It was a weekend for all levels of softball players in South Surrey, from young, first-time players to elite U13A athletes who won their second straight tournament title.
From Crescent Park to Sunnyside Park, the South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball Association hosted hundreds of players, families, volunteers, and visiting teams June 4-7, contributing to what many described as one of the most successful weekends in recent history, according to SSWRMSA president Thomas Bell.
Festivities began on Thursday (June 4), as 15 teams from SSWRMSA’s Learn to Play and U7 levels gathered at Crescent Park for FunFest, where the association’s youngest athletes enjoyed an event centred on fun, featuring softball games, face painting, and a popular bouncy castle.
“It is impossible not to smile watching our youngest players fall in love with the game,” Bell said in an email. “FunFest is about joy and community. Our rep player leaders help us run these programs, some of whom started in Learn to Play. These full-circle moments are special. All of the players remind us why we do what we do.”
On Saturday (June 6), 12 U9 teams took part in their own FunFest at Sunnyside Park, blending softball, family involvement, and community spirit, Bell continued. Players enjoyed multiple games, a home run derby, and a picnic lunch, all while being on the same fields as the Rep A teams, soaking in the excitement and inspiration of a high-level tournament.
The U13A Veterans Cup at Sunnyside welcomed top U13A teams from across the Greater Vancouver region.
“This tournament shows our younger players what is ahead for them,” Bell noted. “They see the speed, the skill, the teamwork, and they realise that with hard work, they can get there too.”
Thunder 2013A rose to the occasion and delivered a championship performance that reflected both preparation and confidence, with the team capped an outstanding weekend with a commanding 6-0 victory over Fraser Valley Fusion 2013A in Sunday’s final, securing its second straight tournament title and its second consecutive perfect record.
Thunder’s pitching duo of Isha Hundal and Kiara Dhaliwal combined for a complete game shutout, holding Fusion to three hits, Bell shared. Hundal set the tone early with three no-hit innings and three strikeouts; Dhaliwal followed with four strong innings of her own, allowing just three hits, striking out four, and issuing no walks, sealing the championship with a strikeout for the final out.
Thunder opened the scoring in the second inning when Hundal delivered a clean RBI single. The game remained close until the fourth, when Thunder’s offence erupted for five runs and took full control, Bell continued. The decisive inning showcased the depth of the lineup: Katie Durston doubled to score one run, Dhaliwal drew a bases loaded walk, Ellen Stevens singled in another, Anwin Mills walked to bring home a run, and Samaya Sangha added a walk to push the lead to 6 to 0.
Durston and Hundal each collected two hits in the win, while Stevens, Durston, Sangha, Mills, and Hundal all drove in one run; Fusion’s offence was unable to break through Thunder’s pitching and defence.
Head coach Stefan Durston praised his team’s composure and execution on their home field.
“Our players showed tremendous poise in a championship environment,” Durston said. “Isha and Kiara were outstanding in the circle, and the team’s ability to string together quality at bats in the fourth inning made the difference. This group continues to raise its level every time they step on the field.”
The victory adds another championship to Thunder 2013A’s season, coming just weeks after the team’s gold medal at the Canadian Pride and Power Tournament. With back-to-back titles and a roster filled with homegrown talent, the group continues to set the standard for U13A softball in the region, Bell said.
He also noted that, in North Vancouver, SSWRMSA’s U11 Rep Thunder 2015 team — led by head coach Kyle Stevens — captured gold at North Shore Fastpitch’s Quest For The Ring U11 Rep Tournament after finishing first overall.
The championship marks the team’s fifth medal of the season, Bell shared, adding to three silver medals and a previous gold earned in the silver bracket.
“This group has been knocking on the door all season,” Stevens said. “To finally break through and win a championship in the top bracket shows their resilience and belief in each other. I could not be prouder.”
Bell emphasised that the success of all four days was the result of exceptional teamwork across the association.
“These events do not happen without an army of dedicated people,” he said. “Our volunteers, field crew, umpires, coaches, and players all contributed to an unforgettable weekend for our community.”
Bell also offered special thanks to tournament director Angela Humphrey, whose leadership ensured smooth operations across multiple venues and age groups.
He also expressed gratitude to the City of Surrey for the recent renovations at Sunnyside Park.
“The upgrades at Sunnyside have transformed the facility,” Bell said. “We are proud to host major events on fields that our players can call home. The city’s support allows our association to continue growing and thriving.”