12U take gold
On Thursday, July 9, the Garrison 12U Girls Softball team played in a tournament at the Lake Brekken Field.
Besides Garrison, host town Turtle Lake, Wilton, Hazen, Washburn and Beulah were all there to compete.
Early season
“The summer season started with 35 girls on three teams,” coach Jacque Schaible said. “We were able to schedule games for the 8U (meaning under 8), 10U, and 12U. Each level progresses in skill development. 8U is coach pitch with the limitation of running one base on a hit, and one base on an overthrow.”
The 10U team progresses to the players pitching, but after four balls, the coach would step in and finish pitching to that batter.
“They can still strike out from a coach pitch,” Schaible said. “This keeps the game moving and allows them more time to develop as fielders. They get to steal at this age but can’t steal home.”
The 12U team has similar rules.
“It’s kid pitch and open stealing. Stealing is a huge part of softball, and the girls got pretty good at it by the end of the year,” Schaible said. “We also have an eager crew of pitchers which is basically the best thing in the world.”