The Abbotsford Outlaws 2009A team made history on Sunday (Aug. 18).

The provincial champions became the first-ever Abbotsford Minor Fastpitch Association club to capture a national crown with a monumental 1-0 blanking of the Waterloo Ghosts Gold in Quebec.

After seven innings of scoreless play the game remained knotted at zero, which moved the game into international tie-breaker rules where each team starts with a runner on second base.

Waterloo quickly loaded the bases with zero outs in the bottom of the eighth, but the Outlaws somehow managed to escape with the game still tied. Outlaws player Cassidy Kennedy went on to score the game鈥檚 only run in the top of the ninth after stealing third base and then home after a throwing error. 

The Ghosts again loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but a clutch catch in right field by Delaney Danyluk sealed the third out for the inning and the U15 national crown.

The Outlaws went a perfect 6-0 in pool play and lost just one game at the event. The national title caps off a regular season that saw them go 43-10-4 and then win the provincial title in July. They now etch themselves into AMFA history as the first-ever team to earn a national title.

鈥淭his special group of athletes demonstrated their resilience throughout the entire tournament and represented their association with integrity and passion," stated head coach Sebastian Wong. "We are grateful for the community around us for helping us accomplish this impressive feat.鈥�

Tom Eaton, president of the AMFA, said this is an incredible accomplishment for the team and the association.

"This national championship team, the first in our association's history to achieve this, has not only inspired an entire community of young athletes but also given us brand recognition," he said. "Their impact on the community is profound, and we couldn鈥檛 be more proud and grateful for their achievement.鈥�

Abbotsford mayor Ross Siemens also saluted the team for the noteworthy win.

"On behalf of Abbotsford City Council and the City of Abbotsford, I want to congratulate the Abbotsford Outlaws 2009A team, coaches and parents for an incredible season and exciting win at nationals,鈥� he said. "Representing our community and taking home the national title is an incredible accomplishment, and a testament to their hard work, dedication and team spirit. I couldn鈥檛 be more proud.鈥�

The Outlaws roster consists of players from: