By: Matt Betts
The Terriers took care of business on their home field to earn a berth in the Baseball Canada National Championship next month in Okotoks, Alta.
Their Road to Okotoks regional qualifier began with a 2-0 win over the North Toronto 17U Elite at King Christian Collegiate and a 9-0 victory against the Ontario Giants.
A Game 3 loss to the Mississauga Tigers was followed by a 13-4 win over the Ontario Blue Jays.
After beating the Etobicoke Rangers, 7-5, it set the stage for a rematch with the Tigers in the final.
The Terriers scored five runs in the first inning en route to a 6-3 victory.
Head coach Ryan Pollard believes the success his team was able to have started well before the tournament even began.
“Our team success started in the fall, continued in our indoor workouts and we were ready once we had the opportunity to get outside,” Pollard said.
“Focus, determination and our winning mindset. All the players came together and were ready for the challenge they had in front of them. They played for each other.”
While they earned a berth in the national championship before the final, the goal was always to win the qualifier, Pollard said.
“We as coaches couldn’t ask for anything else, we’re very happy with our performance,” he said.
“They stayed focused, determined and had one goal. They came together as one team.”
With the tournament in Okotoks slated for July 14 to 19, there’s still time for the team to prepare.
Once they get there, the goal is simple.
“Win it all,” Pollard said.
“We want to go there and proudly represent the name on our jerseys. Not just for us, but for our Terriers family past and present. We think we put all of Canada on notice after this qualifier weekend.”