For the first time in many years, a combined Japan University Women’s All-Stars team will travel to Melbourne and give our Victorian Women’s All-Stars an unprecedented opportunity to represent their state and take on quality opposition as part of preparation for the 2026 Australian Women’s Championships in April.
The trip is a whirlwind tour spanning just one action-packed weekend, 29-30 November, featuring five games over two days at Newport Baseball and Port Melbourne Baseball Club, respectively.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Victoria’s growth, particularly in the women and girls space.
“We are beyond excited to host the Japanese University All-Stars team and showcase some of the best women’s baseball talent in Victoria,” Baseball Victoria CEO Chet Gray said. “We are hoping this series inspires the next generation of players and provides a springboard into early 2026 where we are aiming to hold our first-ever all-girls competition.
“I also wish to acknowledge the support of Baseball Australia for being supportive of this opportunity”.
Hiroko Yamada, Women’s Baseball Federation of Japan Chair, said “I am truly grateful for this opportunity which will be an invaluable, once-in-a-lifetime experience for our university players. Besides baseball, I hope that Japanese players learn and enjoy the different culture, gaining international perspective. I also would like to express my appreciation to Baseball Australia as well as Baseball Victoria for making this happen.
“Australia is always our precious friend, and I hope this event helps to create more games for women’s baseball in both countries. Let’s work together for our sport!“
Newport Baseball Club is thrilled to be involved in hosting this special event.
“The club is honoured and excited to host at our home of KC White Reserve. This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the outstanding standard of women’s baseball here in Victoria and to celebrate the shared passion for the game between our local players and our international guests,” Club President Caron Condie said. “We are proud to partner with Baseball Victoria in supporting the continued growth of women’s baseball at all levels.”
Port Melbourne Baseball Club shares the sentiment.
“We are honoured to have been chosen to host this event and are ready for an awesome weekend of women’s baseball. This is a great opportunity to witness an amazing standard of baseball and to showcase our newly redeveloped ground in preparation for future opportunities like this for our community,” Club President Daniella Garofolo said.
On Saturday at Newport, there will be a pre-game ceremony at 3:30pm for the 4pm match featuring national anthems and presentations from local dignitaries. There will be live music and entertainment during the break and local women’s matches played on the adjacent diamond to add to an already electric atmosphere.
On Sunday at Port Melbourne, there will be junior activations throughout the afternoon, but most importantly for the club, they will launch their main fundraiser selling Christmas trees, continuing a 21-year tradition.
For further media enquiries, please contact Baseball Victoria’s Rachael Bouley on rachael.bouley@baseballvictoria.com.au.
Schedule
Saturday 29 November (KC White Reserve, Newport)
- Game 1: 12pm
- Ceremony: 3:30pm
- Game 2: 4pm
Sunday 30 November (Kevin & Sandra Longstaff Field, Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne)
- Game 1: 10am
- Game 2: 12pm
- Game 3: 3:30pm
Victorian Women’s All-Stars |
|
| Abbey Kelly | Essendon Baseball Club/ Emeralds Representative |
| Abbey McLellan (player/coach) | Footscray Baseball Club/Emeralds Representative |
| Allie Bebbere | Doncaster Baseball Club/Emeralds Representative |
| Belinda Cannington | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Caitlin Eynon | Emeralds Representative |
| Jamie Bastian | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Jasmine Bentley | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Jess Johnson | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Kira Kuwamoto | Newport Baseball Club |
| Leah Cornish | Emeralds Representative |
| Lili Cavanagh | Moorabbin Baseball Club/Emeralds Representative |
| Lilly Simpson | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Mackenzie Prentice-Evans | Newport Baseball Club |
| Maddison Erwin | Emeralds Representative |
| Narumi Kametani | Essendon Baseball Club |
| Paula Doherty | Newport Baseball Club |
| Ruby Dale | Newport Baseball Club |
| Bronwyn Gell (player/coach) | Springvale Baseball Club |
| Samantha Hamilton (coach) | Doncaster Baseball Club |
| Amanda Telford (coach) | |
| Dean Anglin (coach) | |
Japan University Women’s All-Stars |
|
| Hikosaka Mimi | International Pacific University |
| Morimitsu Yui | Shiseikan University |
| Onomoto Juri | Kwansei Gakuin University |
| Ishihara Sawa | Shumei University |
| Nakahara Tsuzumi | Niigata University of Health and Welfare |
| Igarashi Chihiro | Nihon University College of International Relations |
| Okada Rika | International Pacific University |
| Sasamoto Mirai | Shumei University |
| Tanimoto Reno | Kyoto Bunkyo University |
| Takeuchi Suzu | Biwako Seikei Sport College |
| Mizutani Aoi | Shobi University |
| Miura Hanna | Sapporo International University |
| Wako Ayaka | Sendai University |
| Suzushima Haruna | Fukui University of Technology |
| Chiba Haruka | Heisei International university |
| Sakuramoto Ramune | St.Andrew’s University |
| Tsujimoto Yuna | Sapporo International University |
| Matsuyama Shuri | Fukui University of Technology |
| Yamao Mikoto | St.Andrew’s University |
| Irisawa Yuki (Manager) | Sendai University |
| Yokoi Mitsuharu (Coach) | Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences |
| Momota Kohei (AT) | Athletic Trainer |
| Takahashi Misora (Team Staff) | Shigakkan University |