Lynx welcome competition for select weekend

Pictured are all five teams following the skills competition.

History was made on the diamond this past weekend as the U13 Select Wellington Lynx hosted the first Lynx Select tournament at the Field of Dreams in over a decade.

​The event drew top-tier competition from across Ontario and Quebec, with visiting teams traveling from as far away as Montreal and Sarnia.

​The Lynx faced a tough opening test in Game 1 against the Quinte Royals. Ben Runions got the start on the mound with Bentley Hicks coming on in relief. Though the Royals captured the victory, Runions’ strong performance earned him Game MVP honours for Wellington.

​In Game 2, the Lynx squared off against a familiar rival, the South Hastings Juniors. Orson Larter put together an impressive outing on the mound, throwing 78 pitches – an outstanding 70 per cent of which were strikes. Lyncon Harvey pitched well in relief, but unfortunately, defensive errors proved costly for the Lynx, allowing the Juniors to capitalize for the win. Larter was named team MVP for his efficient pitching performance.

​Game 3 brought another formidable opponent in the Chateauguay Cubs from Montreal. Frankie Dyer took the mound against a deep Cubs lineup, with Ben Runions and Grayson Kopp pitching in relief. The Cubs proved too strong offensively, but Parker Garden stood out for Wellington to earn Game MVP recognition for his strong performance at the plate.

​The Lynx saved their best for last in Game 4 against the Alvinston Hawks. The Wellington bats erupted, the defense tightened up, and pitcher Austin Howe threw a gem to lock down a well-deserved 16 – 12 victory to close out the tournament.

​While a 1-3 record wasn’t the ultimate outcome the team aimed for, the Lynx showed progress, grit, and growth in every single game, making their coaching staff immensely proud. ​In the championship final, the Chateauguay Cubs defeated the Quinte Royals to take home the tournament title.

​Off the scoreboard, a major highlight of the weekend was a fan-favorite skills competition where players from all five teams, and Lynx Assistant Coach Andrew Nyman, tested their abilities in throwing accuracy, catching fly balls, hitting power and distance, and base-running speed.

​An event of this scale takes a full team effort off the field as well. The team extends its thanks to all of the community volunteers, parent volunteers, and the PECMBA executive for their tireless support and hard work throughout the weekend to make this tournament a resounding success.