The two New South Wales sisters Erin and Jessica Morgan are no strangers to taking the baseball field together but to compete against each other at the Australian Women’s Championship in opposing New South Wales sides is a rare occurrence.
19-year-old Erin is currently playing in New South Wales Women’s side while 17-year-old Jessica is competing against her with Country New South Wales, the pair have played club ball for Penrith Baseball Club for the past 13 and 12 years respectively.
Playing baseball at a national level is a mentally tough game as it is.
Going up against each other at this year’s Australian Women’s Championship has allowed for sibling rivalry, but Erin has always enjoyed the challenge of facing her little sister.
“We grew up pretty competitive so we’re able to continue on from that,” said Erin.
“We bounce off each other even though we’re not playing in the same team, it makes us better baseball players at the end of the day.”
“It’s great to play against each other every once and a while, it keeps things competitive,” Jessica stated.
It’s a regular occurrence for the pair to analyse games with each other on the trip home however when they’re up against each other they like to check in to see how the other is doing too.
“I spoke to Jess about her teams come back win and what happened when the game turned into their favour, I asked how she felt about that,” Erin said.
“It’s good to talk about the game, things you liked, enjoyed doing and what you can work on.” Jessica stated.
This year’s tournament marks the third time they have faced each other in opposing teams, all three times have been during nationals. Having both played for New South Wales previously in past tournaments, this is the first they’re both representing NSW but in opposing sides.
“When we’re up against each other, our family is barracking for the team as a whole but us individually as well, they want us to both really achieve,” Erin explained.
Erin is a pitcher and catcher for NSW Metro, and believes reconnecting with friends from other states is one of the best parts of playing at nationals.
“Definitely playing together as a team, you’ve got your best 16 from your state and it’s really good to play some quality baseball over the week while catching up with girls from other states you haven’t seen in a whole year or you’ve played with previously, it’s great to see where they’re at and what they’ve done since then,” said Erin.
“Being able to bond with the team and having an insight into all the people you see on the diamond every week at club ball gives you a chance to connect with them at another level.”
The strong armed third base and pitcher for NSW Country, Jessica also enjoys the social aspect of playing top level baseball.
“Just being able to get out there and play baseball, being able to socialise with a lot of people, including those in opposing teams and seeing them again is really good,” Jessica explained.
No matter whether they’re playing against each other in an Australian Women’s Championship Gold Medal game or a club game back in Penrith, they’ll be the best of enemies on the field, but the car rides home will always be special.