Vermilion Minor Ball U15 And U17 Girls Travel To Provincials

The U17 Vermilion Shadows have wrapped up their season with spirit, smiles, and one unforgettable trip to Provincials. While the results on the field may not have gone as hoped, with one win and three losses, what mattered most was the heart they brought to every game. These girls played hard, stayed positive, and gave everything they had against some of the toughest competition in Alberta. And when it came to fun and team spirit, Vermilion stole the show. During Thursday night’s opening ceremonies, the girls sprinted, cheered, and powered their way to first place in the team relay race, kicking things off with laughter and a well-earned win. It was the perfect way to start a weekend of great softball and even better memories. Huge thanks to Marwayne for hosting a phenomenal event with amazing weather and fantastic hospitality all weekend long.

This season has been a home run for the entire Vermilion Minor Ball community. With 176 players registered across multiple age divisions, the diamonds were buzzing from May through July. U9 Girls, U11, and U13 teams played in the Lloydminster League, gaining experience and confidence every game. The 9U Boys formed a spirited league with Marwayne, Kitscoty, and Paradise Valley, developing skills and having fun while building new friendships. U15 and U17 girls competed in the Lakeland Minor Ball League, showing grit and growth every step of the way.

The U15 team had an outstanding season, finishing first in the Tier 1 U15 Lakeland League out of 14 teams, losing only one league game all year. Their hard work continued into the postseason as they advanced through the provincial qualifier tournament and earned a spot at Provincials in Wainwright. There, they went 3-1 in the round robin, pushing through to a tie-breaker game on Sunday morning, which they won. Despite a hard-fought loss in the semi-finals, they proudly finished 4th overall out of 12 teams, a huge accomplishment and a testament to their dedication, heart, and teamwork. Vermilion Minor Ball President and U15 coach said, “We are very proud of these girls, not just for their wins, but for the way they carried themselves on and off the field. Their growth, teamwork, and positivity throughout the year is something every one of them should be proud of.”

The season began with a baseball skills clinic led by two enthusiastic young coaches from Lloydminster who brought energy and expertise to the field. On top of that, Vermilion hosted a baseball umpire clinic early in the season, and thanks to a great partnership with the Lloydminster Liners, a softball umpire clinic was also held in Kitscoty to support our growing community of officials.

Tournament season was full of highlights and hometown pride. From the annual Brian Poon Tournament on June 6 to 8 to the U15 Lakeland Minor Ball League Crossover on May 31 and June 1, the excitement never stopped. The U15 Tier 1 Lakeland Championship gave players a chance to shine under pressure, and on June 28, Vermilion proudly hosted the U13 and U15 Alberta Softball Zone 7 Regional Qualifiers, bringing some of the province’s top talent right to our backyard.

Through every swing, every slide, every strikeout and celebration, one thing was clear: Vermilion players brought energy, teamwork, and passion to the field. The U17 Shadows’ trip to Provincials capped off a season of effort, growth, and unforgettable moments. They represented Vermilion with pride, and the relay race win proved that speed, spirit, and smiles are just as powerful as any championship title. The dedication of the coaches, volunteers, families, and fans made this season possible and one to remember. From the first warmup toss to the final out, Vermilion Minor Ball knocked it out of the park in 2025. Go, Shadows & Reds, go!