In recent years, the Hampton program did not have a junior (13-and 14-year-olds) girls Little League softball team. However, many of the girls played at last year's Canadian Major (11 and 12) Championship in Ontario and made the move to the juniors this season.
Now, the Hampton team is hosting the three-team Canadian Junior Championship which starts today at Hampton Park. The winner advances to the World Series in Kirkland, Washington, which begins on Friday.
"When I went to the nationals last year, it was a new experience,'' said catcher/second baseman Tianna Kuyp from Hampton. "It was the first time that I had travelled out of sa国际传媒 to play ball. It was a bit stressful but it is something that I'll remember for a long time.
"When I'm catching, sometimes it gets very intense but I can't complain because I like being involved in the action.''
The other teams taking part are sa国际传媒 champion Layritz and Turtle Club Athletics from Windsor. In today's first game at 11 a.m., the Turtle Club plays Layritz. The first game for Hampton is Sunday at noon against the Turtle Club. The final is scheduled for Wednesday at 6: 30 p.m.
"Pitching has been a bit of a struggle for us this year,'' said Hampton coach Chris Kuyp. "We have been working on it all year, trying to get better. Our infield defence has been very solid for us and we'll need that to continue.
"I'm really looking forward to playing Windsor because I know that it will be a strong team. Layritz has a solid program, especially depth in pitching.
"At Hampton, our motto is to have fun while trying to win. We are a recreational-type program with all levels of players.''
Some of the players to watch from Hampton are Mary Harding, Tianna Kuyp, Calyn Gluns and pitcher Megan Thomson.
