Richmond 2006A Islanders made the most of their trip down south for the 2018 Toys for Tots Champions Tournament in Centralia, WA.
The event marked the debut at the “A” level for the girls’ fastpitch team. Even though these games were their first together, the Islanders did not make that visible to anyone but themselves.
They battled their way into the semi-finals thanks to a 2-1 record in three challenging round-robin games. Another victory sent the Islanders into the championship game against a team from Seattle.
Extra innings, under international rules, were required when the teams remained deadlocked at 2-2 through regulation.
With timely hitting & aggressive base running, the Islanders managed to bring in the lead run. It was then some clutch pitching and defensive work that sealed a 3-2 victory and the championship.
The team includes: Bella Callaghan, Vanessa Chan, Ulani Cyr, Bella DeShaye, Laurel Forgeron, Samantha Jung, Makaela Parker, Micah Penalosa, Demetra Trimis, Aika Wang and Madelyn Wong.
The impressive run would not have been possible without the dedication of head coach Dana Trimis and assistants Johnny Wong, Adam Cyr and Dereck Griffin.
Trimis brings plenty of experience and success to the team.
Her 24 years of coaching includes guiding a Richmond team to provincial gold at the Midget level back in 1994. As a player, the standout pitcher took her career at the way to the national level, winning bronze for Canada’s junior team at the Pan Am Games.
