Morning Star Staff
Last place in the regular season was no reason for the White House Mortgage Gators to hold any pity parties.
They found some major chemistry in the playoffs and went into the finals Wednesday night needing to knock off undefeated Tenacity twice for the Vernon Competitive Women’s Slo-Pitch League title.
The Gators did so with super sticks and dynamic defence, topping Tenacity 17-4 and 8-6.
“We had a slow start to the season and with six new players, it took us some time to find our identity,” said veteran Gator Michelle Embleton. “It all came together and we finished on top in the playoffs.”
Winning pitcher and MVP Denise Farmer drove in five runs on three hits in the Game 1 mercy win. Iva Weins also had a strong night playing the rover position and taking advantage of her strength in throwing the ball and getting some timely outs while batting 3-for-3 with two ribbies.
Elli Lane had a fantastic game with a triple, double and single, while Nancy Lafreniere hit a triple, two-run single and scored three times. Alicia Melnick was 2-for-2 with one RBI.
In Game 2, Tenacity came out inspired with six runs in the first inning.
“We were able to chip away and score a couple of runs throughout the game, contain them to those six runs and score eight,” said Embleton.
Speedy Sarah McDonnell was stellar in the White House outfield, giving the rover confidence to have McDonnell covering her back.
McDonnell found her swing and batted 4-for-4 with one ribbie. Farmer controlled the mound and got great defensive support from all the Gators. Farmer batted 1.000 in two games, going 3-for-3 in the second game.
Tiffany Disher was 2-for-3 with two ribbies, while Melissa Locke was 2-for-3 with one RBI and Iva Weins was 2-for-3.
“The Gators would like to put out a huge thank you to Deb White of White House Mortgages for the past 13 years of continued sponsorship and the journey we have taken,” said Embleton.
The rest of the Gators: Bonnie Miller, Courtney McKenzie, Danielle Saddleman, Jennifer Doyle, Kate Carter, Kelli Graham, Melissa Locke, Meridee Schindel, Tanya Saddleman Joe and Tiffany Disher.