The Vancouver Meralomas (Lomas) of the Lower Mainland Fastball League (LMFL) made a strong showing at the International Softball Congress (ISC) Qualifier this past weekend in scorching Kamloops, BC. Finishing with an impressive 4–2 record and claiming the consolation prize, the Lomas sent a clear message from the first pitch: they came to compete—against some of the best teams in the world.
The tournament was won by the ISC #10-ranked STK Fastball Club, a powerhouse roster featuring players from Canada, Argentina, and New Zealand. STK went undefeated, but not without a serious challenge from the Lomas, who pushed them to the brink in a hard-fought 3–2 final.
Bottom Left: Branden Blunt, Ian Creamore, Tyson Barkman, Randall Thompson, Matt Dobie, Logan Newman, Yoshi Hikida
Lomas standout of the weekend was ace pitcher Tyson Barkman of Abbotsford (picked up from the Richmond Canadians), who delivered a world-class performance. With elite velocity, pinpoint accuracy, and a deceptive mix of speeds, Barkman consistently kept hitters off balance, giving the Lomas offense time to warm up and produce.
Highlight Game: Lomas vs. Grand Prairie Pirates
The marquee moment for the Lomas came in the semifinal against the highly respected Grand Prairie Pirates. In what many are calling a “game of the year” performance, the Lomas made a definitive statement. Clint Taylor opened the scoring with a Grand Slam, and Derek Mayson sealed the game with a decisive 3-run blast late. Barkman was once again dominant, silencing the Pirates’ bats under the intense Kamloops heat.
Leadership & Growth
Derek Mayson, a former Team Canada National Team captain, continues to lead the Lomas—the same club he grew up playing for. Under his guidance, the team features a strong mix of veterans and emerging talent, many of whom have transitioned from baseball. Their performance is proving that fastpitch is not only a competitive outlet but a gateway to elite tournaments across North America.
“This is the biggest win for the Lomas since I started playing with them,” said Mayson.
“I couldn’t be happier with how the entire lineup contributed—it was a complete team effort.”
Strong Tournament & Representation
Tournament hosts STK Fastball Club once again delivered an outstanding event, attracting top-ranked clubs from across the region. Softball Canada was also well represented, with the U23 Men’s Development Team in attendance and national team executives scouting emerging talent throughout the weekend.
The LMFL was well represented outside of the Lomas club with players and umpires from the league also taking part in the action. See players and teams they played on below.
Grand Prairie Pirates
– Kevin Schellenberg
– Scott Nehaj
Westbank Cardinals
– Danyon Sievers
– Jaden Hita
Vanderhoof Rippers
– Nate Thiessen
– Talon Van Poele
Umpires
– Jenn Geopel
– Marnie Carvalho
– Tyler Warren
The LMFL league is a men’s fastpitch league based in Vancouver B.C. providing a competitive atmosphere of 10 teams playing weekly with schedules and venues provided on this website. If you are interested in learning more about our league please reach out. The next big ISC qualifier wkd is coming at South Hill Memorial Park in Vancouver, June 20-22. Come on out to watch this great game!