The four teams of the VSBL 2018/19 Women's Division One competition have been racing full speed ahead toward finals, with Essendon, Doncaster and Footscray doing their best to keep the Lions at bay as Springvale aims for an unprecedented seventh straight premiership flag. With the regular season complete ahead of the semi finals on 23rd Feb., here are all the results and recaps from the last few rounds. Good luck to all the teams and their fantastic female players in finals!
Round 19 (February 16th)
Springvale Lions vs. Doncaster Dragons
4 2
The Lions achieved an exceptional 18-2 record with their big win over Doncaster on Saturday. The Dragons put forth a highly competitive effort, although they ultimately fell short of their winning goals.
The on-fire Springvale lineup continued with hits from Rieko Abe, Emily Devine, Sinead Flanigan and Jade Hough. Shae Lillywhite complimented her four innings of scoreless pitching with three hits of her own – two singles and a triple. Shirley Loon and Siobhan Stephenson also had a good day at the plate, getting on base to keep the pressure on Doncaster.
The Dragons stayed right in the game, with RBI’s from Belinda Cannington and Kate Lethborg. Vanessa Clifford, Erin Collins, Bronwyn Gell, Ellen Goodrope and Ursula Howard were also key contributors. Despite giving up nine hits and five walks, pitcher Kirsten Bezzina kept the Dragons to only four earned runs. Doncaster’s solid performance couldn’t quite hold up to Springvale’s, but it was an impressive effort nonetheless against the division’s leading team.
As expected, Springvale has finished atop the ladder, securing a home Grand Final, while Doncaster has finished in third place with a 6-13 record behind Essendon and in front of Footscray. The Dragons will host Footscray in the semifinals for a shot to progress onwards to the preliminary final.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
8 13
Both sides battled hard, but the Bombers pulled away for the win. Essendon was led by a great performance from Abbey Kelly, who collected two singles, two doubles and 2 RBI’s while also covering three innings on the mound, allowing just a lone hit. Allie Bebbere hit a double and pitched three innings as well, allowing eight earned runs. Essendon was able to still achieve a comfortable win thanks to offensive contributions from Lauren Gibson, Courtney Foura, Jasmine Bentley, Leslie Anglin and Kayla Adams.
It was a tough one for Footscray as they came close but couldn’t quite close the door on their win. Alanna Kappler had a single and a double for 2 RBI’s, while Holly Howard, Megan Kelly, Abbey McLellan and Brittney Cedelland all did a good job of getting on base. Famke Gildemacuer and Morgan Doty did their jobs out on the mound, but they were challenged by the hard-hitting Essendon lineup.
The Bombers finished in 2nd place with a 10-8 record, while Footscray came in 4th with a 5-14 record. Essendon will play Springvale in the semifinals, with Footscray heading to Doncaster.
Round 18 (February 9th)
Essendon Bombers vs. Springvale Lions
0 5
The usually on-fire Bombers were silenced by the top team in the division, with Springvale shutting down Essendon’s hopes of scoring. Standout starter Gabby Bevan was at it again, covering six innings with just three hits and four walks allowed along with four strikeouts.
This reliable pitching performance gave the Springvale lineup the chance to get on base and score, with Kellie Manzie having a pair of singles on the day and Shae Lillywhite smashing two singles and a triple. Simone Wearne, Jade Hough, Emily Devine and Sinead Flanigan also added to Springvale’s offensive production.
Essendon’s Allie Bebbere threw three innings, giving up seven hits, two walks and one HBP for four earned runs. Abbey Kelly also pitched, covering four innings and allowing six hits, one walk and one HBP for an earned run. Emma Davenport and Courtney Foura had hits on the day, but unfortunately for Essendon these base runners were not brought around to score. For the final round of the regular season, the 17-2 Lions will host 6-12 Doncaster, while 9-8 Essendon will play 5-13 Footscray.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Doncaster Dragons
10 15
Despite scoring 10 runs, the Bulldogs still missed out on a much-needed win as the Dragons overpowered them. Doncaster was led by some huge hits, including a triple from Belinda Cannington and a double from Jamie Bastian. Erin Collins had four hits on the day, with a double and three singles for 3 RBI’s. Although she struggled a bit on the mound, the Dragons were able to stay strong and rack up the runs to protect their victory.
