The season to play ball is now here, and that includes for the Athabasca Mites softball teams for girls ages seven to nine.
Seventeen girls played the game on May 24 at Mosquito Diamond over at the University Multiplex. Nine players played for Mites 1, and the other eight went to bat for Mites 2. While each team wears the same red jerseys, Mites 1 wears black pants, while Mites 2 wears grey.
For Mites 2, it was their first game of the year, while for Mites 1, it was their second game, having played against Barrhead on May 15.
In this game, Mites 2 ended up narrowly prevailing, outscoring Mites 1 after three innings of play by a score of 18-17.
But, according to Mites 2 head coach Ryan Maier, it wasn't just about winning.
"The girls had fun playing out in the field," said Maier. "It was our first game of the year, so they were mostly learning and having a lot of fun."
Maier added while they do keep score, it doesn't matter who ends up winning at the end of the day.
"It's more important that the girls get the feel for the game," he said. "I just hope they develop a love for the game, and just keep playing. They were working hard, playing hard, and just doing their best, so all in all, it was a good day."
Over at the Mites 1 bench, one of the assistant coaches, Richard Astasiewicz, said it was a good game for their girls.
"Everyone had fun, with each of the girls getting a chance to bat," said Astasiewicz. "This game, each of the teams got to hit from the T-ball if they had three strikes. We do not usually play this way, but it did provide an opportunity for everyone to hit, and get on their base."
The league has for teams this year, with two out of Barrhead and two out of Athabasca.
Erin Dosenberg, the other assistant coach for Mites 1, said that each team plays each other twice.
"At the end of the season, all four teams get to play a final tournament against each other in Clyde on June 23," said Dosenberg. "It's done playoff style, with each team guaranteed to play three games, with the highest two playing at the end."
All in all, both assistant coaches said their team had lots of fun playing out in the diamond.
Practices for both teams typically go every Tuesday at 5:30, while games are usually held on Thursdays.
Mites 1 plays their next game on May 31, when they host Barrhead 1, while Mites 2 heads out on that day to play against Barrhead 2.
