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Benchwarmers tops in territory Team goes undefeated to repeat last year's victorious performance
Shawn Giilck
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, August 15, 2013
INUVIK
There are easier ways to go undefeated through a tournament.
The Inuvik Benchwarmers celebrated their second straight territorial title on Aug. 11 led by team captain Stacey Christie, centre. The team consists of coach Justin Simms, assistant coach Donny Hendrick, Rebecca Kaglik, Jen Kalinek, Courtney Larocque, Chelsey Larocque, Stacey Christie, Lisa Burns, Terra MacNabb, Wilma Hendrick, Sophie Stefure, Natasha Kulikowski, Justine White and Shandie Tanner. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo
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The Inuvik Benchwarmers kept a tight grip on their territorial title at the women's slo-pitch championships held in Inuvik from Aug. 9 to 11 by not losing a game.
That's not to say it was an easy ride for the team, though, which was fresh off a losing record at the National Championships held in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Four teams, all from the Inuvik area, entered the tournament looking for a spot at next year's nationals, which will be held in New Brunswick.
Even from the team's first game Friday, it was obvious the defending champions intimidated no one. The Charlie's Angels team wasted no time in running up a lead on the Benchwarmers in the opening game Friday night before the favourites mounted a relentless comeback.
That pattern repeated itself at the final game, when Arctic Tire ran up a 3-0 lead in the first inning before the seemingly-inevitable avalanche overwhelmed them.
Arctic Tire mounted a last-gasp comeback in the seventh inning as the Benchwarmers suddenly found themselves unable to get the last out.
That rally was snuffed out short, though, leaving the team to celebrate its dominance.
Team captain Stacey Christie said Arctic Tire gave the Benchwarmers the hardest time, but added that none of the games were easy.
"We never get frustrated, we always play out the game," said coach Justin Simms. "And we work together. There's lots of teamwork. We weren't nervous at all after the first inning."
"We knew we just had to get out the bats and battle back. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of great ball," Christie said. "It's nice to see so many women coming out and playing ball. I hope it stays here in Inuvik."
"We have a lot of teamwork and camaraderie," Christie added. "Even in the round robin it was tough. But we wanted it, and we were hungry for it."
Simms agreed with that.
"There was awesome competition here," he said. "I hope there's more of it next year."
The win ensures the Benchwarmers will represent the NWT at the Nationals in New Brunswick next year.
"The fundraising for that starts tomorrow," Christie quipped.
Team pitcher Shandie Tanner won the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament.
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