The Fraser Valley Zone 3 softball team pulled out a win in their first game of the tournament at the BC Summer Games. 

Now their coach Katelyn Ross is hoping they can trust in their abilities to keep the momentum going. 

"Our girls worked hard, we were behind in the first inning, and they came back and won it 3-1," said Ross.

"They had loaded bases for a couple of innings and couldn't cash them and they ended up cashing in in the last two innings to take the 'w'," she said. 

Ross is relieved that their first-game jitters are now out of the way. 

"For the most part they are such a good group of athletes, it's just trusting themselves and their abilities," she said. 

Maple Ridge players: Sara MacDonald, 13, Julia Waterman, 15, and Amarah Hunter, 14, and Aden MacDonald, 15, of Pitt Meadows, who plays for Fraser Valley Zone 3A, said it is difficult getting to know every team member's preferences on the field. 

"How they respond to certain things that happen on the field because everyone responds differently and have grown to different situations," said Julia.

All four girls play for the Ridge Meadows Pride 09A, and have grown up playing together. And being chosen to play on this team together was an honour.

Amarah was overwhelmed and excited when she learned she had made the team. 

"It's a cool experience to be here. I've watched people do it before and I've heard about it and it's my first time. It's exciting," she said. 

This first game demonstrated to the girls that they need a lot of communication on the field.

"Especially if you're just getting to know one each other," said Aden.

Julia thinks the team rolled into the game a little slow and said she hopes the team can keep rolling now that they have the momentum. She noted that the team played defence really well.

"It helps that we have amazing pitchers," she said. 

For the most part, though, the girls enjoy the sport because of the fun they have and the friendships they've made. 

"And the excitement of playing with the crowd cheering you on," added Sara. 

The 2024 BC Summer Games are being held between Wednesday and Sunday, July 17 to 21, in Maple Ridge. This is the third time in the Games history that Maple Ridge has been the host. This week, an estimated 2,400 athletes (average age is 14 to 15), plus some 500 coaches and officials are here for the competitions being held at sports venues throughout the community and region.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Games at www.mapleridgenews.com.