BC Games: Lasting friendships a homerun for Fraser Valley softball team

The Fraser Valley Zone 3 softball team won their first game of the tournament at the BC Summer Games.

Their coach Katelyn Ross now hopes they can be confident they can keep the momentum going.

“Our girls worked hard, we were behind in the first inning, but they came back and won 3-1,” said Ross.

“They had the bases loaded for a couple of innings and couldn’t capitalize on them. They finally capitalized on them in the last two innings and got the ‘w,'” she said.

Ross is relieved that the nerves for the first match are now behind him.

“It’s a really good group of athletes overall, it’s just a matter of confidence in themselves and their own abilities,” she said.

Maple Ridge players Sara MacDonald, 13, Julia Waterman, 15, and Amarah Hunter, 14, and Aden MacDonald, 15, of Pitt Meadows, who plays for Fraser Valley Zone 3A, said it’s difficult to get to know the preferences of everyone on the team.

“How they react to certain things that happen on the field, because everyone reacts differently and has become accustomed to different situations,” Julia said.

All four girls play for Ridge Meadows Pride 09A and grew up playing together, and being chosen to play on this team together was an honor.

Amarah was overwhelmed and excited when she heard she was on the team.

“It’s a cool experience to be here. I’ve seen people do it before and I’ve heard about it and it’s my first time. It’s exciting,” she said.

This first match showed the girls that they need a lot of communication on the field.

“Especially when you’re just getting to know each other,” Aden said.

Julia thinks the team got into the game a little slow and said she hopes the team can keep rolling now that they have the momentum. She noted that the team defended really well.

“It helps that we have great pitchers,” she said.

But overall, the girls like the sport because they enjoy it and because they make friends through it.

“And the thrill of playing with an audience cheering you on,” Sara added.

The 2024 BC Summer Games will be held Wednesday through Sunday, July 17 through 21, in Maple Ridge. This will be the third time in the Games’ history that Maple Ridge will host the event. An estimated 2,400 athletes (average age 14 to 15), plus some 500 coaches and officials, will be on hand this week for competitions held at community and regional sports venues.
Stay up to date with Games coverage at www.mapleridgenews.com.