Team Québec succeeded, Sunday, in its bid for the 2006 Women’s Invitational Championship crown, defeating Alberta 5-3 in a hard fought final at Sanscartier Park in Gatineau, Qué.
Québec outfielder Stephanie Savoie was 2-for-3 at the plate, driving in three runs en route to the championship title. Pitcher Marie-Josée Tremblay scattered just three runs on three hits over seven innings to record the victory.
Alberta right fielder Pam Fox was 2-for 3 in a losing effort, driving in one, while pitcher Heather Northcutt took the loss.
In a battle for the bronze, Ontario (black) triumphed over Nova Scotia 7-3 on the heels of four Nova Scotia errors and five unearned runs. Infielder Kate Psota was 2-for3 with one RBI as pitcher Cindy Saavedra pitched a scoreless seventh inning to record the victory and ensure the third place finish.
Nova Scotia pitcher Sarah Burgess threw six innings, surrendering just two earned runs and striking out five in a losing effort.
In the first semi-final, Québec defeated team Ontario (black) 5-3 as catcher Geneviève Beauchamp propelled her team to victory with a 2-for-3, three-RBI performance. Backed by a strong pitching performance turned in by Martine Nadeau, who went seven strong innings for the victory, Québec awaited the winner of Alberta vs. Nova Scotia to determine their championship game opponent.
With Québec eagerly looking on, Alberta dominated Nova Scotia 7-0 to advance to the final on the arm of pitcher Sam Ostrom, who hurled a complete game shut out, defeating a previously unbeaten Nova Scotia squad. Second baseman Nicole Luchanski was 3-for-4 with three RBI, also sparking her team with stingy infield defence.
Candace Slaunwhite took the loss for Nova Scotia, pitching 6.1innings, allowing six earned runs on nine Alberta hits.
