Another season of the Iola Recreation Department Women’s Slow-Pitch League will go in the books next weekend as area women wrap up the penultimate week of the season Sunday.
With the one-day playoffs set for Sunday, many area women have enjoyed spending more than a month taking the field.
“It’s so fun. I’m playing with my old college coach, Jaime Jensen,” said Emma Wheat, a former Allen Community College player. “It’s a blast from the past. I always wanted to play slow-pitch because my parents played it. I thought, when I’m done playing softball I want to do that.”
Although amateurs, a professional thread permeates each game. Whether sporting team-sponsored uniforms or having coaches past and present from the Allen Community College softball program on the roster, the games carry an air of professionalism counterbalanced by a fun, carefree atmosphere.
“It’s the girls mostly, one one of the coaches was my teacher at Central Heights,” said Jadynn Criqui, who when not on the diamond is a stay-at-home mom.
“We’re hoping to go to the championship game Sunday. I love having fun with the same girls over and over again. I played competitive travel ball and in high school. It’s great and it keeps me in shape.”
Coach Darlene Stewart said the slow-pitch league is all about fun.
Despite taking a 12-6 loss Sunday, Stewart said the competitive fire remains. 
“I’m always figuring where they can go,” said Stewart, a former Marmaton Valley High School coach. “I hope we do well and I hope next week we’re more competitive for the tournament. We usually come back and we’re ready do go for the tournament.”