Other key Dragons included Madeline Davis, who had two doubles and a single for 2 RBI’s, as well as Ursula Howard and Kate Lethborg who both had hits on the day. Pitcher Bronwyn Gell gave up just two earned runs in 2.2 innings of work, and she also smashed a double and two singles for 4 RBI’s.
Footscray didn’t give up without a fight, with Abbey McLellan sending a pitch over the fence for a thrilling home run. Sabrina Kinlough, Holly Howard and Megan Kelly consistently got on base, while Morgan Doty had three hits with two doubles and Famke Gildemacuer gathered 5 RBI’s on a double and two singles. Doncaster will play Springvale in the final round of the regular season, while Footscray will battle it out against Essendon.
Round 19 (February 16th)
Springvale Lions vs. Doncaster Dragons
4 2
The Lions achieved an exceptional 18-2 record with their big win over Doncaster on Saturday. The Dragons put forth a highly competitive effort, although they ultimately fell short of their winning goals.
The on-fire Springvale lineup continued with hits from Rieko Abe, Emily Devine, Sinead Flanigan and Jade Hough. Shae Lillywhite complimented her four innings of scoreless pitching with three hits of her own – two singles and a triple. Shirley Loon and Siobhan Stephenson also had a good day at the plate, getting on base to keep the pressure on Doncaster.
The Dragons stayed right in the game, with RBI’s from Belinda Cannington and Kate Lethborg. Vanessa Clifford, Erin Collins, Bronwyn Gell, Ellen Goodrope and Ursula Howard were also key contributors. Despite giving up nine hits and five walks, pitcher Kirsten Bezzina kept the Dragons to only four earned runs. Doncaster’s solid performance couldn’t quite hold up to Springvale’s, but it was an impressive effort nonetheless against the division’s leading team.
As expected, Springvale has finished atop the ladder, securing a home Grand Final, while Doncaster has finished in third place with a 6-13 record behind Essendon and in front of Footscray. The Dragons will host Footscray in the semifinals for a shot to progress onwards to the preliminary final.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
8 13
Both sides battled hard, but the Bombers pulled away for the win. Essendon was led by a great performance from Abbey Kelly, who collected two singles, two doubles and 2 RBI’s while also covering three innings on the mound, allowing just a lone hit. Allie Bebbere hit a double and pitched three innings as well, allowing eight earned runs. Essendon was able to still achieve a comfortable win thanks to offensive contributions from Lauren Gibson, Courtney Foura, Jasmine Bentley, Leslie Anglin and Kayla Adams.
It was a tough one for Footscray as they came close but couldn’t quite close the door on their win. Alanna Kappler had a single and a double for 2 RBI’s, while Holly Howard, Megan Kelly, Abbey McLellan and Brittney Cedelland all did a good job of getting on base. Famke Gildemacuer and Morgan Doty did their jobs out on the mound, but they were challenged by the hard-hitting Essendon lineup.
The Bombers finished in 2nd place with a 10-8 record, while Footscray came in 4th with a 5-14 record. Essendon will play Springvale in the semifinals, with Footscray heading to Doncaster.
Round 18 (February 9th)
Essendon Bombers vs. Springvale Lions
0 5
The usually on-fire Bombers were silenced by the top team in the division, with Springvale shutting down Essendon’s hopes of scoring. Standout starter Gabby Bevan was at it again, covering six innings with just three hits and four walks allowed along with four strikeouts.
This reliable pitching performance gave the Springvale lineup the chance to get on base and score, with Kellie Manzie having a pair of singles on the day and Shae Lillywhite smashing two singles and a triple. Simone Wearne, Jade Hough, Emily Devine and Sinead Flanigan also added to Springvale’s offensive production.
