season play. Throughout the season Baseball Alberta evaluates the strength of each team playing in Mosquitos and tries to pair them against those that are similarly skilled. This process takes place three times throughout the season, the last being shortly before the provincial championships.
The other Tier IV clubs at the championships were Whitecourt, St. Albert, Oyen and Castor. Stettler, normally a Tier V squad, was invited to fill the last tournament roster spot.
Barrhead opened the tournament losing to the top-ranked team from Castor July 26. The next day they defeated the St. Albert squad, which earned them the right to play Stettler in the semi-final.
Unfortunately, they lost the game to Stettler, who would go on to win gold.
“I am proud of the kids. The kids really kept improving all through the season, not only their skills but how they played together,” Luciak said, adding that it was difficult for her to single out an individual or group of players that she could call their MVP(s).
“It was always somebody different who led the team through their play and just by the example they set.”
She said this is especially impressive due to the relative inexperience of the Orioles.
Out of the 13 players, nine had never played baseball before, while four were in their second year.
“We were a very young team and had a lot of learning to do, but the kids worked extremely hard and just kept improving. They were a wonderful group to coach,” Luciak said.
