VANCOUVER – In a season that's had more than its fair share of ups and downs, pivots and rescheduled games, the UBC Softball team is playoff bound having clinched a berth at the upcoming Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament.

While this is a terrific achievement for a program that hadn't played competitively in nearly two years due to the pandemic, the ongoing challenges of the last several years continue to be felt as the final regular season series scheduled for this coming weekend has officially been cancelled, denying the team's seniors their typical on-field send-off.

"This is just another bump in the road for them after a whole year where they couldn't compete," said UBC Head Coach Gord Collings. "At times during the restrictions we couldn't even have intra-squad scrimmages, so to them it's disappointing but they also understand it's a bump in the road."



To help fill the void left by the senior weekend series being scrapped, Collings has helped arrange a special alumni game Saturday which will include a special senior recognition, combined with a reunion of sorts at the program's new home facility.

"We're really looking forward to seeing some of the players come back, and it'll be kind of neat for them too because they helped build to where we are today and helped us get to the point where we're at where we have a field out here," added Collings. "We can celebrate their contributions to it as well as recognizing our seniors. We'll have some fun and they'll get the opportunity to share it not only with their family and friends but also with the alumni."

Following the alumni game, which is set for 1:30 p.m. PT Saturday, April 30 at Collings Field, Emilie Sherritt, Nicole Salas, Avery Hilpert, Amelia Trembath, Gabby Freer, Mia Valcke, and Shelby Kempel will all be honoured for their time with the program.

"They helped build the program, they were top recruits when they came in. And for them to stick with us really helps us in terms of recruiting and keeping the program going and the culture we've developed. They're very special. There's a group of seven of them and while two of them have decided to come back for another year, the other five will be sorely missed. They're great contributors, great teammates and leaders both on and off the field. They've helped the program get to where it is today and the fact we're in the playoffs now can be contributed to their commitment and dedication."