Essendon’s Allie Bebbere threw three innings, giving up seven hits, two walks and one HBP for four earned runs. Abbey Kelly also pitched, covering four innings and allowing six hits, one walk and one HBP for an earned run. Emma Davenport and Courtney Foura had hits on the day, but unfortunately for Essendon these base runners were not brought around to score. For the final round of the regular season, the 17-2 Lions will host 6-12 Doncaster, while 9-8 Essendon will play 5-13 Footscray.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Doncaster Dragons
10 15
Despite scoring 10 runs, the Bulldogs still missed out on a much-needed win as the Dragons overpowered them. Doncaster was led by some huge hits, including a triple from Belinda Cannington and a double from Jamie Bastian. Erin Collins had four hits on the day, with a double and three singles for 3 RBI’s. Although she struggled a bit on the mound, the Dragons were able to stay strong and rack up the runs to protect their victory.
Other key Dragons included Madeline Davis, who had two doubles and a single for 2 RBI’s, as well as Ursula Howard and Kate Lethborg who both had hits on the day. Pitcher Bronwyn Gell gave up just two earned runs in 2.2 innings of work, and she also smashed a double and two singles for 4 RBI’s.
Footscray didn’t give up without a fight, with Abbey McLellan sending a pitch over the fence for a thrilling home run. Sabrina Kinlough, Holly Howard and Megan Kelly consistently got on base, while Morgan Doty had three hits with two doubles and Famke Gildemacuer gathered 5 RBI’s on a double and two singles. Doncaster will play Springvale in the final round of the regular season, while Footscray will battle it out against Essendon.
Round 18 (February 9th)
Essendon Bombers vs. Springvale Lions
0 5
The usually on-fire Bombers were silenced by the top team in the division, with Springvale shutting down Essendon’s hopes of scoring. Standout starter Gabby Bevan was at it again, covering six innings with just three hits and four walks allowed along with four strikeouts.
This reliable pitching performance gave the Springvale lineup the chance to get on base and score, with Kellie Manzie having a pair of singles on the day and Shae Lillywhite smashing two singles and a triple. Simone Wearne, Jade Hough, Emily Devine and Sinead Flanigan also added to Springvale’s offensive production.
Essendon’s Allie Bebbere threw three innings, giving up seven hits, two walks and one HBP for four earned runs. Abbey Kelly also pitched, covering four innings and allowing six hits, one walk and one HBP for an earned run. Emma Davenport and Courtney Foura had hits on the day, but unfortunately for Essendon these base runners were not brought around to score. For the final round of the regular season, the 17-2 Lions will host 6-12 Doncaster, while 9-8 Essendon will play 5-13 Footscray.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Doncaster Dragons
10 15
Despite scoring 10 runs, the Bulldogs still missed out on a much-needed win as the Dragons overpowered them. Doncaster was led by some huge hits, including a triple from Belinda Cannington and a double from Jamie Bastian. Erin Collins had four hits on the day, with a double and three singles for 3 RBI’s. Although she struggled a bit on the mound, the Dragons were able to stay strong and rack up the runs to protect their victory.
Other key Dragons included Madeline Davis, who had two doubles and a single for 2 RBI’s, as well as Ursula Howard and Kate Lethborg who both had hits on the day. Pitcher Bronwyn Gell gave up just two earned runs in 2.2 innings of work, and she also smashed a double and two singles for 4 RBI’s.
Footscray didn’t give up without a fight, with Abbey McLellan sending a pitch over the fence for a thrilling home run. Sabrina Kinlough, Holly Howard and Megan Kelly consistently got on base, while Morgan Doty had three hits with two doubles and Famke Gildemacuer gathered 5 RBI’s on a double and two singles. Doncaster will play Springvale in the final round of the regular season, while Footscray will battle it out against Essendon.
Round 17 (February 6th)
Doncaster Dragons vs. Footscray Bulldogs
12 4
The Dragons earned their fifth win of the season to even their record with Footscray. Doncaster had some reliable pitching with Kirsten Bezzina, Bronwyn Gell and Erin Collins taking the mound. Belinda Cannington had a pair of singles, while Madeline Davis earned an RBI. Vanessa Clifford, Maddi Weller and Bec Wright all had hits, while Kate Lethborg earned her 10th RBI of the season and Ursula Howard knocked in 3 RBI’s.
