Lancers - including four Amherstburg players - heading to nationals

Four members of the University of Windsor women’s softball team are from Amherstburg. They are (from left) Jennifer Dufour, Soleen DePape, Jacqueline Pento and Allison Dufour. The team is holding a fish fry at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg this Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The University of Windsor Lancers women’s softball team is heading to the nationals later this year and are having a fundraisers in Amherstburg to help support their trip.

The Lancers include four players from Amherstburg – Soleen DePape, Jennifer Dufour, Allison Dufour and Jacqueline Pento. The team finished third in the province last year, their first medal in ten years, and that qualified them for the nationals.

DePape said the schedule begins in the first week of school in September and they plan on working hard when it does resume. Right now, many of the girls play in a league in LaSalle and keep their skills sharp. She believed the Lancers will be stronger this year than last.

“We’ve got a lot of good players and good players coming up,” said Pento.

Jennifer Dufour said they work well together and that is the reason for their success.

“I think we just feed off of each other’s energy,” she said. “I think we have a lot of strong hitters. “Pitching is another strong part of our game.”

There is a fish fry this Friday evening at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg. Eat-in or take-out options are available with a one-piece fish dinner being $11, a two-piece fish dinner $14, a three-piece chicken dinner $12 and a kids meal $8. All meals are served with coleslaw, dinner roll and a choice between fries or baked potatoes.

Roger Awad, a member of the Windsor Fastpitch Hall of Fame, is helping to co-ordinate the delivery of 68 meals to families in need in Amherstburg. Be the Light Outreach Ministry is assisting with that.

DePape said they have strong support from their all-female coaching staff. Head coach Francine Stadler said LiUna 625, Wincon Construction and other sponsors and supporters have aided the team.

The Lancers are also planning a cornhole tournament in McGregor and had a beach volleyball tournament in Tecumseh several years ago. 

Eighteen of the 21 team members return from last year.

Lancers - including four Amherstburg players - heading to nationals

By Ron Giofu