A 12 run the third inning and a strong pitching performance carried the Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Saints to victory over Carman in Zone 4 Fastpitch Thursday. They shutout the Cougars 18-0 in just three innings at Rotary Republic Park.

The Saints improved to 4-0 this season with the victory. They came out strong with five runs in the first inning, which is something head coach Cam Asham wants to see.

"It's definitely nice to see. We talk about that every pregame chat and we had a good start, and it continued for the whole game."

Kassidy Cunningham pitched the full game for the Saints. She allowed just two hits while striking out two batters.

Cunningham throwing heat against the Cougars. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

"We had great defence today," says Cunningham. "Our offence was on point today too so we feel pretty good heading into this weekend's tournament in Winkler."

Maddie Shwaluk finished the day with two hits and a walk. One of those hits was her first ever home run, which scored two of her three RBI's.

"It's really exciting," says Shwaluk. "I'm really happy because it's my first one ever. We were able to hit the ball really well, and Cassidy really pitched a great game too."

Every Saint finished with at least a hit in the game. Kassidy Cunningham and Shayne Nichols each finished with four RBI's.

Tournament Friday

The Saints are looking at a busy couple of days of ball this weekend.

They're in the Garden Valley Invitational Fastpitch Tournament and play three round robin matchups Friday. Their first match is at 9:30 in the morning against Major Pratt. They then play Killarney at 12:30, and finish off the day with a match against Stonewall at 5:15 p.m.

The championship final is set for Saturday.