The U17 AAA Winnipeg Lightning capped an impressive summer run with standout performances from Stonewall’s Sierra Slatcher.
Slatcher, 17, split her season between the pitcher’s circle and first base, helping the Lightning capture a provincial silver medal and a berth at the 2025 Canadian Championships.
From July 30 to Aug. 3 in Warman, Sask., she elevated her game against the best U17 softball clubs in the country. Over the weekend, she threw 366 pitches, striking out 32 batters while walking only four and allowing just one earned run.
She was just as dangerous at the plate, posting a .500 batting average, a .550 on-base percentage and belting an over-the-fence home run.
Her combined offensive and defensive efforts earned her the tournament’s Top Infielder award.
“Winning Top Infielder at nationals means so much to me because it shows all the time and effort I’ve put into this game,” Slatcher said. “It’s such an honour to get recognized and represent my team.”
Slatcher’s play helped the Lightning finish in the top half of the 24-team field, placing 10th overall. It was the final highlight of a season that featured multiple travel tournaments across Canada, a 14-8-1 Manitoba Premier Softball League record and the provincial silver.
“I always enjoy playing with my team,” she said. “We have great coaching and teammates. We travelled to a couple of new tournaments this year in B.C. and Moose Jaw. Our goal was to make nationals and we succeeded.”
Slatcher will move up to U19 next season after aging out of U17. The U19 level also features Canadian Championships, along with Western Canadian Championships for teams that qualify through provincials.
