The Fraser Valley Fusion 94 fastpitch team is headed to the Canadian national championship.

The 13-girl squad battled hard against 12 other teams to earn this spot.

The local girls play in the U19 loop and, as junior members of this division, had to beat several senior teams for the honour.

Four teams from B.C. will compete at nationals. They include the Richmond Islanders 93, the Surrey Storm 93, the Victoria Devils 94 and the Fusion 94.

Lauren Iverson, Danica Kump, Jessica MacLeod, Jessica Ginter, Megan Shurey, Nicole Ratel, Katie Young, Paige Rutledge, Rebecca Morgan, and Jaymie White have been playing with the Fusion for several years, and this was very evident during qualifying competition.

Joining the team this year was Alexandra Carl, Amanda Duffield, and Erin Frinskie, who rounded out the squad and were key additions to the team.

The national fastpitch championship is a weeklong tournament, and this year takes place mid-August in Winnipeg.

The expense is significant and any donations or sponsorships are welcomed. Contact Wendy Ratel at wratel@telus.net for information.

SOCCER SIGN-UPS

Langley United Football is holding two open tryout events today (Thursday Aug. 4), and next Thursday, Aug. 11.

Registration for the soccer squads will be at 6: 45 p.m. at Willoughby Athletic Park behind the Langley Events Center.

Organizers are looking for players for the Premier, Div. 1, Div. 2, Div. 3, Div. 4, U21, and Masters (Over 35) teams.

For further information contact: lufcsecretary@ gmail.com.

FUSION THIRD IN B.C.

The Fraser Valley Fusion '99 girls fastpitch team placed third at the Squirt "A" provincial championship in Victoria last weekend.

The Fusion went 5-0 in round robin, with strong defence and strong contacts at the plate.

The Fusion are Sydney Arnold, Sahiba Badh, Kristen Bartlett, Hannah Boulanger, Mackenzie Brown, Jillian Koschel, Rachel Lamborn, Janelle Loewen, Kathleen Lepine, Julia Minnaker, Tayler Janower, Miranda Parker. Leading the team is Blondine Loewen, Werner Toews, Todd Boulanger, and Leasa Lepine.

THUNDER BRONZED

The Langley Thunder intermediate A lacrosse team pulled out a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory over the Richmond Road Runners, to win bronze at the provincial finals Monday at Queen's Park Arena in New Westminster.

The Thunder was backstopped by goaltender Giulio De Bianco, who faced 55 shots.

Game MPV Brett Dobray led the offence by scoring five goals.

The Thunder battled hard in a see-saw game that featured several lead changes, and tied the score in the final minute of regulation time, before eventually winning in overtime.

Win or lose in the thirdplace game, getting this far made for a successful season for the Thunder, which had the best record in the league during the second half of the season.

The Thunder finished round robin play with a 13 record, winning against Richmond and losing to Coquitlam and New Westminster.

However, Langley came within seven seconds of advancing to the gold medal game before losing a very close game against the host New West club.

sports@langleyadvance.com