Community spirit shines bright at Lori Pritchard Memorial Tournament

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

The 7th Annual Lori Pritchard Memorial Fastball Tournament was a huge success, enjoying sunny skies, warm temperatures, and a spirit of camaraderie that made this year’s celebration another special celebration.

Organizers reported a terrific day, with a great turnout and overwhelming support from participants and the community in general.

Even the weather co-operated. Perfect playing conditions held steady throughout the day, successfully holding off the rain – which has disrupted the event in previous years – until the final innings were in the books.

“We were able to beat the rain with all our games having the perfect ball-playing weather,” smiled Lacey Dordu, an organizer and one of Lori’s two daughters playing in the tournament. “We’d like to extend our thanks to the community for its support and the teams for coming to the event.”

Her sister Dana echoed that sentiment.

“It is wonderful to continue celebrating Lori’s love of the game while raising funds to support ongoing improvements to the Shaunavon Ball Diamonds,” stated Dana.

While the tournament has developed into an important fundraiser for the local ball facilities, it is the spirit of the gathering that makes the celebration so memorable.

“For a lot of the players, this is the only ball they play all year,”

said Shelley Rhodes, another organizing committee member.  “This tournament brings out ladies who haven’t played for years because they are dealing with other commitments these days.”

“Our main goal is to help younger players keep up an interest in the sport, and to bring the older ladies back to the game they love, even if it’s just for one day. ”

Rhodes said the tournament is a reflection of the woman it honours “Lori loved this sport – everyone was drawn to her – she had the ability to make people laugh and always made sure everyone felt included,”

explained Rhodes.

“This tournament is our way of honouring her. Most of the teams have someone on their roster that either worked with Lori, played ball with her, or were just lucky enough to know her.”

The Assiniboia Aces captured the tournament championship after finishing the day undefeated.

They competed against Cheryl’s Shaggers, We Got the Runs, the Shaunavon Slammers, and the Bomb Squad, which is a combined Shaunavon and Gull Lake midget team.

The event raised significant funds through raffles and a 50/50 draw. The

50/50 jackpot reached a total of $1,142.50, with Chelsea Omness taking home the winning prize.

Lacey also singled out a small group of ladies for their contributions to the day.

“We cannot thank enough Shelley Rhodes, Gail Wallis, Lorraine Oberle, and Bobbi Fuller,” said Lacey.  “Without them, the show would not go on.”

Plans are already underway for the next installment of the tournament.

Organizers have locked in the date for next year, inviting teams and fans to return to the diamonds on May 29, 2027.