The Wonderful World of Softball for London Lightning
Submitted By ANewman on Thu 09 20, 18
This wonderful world of Softball; this world that gives girls a chance
to be empowered, motivated, excel and give their all. Lightning has been providing this opportunity
now for 30 years…30 years of giving girls and women a chance to be “Better than
Yesterday”.
London Lightning’s history began in 1988 as the London Girls Competitive Fastball Association, its intention “to attract the best players in the area in order to give them a chance to play with others at a higher skilled level” and to this day, mission completed! That year they fielded three teams with local sponsors such as Pete’s Sports, Domino’s Pizza and Petro-Canada. All three teams that year qualified for the Ontario Grand Championship.
Fast forward to 30 years later to 2018, London Lightning fielded 5 teams, competing in Grand Valley Ladies Softball Association (GVLSA) and Tri-County Women’s Fastball League. With over 60 players; an impressive roster of 17 sponsoring companies; coaches, both parent and non-parent, dedicating their time and energy for the LL organization and the players, as well, a Board of Directors with enough passion to light the diamonds. 2018 proved to be one of the most successful years in the last decade.
12U, came out of the dugout running the moment their season started! Finishing in GVLSA 19-2-1, winning a gold medal in the GVLSA’s Squirt Championship game. During Provincial Qualifiers, the girls played hard to earn a spot to compete in Tier 1 for Provincials! We are so very proud of our youngest, they always “left it all on the field”. Trevor Rosner, Head Coach is thrilled with their hard work, dedication and perseverance to do what they did this season, “I am proud of each and everyone of you!” Additional accomplishments include a Gold at the Chatham Summer Gold tournament.
U14, displayed a tremendous amount of dedication, with extra off-season training for pitchers and catchers to Saturday mornings at Centrefield Sports, this group of girls worked for their accomplishments! Coached by Larry Lewis and Kevin Christopher; Novice competed in several tournaments coming home with some nice-looking hardware; a silver at the Stratford Flames 50th Anniversary Tournament and a Provincial Bronze Medal in B. Additional accomplishments include a silver in B at the Port Perry tournament.
U16, looked forward to a strong season, with many returning players they had confidence and poise and it showed from the very first inning played. Finishing 2nd in GVLSA with a 11-5-1 record, the girls had the highest number of “Runs For” at a 127. During Provincials, Bantams clinched the 2nd place silver sealing the deal for a spot at Eastern Canadians held in Cole Harbour, NS where they returned home with bronze!
U19, started the season out winning silver at the Queen of Diamonds Tournament hosted by Brantford. They travelled to Michigan with Bantams where they competed on one of the HOTEST weekends of the summer, gaining a tremendous amount of experience. During Provincials they worked hard and brought home a bronze medal in B.
Intermediates Women had an outstanding season in 2018 with a 37-8 record! Defending their title for the 3rd year in a row at the Port Elgin Fastball Tournament bring home a gold! Coached by Terry Woods, London Lightning President, “this team simply enjoyed each other’s company as much as they did winning”. At Provincials, they knocked off the two-time defending champion Milverton Jutzi who went undefeated in their back-to-back title runs and winning a gold in the Championship against Chepstow.
So here is to 30 amazing years with LIGHTNING strikes all over the province and Canada this summer! In addition, we also celebrated some pretty amazing milestones, Coach Matt and Coach Nicole welcomed Baby Boy Griffin into the world and the marriage between Coach Cat and Coach Jess. Congrats to our softball family for these wonder events!
Go Lightning GO…for another 30!