Payton Eldridge’s future is looking bright.
The Crossfield native was part of the Edmonton Warriors women’s baseball team that competed at the national championship tournament in St. John, N.B. from Aug. 1-8.
She’ll also be on her way to U.S. college on a sports scholarship next month.
The Warriors, which are primarily made up of girls from the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, earned a spot at nationals after winning gold at the provincial tournament in Okotoks on July 10.
“Provincials was really good, as we went 5-1,” said third basemen Eldridge. “There weren’t any one-run games and we won each by at least three or four runs.”
Come September, the 18-year-old will be heading to Burlington County College, located in Pemberton, N.J. She’ll be studying drafting and design, while also playing baseball in the fall and spring.
“I’m pretty excited for the opportunity and I’m happy to be taking the course I want to take,” she said.
However, before heading back west to pack, she said the Warriors have a legitimate chance at claiming a top spot at nationals.
“We are ranked seventh out of 15 teams going into nationals, so we’re hoping to just do the best that we can,” Eldridge said. “Winning our first game and then getting to the playoffs are our main goals.”
The team played five exhibition games the weekend before leaving for the tournament and won all five in decisive fashion.
“We go for pitching and defence, but this year, we also have a very good offensive team,” Eldridge said.
“I think it’s good to come in on a winning note because everyone is more focused, energetic and excited to play.”
