Local products boost St. Clair women’s softball squad
Two standout local softball players hope to keep the St. Clair Saints among the elite in OCAA play.
General Amherst high school product Allison Dufour and Massey high school product Naomi Beauchesne are set to join the Saints, who have medalled 13 times in the last 14 years at the OCAA championship.
“I want to contribute the most I can to this team and work together cohesively to pursue championship status,” the 18-year-old Dufour said.
The 5-foot-7 Dufour was an honour roll student for four years at General Amherst and also helped the Bulldogs reach OFSAA in volleyball the past two seasons.
“Ally comes to us with an opportunity to pitch immediately following the graduation of Olivia Elliott,” Saints head coach Doug Wiseman said in a release. “She is a durable pitcher who will take the ball in all situations with a strong background from the Windsor Wildcats’ organization.
“Ally’s style and competitiveness will complement Rya Cowan, but she can also play first base and outfield with some pop in her bat.”
Dufour earned the USSSA Most Outstanding Pitcher Award at the 2019 national championship as well as the PWSA high school fastpitch championship MVP award.
“Several of my teammates will also be attending (St. Clair) and I am looking forward to playing with some of my Windsor Wildcats’ family,” said Dufour, who will study early childhood education. “I am familiar with coach Wiseman. He has been my coach this season with the Windsor Wildcats. I know that he brings out the best in players while challenging us to be the best we can be. He also has a good sense of humour.”
The 5-foot-7 Beauchesne spent much of her club time playing in the United States with the Michigan Batbusters and won 16 most valuable player game awards.
“Playing for St. Clair softball will be something I’ll have to work for to earn my spot as a freshman, but it’s something that I’m willing to put time into for the most success,” said the 17-year-old Beauchesne, who will study dental hygiene.
Wiseman said Beauchesne is another player that provides multiple options for playing opportunities.
“Naomi is talented and complete softball athlete who plays the game at a high level due to her incredible work ethic,” Wiseman said. “She can play comfortably anywhere on the infield.
“Naomi has a pure swing that I have not seen since Skyler Patteson, who accomplished great things during her time at St. Clair. Naomi is an everyday player and will be an easy name to write into our lineup card. She has the ability to be a difference maker at any time in any game.”