Featured in Photo Back Row (Left to Right): Assistant Coach Ron Lambert, Ella Jones-Clubb, Lauren Dottori, Kennedy Schnarr, Ainslie Wilcox, Sara Salvucci, Avery Santos, Ava Ranney, Emma Andruskievicz and Head Coach Jason Saker (Front Row): Assistant Coach John Salvucci, Kaitlyn Titus, Deanna Dooling, Maddie Scime, Emma Diegel, Becca Woo, Eastyn Saker, Melissa Cockhill and Assistant Coach Scott  Ranney

Between rain delays, sweltering heat, and a four-game slate on playoff Sunday, the UTM Morriston U19 Softball Club did not have the easiest path to the top. With some fantastic play on the field and a large group of support from sponsors, friends, and family however, the team was able to push through and take home the Provincial Women’s Softball Association Tier Two Gold Medal. The team finished second in their pool play action, earning them a playoff birth in the 16 team tournament. The squad would then go on a terrific run winning five straight games to take home the championship, knocking off UTM Halton in the final by a score of 7-2. Head coach Jason Saker has been with UTM Morrison for four years now and says when the final out was made, it was a special feeling.

“All I could think of was we did it! To be part of such a special accomplishment, I was speechless.”

The team started out in September with fall ball, prepping them for the long season ahead. The squad took part in both tournaments and league play throughout the year. Saker was happy with the progression and improvement he saw from his players from the start of the year to their final game.

“In every player I saw a development from when we started in September to this final weekend.”

Team captain Lauren Dottori spoke very highly of the character and commitment of her team. The second basemen and Cambridge St. Benedict’s product said that while the season was not always the smoothest, the squad was able to pull together when they needed to most.

“We had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day we had one goal in mind, and everyone bought into their roles.

The UTM Morriston squad is comprised of a wide variety of players coming from as far away as Toronto. While the core of the group has been playing together for a few seasons now, the new additions meshed well with the team and helped contribute right away. Outfielder and Kitchener St. Mary’s product Ella Jones-Clubb was very complimentary of her team when speaking about the group as a whole both on and off the diamond.

“We are all talented in our own ways and we vibe off of each others energy.”

While the season has wrapped up for the team for the summer, the moments together that the squad shared was something that right fielder Eastyn Saker says she and her teammates will take with them.

“When we play together it was like magic.”

To find out how to join the UTM Softball Club for this upcoming season, check out their website and follow along for updates https://www.utmfastpitch.com/.