P.E.I. women's softball team has 'no fear' as players prepare for Canada Games

Chloe Moore steps up to the plate, stares down her pitching coach and then rips a deep, fly ball into the outfield.

She loves that feeling, and can't wait to chase it again when Team P.E.I.'s women's softball team competes at the Canada Games in August.

The squad has been training since September, and the players like their chances.

"It's a little intimidating, but I think we have it in the bag," said Moore, an outfielder. "I think it's going to be way more competitive and exciting to play really hard teams."

Women’s softball players fired up to represent P.E.I. at Canada Games

The coaching staff is also feeling good. 

"This is probably the most talented group of girls' softball players I've ever been a part of," said coach Chris Halliwell.

"They just work."

Halliwell said he's not concerned that P.E.I.'s player pool is smaller than that of other provinces. The team practices three days a week and participates in lots of tournaments. 

"We're an aggressive, attack mode team," he said. "Some people think softball is slow, but our team is extremely fast and we like to play fast and aggressive.

"Our team will go with no fear. We won't be afraid of anyone."

For most players, the Canada Games in St. John's, N.L., will be their first. 

Even though the softball competition features some of the best under-19 players from across the country, the Island athletes can't wait to step up to the plate in Newfoundland. 

"I think it'll definitely get more challenging but it'll be like a good challenge for our girls to be able to play harder competition," said centre-fielder Ailah MacDonald. "We've played a couple other Canada Games teams and we usually hold our own against some of the bigger provinces."

For catcher Carly Gauthier, a trip