• Submitted by: manso
• Travel and Tourism
• 03 / 19 / 2011

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By Don Bodger - Cowichan News Leader Pictorial. March 18, 2011. Rhianna Pettapiece has already been there and done that, but it was just as exciting the second time around.

Pettapiece, 17, a Grade 12 student at Chemainus Secondary School, made a return trip to Cuba with a Canadian contingent of female baseball players for a series of games against Cuban women’s teams as well as a cultural and learning experience.

“We played really well this year,’’ said Pettapiece. “A lot of the players went last year as well.’’

The players were split up into Canada Team Red and White. A typical day during the week-long stay consisted of a team practice, a game against a local Cuban team and something cultural varying from touring Old Havana to visiting an orphanage and doing humanitarian work.

Pettapiece was part of Team Red. “Most of us played together last year,’’ she said.

Although they didn’t win any games, all of them were close.

Pettapiece pitched in two games and also played first base.

“I think I did OK,’’ she said. “I played pretty decently.’’

Being familiar with the region made Pettapiece and the other returnees feel more comfortable.

“It’s a different experience every time,’’ Pettapiece said. “It was really cool.

“Going again, you kind of had an idea what’s coming next.

“Last year, it was a great experience. You learn a lot. You have fantastic coaches.’’

Andre Lachance of Ottawa, the head coach of the women’s national team, was there to guide the players.

“They’ve seen most of us before,’’ said Pettapiece. “He chose who he wanted to.’’

One big change was the playing conditions.

“Last year was so cold,’’  said Pettapiece. “We were literally freezing. This year was hot and sunny.’’

The goal of the trip, according to Lachance, was to give the girls some experience outside of baseball and also to improve the chances of them making the national women’s team one day.

Baseball Canada is hosting the 2012 World Cup of Women’s Baseball in Edmonton during August of next year.

Pettapiece played last year for the Cowichan Valley Midget AAA boys’ team based out of Ladysmith and is preparing for the start of another season.

Following indoor sessions, the team finally got outside last weekend.

Source: www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/cowichannewsleader/sports/1...