This morning Belize’s 18 member junior female softball team returned from the 5th Central American Junior Championship Games in Salvador with a trophy, silver medals around each of their necks, and the pride of the nation on their shoulders. The team played matches against Guatemala, Nicaragua, and regional softball powerhouse – Salvador. They came out of the tournament with a 3-3 record – after winning convincing victories against Nicaragua and Guatemala. Their final match was yesterday against Salvador which they lost but overall they placed second in the tournament – earning them the silver medals. Immediately after the game yesterday, they set out on a 14 hour bus ride back to Belize. They arrived at Roger’s Stadium at 10:45 this morning and we were there to meet them.
Sharrett Vernon, Shot Stop
“The games very competitive and we really had to play hard. All the teams were competitive. We had to play really hard to win.”
Clarissa Gladden, Right Field
“Some of the games were challenging but we still went out there and did our best to win and we represented our country Belize.”
Keith Swift,
How does it feel to return home with silver?
Sharrett Vernon,
“Very good. It feels really good. I wish I could have bring the gold but the silver is great. We tek whe wi get.”
Crystal Hernandez, Second Base
“I feel good because without playing hard you couldn’t get this. We just played hard to get the silver. It is still better than nothing.”
Belize’s top pitcher was Leandra Guy. She is from Roaring Creek and so did not return with the team to Belize City. The last time our Under 19 team participated in the competition, we won bronze and Guatemala won gold. This year Salvador finished first, Belize second, and Guatemala third. Belize’s senior female softball selection also won silver when they competed earlier this year. The pressure is now on our male Under 19 team which will compete in a tournament scheduled for October in Belize.
