By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator

Lefty hurler Alexa Guilford says her softball team is ready to put it all on the line as they enter the playoffs at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara. The squad is 15 strong and self-described as a big family that enjoys playing together.

The team has been in a round-robin pool with PEI, Nova Scotia, and rivals Saskatchewan, and B.C. After a tough loss to BC, the Manitoba line-up has pulled off a string of three victories. Guilford pitched for their last game where their bats and base-running earned them a 10-1 win.

The squad is also making itself known for its energy and enthusiasm, and for bringing Team Toba’s signature slogan #herdofus to life in more ways than one – by cheering as loud as they can! You can hear “B-u-f-f-a-l-o, all hail the buffalo!”, “Ain’t no party like a Toba party, woo, woo, fear the Herd”, and “3-2-1- get some more!” from Grimsby’s Southward Community Sports Park, all the way to the Athletes’ Village in St. Catharine’s.

The 18-year-old from Crystal City shared that her goal on and off the diamond is to be level-headed and to be focused not only on what she needs to do but on how she can help her teammates. She added the 2022 Games are very exciting and the entire team thinks the atmosphere is very cool.

Guilford is proud to wear number 55 on her back and understands it has taken a lot of commitment from home to reach this point. Her mom is her role model. She explains her dad travels for work and thanks her mom for always coming to games and taking time to catch for her in the backyard, despite being busy with her three brothers as well.

There is also a strong connection between Guilford and her cousin, Zach Mayo, who was a pitcher at North Dakota State University. According to Guilford, “It’s fun to sort of follow in his footsteps while creating my own path and I feel he’s also a valuable resource during the games if I want to check in.”

Later this month, Alexa will make her way to Crookston to play ball for the University of Minnesota. She’s looking forward to her first year there and using this Canada Games experience as a launching pad for success on the diamond.

Team Toba softball is back in action Wednesday at 1:30 PM EST against Équipe Québec.

 

*photo credits: Jay McNaughton and Ron Planche, 2022 Canada Games