Playing on a national stage

Trio of Hat-area girls on provincial, national teams

If you’re playing competitive baseball at this time of year, it’s probably a big deal.

That’s certainly the case for a trio of Medicine Hat-and-area girls, who are used to playing with the boys but are getting a chance on provincial and national girls teams to close out their summers.

“This one’s special because it’s an allgirls team,” said Libby Bourassa, a 13year-old who along with Andie Suhai is heading to Kamloops this week for the Western Canadian Peewee Girls Baseball Championship. “I’ve played with boys my entire life. I’ve never been to Kamloops, never traveled with a team, so I think it’s going to be a super-cool experience.”

On Tuesday Suhai and Bourassa worked out at McDonnell Field, their dads hitting ground balls and helping keep their skills primed for what promises to be a fun, competitive weekend.

“I think the level is going to be high,” said Suhai. “It might be tough but I think we’re going to do good.”

While the 13-year-olds are in Kamloops, 16-year-old Kaitlyn Ross spent the past week in Washington, D.C. and is now off to Vaughan, Ont. The Redcliff native was among 31 players picked for Team Canada’s exhibition series against the U.S. — the teams split the series 3-3-1 — and is now with Team Alberta at 16under nationals. She couldn’t be reached for an interview but her dad noted it’s been quite the busy stretch for his daughter.

For all three, the chance to see what high-level girls teams are like is a great opportunity.

“I play with the guys, this was my first girls team,” said Suhai, who pitches, plays second base and centre-field. “When we did go to train (with the Alberta girls team), I was really nervous. It was scary.”

Getting over the expected nerves will be an important part of the trip to Kamloops, but so too will be seeing how they stack up. Alberta won gold at the event last year and there are returnees on the roster, so that’s a good indication.

Having other girls on the field has already proven unique, as the team played one exhibition game recently.

“It was very different,” said Bourassa, who will catch and likely play shortstop or third base in Kamloops. “Instead of hearing these low voices coming from the bench they were high-pitched ones.”

Knowing Ross is already at the next level, the other two Medicine Hat players have something to aspire to as well. Their coaches for Team Alberta also played on the women’s national squad.

“They’re a good example for us, a good influence to go higher and try harder,” said Suhai.