UNITY — While it wasn't the desired goal they set out for, the Unity U17 Panthers enlisted community Panther pride in their successful provincial competition held in Swift Current July 22 to 24.
In an eight-team competition, the Panthers outscored the Saskatoon Lasers in their opening game by a score of 17-0. A one-run loss to the Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Storm in their second game had the team regrouping for the remainder of the provincial tournament.
Game three, the Panthers once again brought it big earning a stunning 11-3 victory over the Regina Fighting Saints.
This placed Unity in Sunday playoffs where they would face the Melville Mils and in a slugfest, the Panthers earned a 15-13 victory. Their semifinal series was against none other than the Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Storm, who delivered Unity their only loss. Pitching prominence, batting strength and strong defensive skills earned the Panthers a 16-15 victory sending them to the provincial final.
Meeting familiar rivals, the Macklin Lakers, the Panthers battled hard but were unable to overcome Macklin and thus earned a silver medal in their provincial event.
