Lucas Punkari
As is often the case during the summer, the ball diamond at Couchiching was surrounded by interested observers as two teams battled it out in fastball action Monday night.
But instead of the guys who take to the field on weekly basis in the RRDFL, it was women who were there as the newly-formed Rainy River District Women’s Fastball League began its inaugural season of play.
“It’s pretty amazing to see such a good turnout of fans here for our first game,” enthused league organizer Holly Cogger.
“I’m just glad to see that, and to see how many girls we had that wanted to sign up and play this year,” she added.
Although Cogger was hoping for a four-team league for the inaugural season, she actually got five as the Big Grassy Lynx, Sabaskong Cougars, Fort Frances Her-Canes, Couchiching Lady Raiders, and Red Gut Bay will battle it out for league supremacy.
“There is a pretty wide mix of young players and veterans on the teams,” Cogger noted.
“Half of the team for Couchiching is made up of players who haven’t played fastball before, so that’s something that surprised me a little bit to see that many new players on a team,” she remarked.
“The team from Sabaskong has a lot of younger players, as well, but they also have a number of veteran players that are helping them out.”
In the first two games of the season Monday, Red Gut Bay spoiled the home debut of the Lady Raiders—using an early offensive output to take a 10-6 win.
The other contest in Sabaskong saw the host Cougars and the Lynx battle it out in a wild-and-woolly affair, which the Lynx won 26-25.
League play is slated to resume next Monday night (weather permitting) as the Her-Canes will make their debut in Couchiching against the Lynx while the Cougars will travel to Red Gut.
“All of the games will start at 6 p.m. this month, but we plan to start our games at 7 p.m. in July to allow for the ladies to have more time to take care of their family stuff before the games,” Cogger said.
“The regular season will go [through] July and the playoffs will begin in August, and we are also planning to have a tournament here on Labour Day weekend,” she added.
“We’re hoping to use all of the diamonds in town for that one as we are inviting teams from Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Dryden, and Bemidji for it.”
While a league website currently is in development, those looking for more information can join the RRDWFL official group on Facebook.