On the Footscray side of things, Brittney Cedelland had an RBI, while Morgan Doty smashed her third triple of the year. Although Famke Gildemacuer enjoyed a single, double and 1 RBI, she struggled in her five innings of pitching, giving up 12 runs – 9 of them earned. A pair of singles from Holly Howard and RBI’s from Alanna Kappler and Abbey McLellan weren’t quite enough to make up the deficit, and Footscray ended up with their 12th loss of the season. The Bulldogs will face Doncaster once more in round 18 before hosting Essendon in the final round, while Doncaster will head to Springvale for round 19.
Round 17 (February 6th)
Doncaster Dragons vs. Footscray Bulldogs
12 4
The Dragons earned their fifth win of the season to even their record with Footscray. Doncaster had some reliable pitching with Kirsten Bezzina, Bronwyn Gell and Erin Collins taking the mound. Belinda Cannington had a pair of singles, while Madeline Davis earned an RBI. Vanessa Clifford, Maddi Weller and Bec Wright all had hits, while Kate Lethborg earned her 10th RBI of the season and Ursula Howard knocked in 3 RBI’s.
On the Footscray side of things, Brittney Cedelland had an RBI, while Morgan Doty smashed her third triple of the year. Although Famke Gildemacuer enjoyed a single, double and 1 RBI, she struggled in her five innings of pitching, giving up 12 runs – 9 of them earned. A pair of singles from Holly Howard and RBI’s from Alanna Kappler and Abbey McLellan weren’t quite enough to make up the deficit, and Footscray ended up with their 12th loss of the season. The Bulldogs will face Doncaster once more in round 18 before hosting Essendon in the final round, while Doncaster will head to Springvale for round 19.
Round 16 (February 2nd)
Springvale Lions vs. Doncaster Dragons
13 6
These two Division 1 powerhouses headed to Latrobe Valley for a special game at Toners Lane Facility in Morwell. Even in this new environment, the Lions continued their dominance, winning their ninth game in a row. Starter Gabby Bevan got the job done once again, covering 6.1 innings during which she gave up 11 hits, one walk and one HBP. Even with their hitting, Bevan and the Lions’ defense were able to keep the Dragons at bay, allowing three earned runs and three unearned runs along with four strikeouts. Kellie Manzie filled in for an uneventful evening of relief pitching as her fellow Lions got the job done at the plate.
Rieko Abe hit two singles, capturing her 30th hit of the season with 1 RBI. Emily Devine knocked in run for her 21st RBI of the year, while Sinead Flanigan, Jade Hough, Anna Kimbrell and Siobhan Stephenson all had singles. Shae Lillywhite led the team with her 3-for-3 day included a triple, two singles and a walk for 2 RBI’s.
Despite the final result, which marked their 12th loss of the season, the Dragons showcased some impressive offense from Ursula Howard, who had 3 RBI’s, and Madeline Davis with her pair of doubles. Bronwyn Gell hit a double and a single to knock in two runs, while Kate Lethborg, Hannah Sowden and Maddi Weller also had hits on the day. Pitchers Erin Collins and Kirsten Bezzina did their best but just couldn’t quite hold off the formidable Springvale offense. After a game like this, the Lions have just proven once more why they are at the top of the Division with their sights set on another Grand Final victory. Now 14-2, Springvale will visit Essendon next, while 4-12 Doncaster will host Footscray.
Well done to these girls and their clubs for taking the initiative and working with Latrobe Valley Baseball Association to make this special event a reality! It was wonderful for the Latrobe Valley community to get to enjoy Division 1 baseball.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
2 7
Back to back wins have brightened the Bombers’ days, securing them a second-place spot as finals rapidly draw near. This game saw Essendon improve to 9-7, while Footscray is now 5-11 in third place with Doncaster not far behind.
The Bulldogs could not manage to get their few base runners around to score, with the one bright spot coming with Morgan Doty’s first home run of the season! Other than this, their offense was pretty quiet, with just Abbey McLellan smashing a double and Holly Howard collecting three singles.
Doty and Footscray’s defense struggled at times, with the Bombers managing six runs – five of them earned – against the starter. Five strikeouts weren’t enough to keep Essendon from racking up the runs when it mattered most.
The Bombers were led by a 2-RBI double from Leslie Anglin, as well as two doubles and a walk to Courtney Foura and a pair of singles for Georgia Page. Kayla Adams smashed three hits, including two doubles and a single for 2 RBI’s, while Allie Bebbere added three singles to support her solid three innings of pitching, during which she allowed just two earned runs off four hits and four walks.
Abbey Kelly was great on the mound as well, throwing four scoreless innings with just a handful of hits allowed with four strikeouts. Essendon will aim for a repeat performance at home vs. Springvale in round 17, while Footscray will try and snap a seven-game skid.
Round 16 (February 2nd)
Springvale Lions vs. Doncaster Dragons
13 6
These two Division 1 powerhouses headed to Latrobe Valley for a special game at Toners Lane Facility in Morwell. Even in this new environment, the Lions continued their dominance, winning their ninth game in a row. Starter Gabby Bevan got the job done once again, covering 6.1 innings during which she gave up 11 hits, one walk and one HBP. Even with their hitting, Bevan and the Lions’ defense were able to keep the Dragons at bay, allowing three earned runs and three unearned runs along with four strikeouts. Kellie Manzie filled in for an uneventful evening of relief pitching as her fellow Lions got the job done at the plate.
Rieko Abe hit two singles, capturing her 30th hit of the season with 1 RBI. Emily Devine knocked in run for her 21st RBI of the year, while Sinead Flanigan, Jade Hough, Anna Kimbrell and Siobhan Stephenson all had singles. Shae Lillywhite led the team with her 3-for-3 day included a triple, two singles and a walk for 2 RBI’s.
Despite the final result, which marked their 12th loss of the season, the Dragons showcased some impressive offense from Ursula Howard, who had 3 RBI’s, and Madeline Davis with her pair of doubles. Bronwyn Gell hit a double and a single to knock in two runs, while Kate Lethborg, Hannah Sowden and Maddi Weller also had hits on the day. Pitchers Erin Collins and Kirsten Bezzina did their best but just couldn’t quite hold off the formidable Springvale offense. After a game like this, the Lions have just proven once more why they are at the top of the Division with their sights set on another Grand Final victory. Now 14-2, Springvale will visit Essendon next, while 4-12 Doncaster will host Footscray.
Well done to these girls and their clubs for taking the initiative and working with Latrobe Valley Baseball Association to make this special event a reality! It was wonderful for the Latrobe Valley community to get to enjoy Division 1 baseball.
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
2 7
Back to back wins have brightened the Bombers’ days, securing them a second-place spot as finals rapidly draw near. This game saw Essendon improve to 9-7, while Footscray is now 5-11 in third place with Doncaster not far behind.
The Bulldogs could not manage to get their few base runners around to score, with the one bright spot coming with Morgan Doty’s first home run of the season! Other than this, their offense was pretty quiet, with just Abbey McLellan smashing a double and Holly Howard collecting three singles.
Doty and Footscray’s defense struggled at times, with the Bombers managing six runs – five of them earned – against the starter. Five strikeouts weren’t enough to keep Essendon from racking up the runs when it mattered most.
The Bombers were led by a 2-RBI double from Leslie Anglin, as well as two doubles and a walk to Courtney Foura and a pair of singles for Georgia Page. Kayla Adams smashed three hits, including two doubles and a single for 2 RBI’s, while Allie Bebbere added three singles to support her solid three innings of pitching, during which she allowed just two earned runs off four hits and four walks.
Abbey Kelly was great on the mound as well, throwing four scoreless innings with just a handful of hits allowed with four strikeouts. Essendon will aim for a repeat performance at home vs. Springvale in round 17, while Footscray will try and snap a seven-game skid.