The 2018/19 VSBL season has reached its exciting conclusion with the senior women's finals getting underway this past weekend. Teams are vying for a spot in the Grand Finals, which will take place on Super Saturday (March 9th) at Cheltenham Baseball Club. Good luck to all our players, teams and clubs in their final games!
Division 1 Semi Finals
Doncaster Dragons vs. Footscray Bulldogs
9 3
The Dragons are feeling fine after dashing the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes with a determined win in the semi finals. Doncaster is on a bit of a roll, winning three of their last four with their sights set on another victory in the upcoming preliminary final at Essendon. If Doncaster advances to the Grand Final, they will have the chance to snap Springvale’s premiership streak and bring home the Dragons’ first championship since 2011/12.
Springvale Lions vs. Essendon Bombers
18 1
The Lions have proved nearly impossible to beat all season long, with just two losses over 19 games, and this pattern continued as the Bombers struggled to keep up with Springvale’s unstoppable lineup. Led by standout players like Gabby Bevan, Anna Kimbrell, Shae Lillywhite and many other contributors who have been consistent all season long, Springvale leaped out to a 4-1 lead by the top of the 3rd, and it all went downhill for Essendon from there. By the end of the inning, Springvale was leading 15-1. Although it was a disappointing result for Essendon, they will have another shot in the preliminary final against Doncaster, a team they’ve beaten five out of six games this season.
Photo: Springvale Lions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springvalelions/photos/a.544791465589360/2034574753277683/?type=3&theater
Division 2 Semi Finals
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
7 2
Last season’s reigning premiers, and the fourth-place team overall, missed out on their chance for back-to-back championship titles as they fell to the third-place Footscray reserves. The Bombers had won their last meeting the week before in round 16 with a final score of 8-6, but the Bulldogs came back stronger in the semis to earn a ticket to the preliminary final. Footscray will head to Doncaster this weekend for a chance to go through all the way to the Grand Final.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Springvale Lions
4 21
After close competition between these two teams all season long, with Doncaster taking the win in two of their victories, along with one Springvale win and a draw, the Lions came out ready to give it their all. Springvale prevailed with an exceptional performance as they shut down many of Doncaster’s scoring opportunities while capitalising on plenty of their own. Despite the loss, Doncaster will have one more chance to get in the Grand Final as they host Footscray this Saturday at noon.
Division 3 Semi Finals
Doncaster/Melbourne vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
15 2
The fourth-place Rustlers fell to the third-place team in disappointing fashion, but they went home knowing they had a great season regardless with an impressive 11-5 record. Doncaster/Melbourne was simply stronger on the day, both with pitching and batting. They’ll battle it out with Werribee/Footscray this weekend to see who gets to play Wheelers Hill in the Grand Final.
Wheelers Hill Warriors vs. Werribee/Footscray
15 3
The new and highly competitive Warriors team was a force to be reckoned with at Saturday’s preliminary final as they kept their undefeated strike alive. Having finished the regular season with 14 wins and 1 draw, Wheelers Hill has proven to be the toughest team to beat. On the heels of their convincing victory that saw them rack up 10 or more runs for the 13th time this season, the Warriors have secured a home advantage for the Grand Final. It’s been a fantastic result for Wheelers Hill in their first year, and they’ll surely be looking to finish on a high note and secure the premiership. Meanwhile, Werribee/Footscray will get a second chance against the Doncaster/Melbourne team in the semi final.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Footscray Bulldogs
9 3
The Dragons are feeling fine after dashing the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes with a determined win in the semi finals. Doncaster is on a bit of a roll, winning three of their last four with their sights set on another victory in the upcoming preliminary final at Essendon. If Doncaster advances to the Grand Final, they will have the chance to snap Springvale’s premiership streak and bring home the Dragons’ first championship since 2011/12.
Springvale Lions vs. Essendon Bombers
18 1
The Lions have proved nearly impossible to beat all season long, with just two losses over 19 games, and this pattern continued as the Bombers struggled to keep up with Springvale’s unstoppable lineup. Led by standout players like Gabby Bevan, Anna Kimbrell, Shae Lillywhite and many other contributors who have been consistent all season long, Springvale leaped out to a 4-1 lead by the top of the 3rd, and it all went downhill for Essendon from there. By the end of the inning, Springvale was leading 15-1. Although it was a disappointing result for Essendon, they will have another shot in the preliminary final against Doncaster, a team they’ve beaten five out of six games this season.
Photo: Springvale Lions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springvalelions/photos/a.544791465589360/2034574753277683/?type=3&theater
Division 2 Semi Finals
Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon Bombers
7 2
Last season’s reigning premiers, and the fourth-place team overall, missed out on their chance for back-to-back championship titles as they fell to the third-place Footscray reserves. The Bombers had won their last meeting the week before in round 16 with a final score of 8-6, but the Bulldogs came back stronger in the semis to earn a ticket to the preliminary final. Footscray will head to Doncaster this weekend for a chance to go through all the way to the Grand Final.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Springvale Lions
4 21
After close competition between these two teams all season long, with Doncaster taking the win in two of their victories, along with one Springvale win and a draw, the Lions came out ready to give it their all. Springvale prevailed with an exceptional performance as they shut down many of Doncaster’s scoring opportunities while capitalising on plenty of their own. Despite the loss, Doncaster will have one more chance to get in the Grand Final as they host Footscray this Saturday at noon.
Division 3 Semi Finals
Doncaster/Melbourne vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
15 2
The fourth-place Rustlers fell to the third-place team in disappointing fashion, but they went home knowing they had a great season regardless with an impressive 11-5 record. Doncaster/Melbourne was simply stronger on the day, both with pitching and batting. They’ll battle it out with Werribee/Footscray this weekend to see who gets to play Wheelers Hill in the Grand Final.
Wheelers Hill Warriors vs. Werribee/Footscray
15 3
The new and highly competitive Warriors team was a force to be reckoned with at Saturday’s preliminary final as they kept their undefeated strike alive. Having finished the regular season with 14 wins and 1 draw, Wheelers Hill has proven to be the toughest team to beat. On the heels of their convincing victory that saw them rack up 10 or more runs for the 13th time this season, the Warriors have secured a home advantage for the Grand Final. It’s been a fantastic result for Wheelers Hill in their first year, and they’ll surely be looking to finish on a high note and secure the premiership. Meanwhile, Werribee/Footscray will get a second chance against the Doncaster/Melbourne team in the semi final.
Baseball
Australia has stepped up to the plate to protect children from alcohol harm,
today pledging to no longer accept alcohol advertising in its junior
competitions and at the national representative level of the game.
In doing so,
it becomes the first Australian sporting code to partner with the national
campaign, End Alcohol
Advertising in Sport,
and sends a
strong message that Baseball Australia is proactively building
a more family-friendly and
healthier sporting environment.
At the
announcement today, Baseball Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said their
decision reflects community attitudes, and taking a stand on alcohol advertising
leads the way for other sporting codes.
“Baseball
Australia is proud to partner with the End Alcohol Advertising in Sport
campaign. Our junior players, and the kids and families who support Baseball in
Australia are the future of our code. They are tomorrow’s players, superstars
and fans of our sport,
and in partnering
with End Alcohol Advertising in
Sport, we aspire to create a healthier sporting environment
for them all to thrive,” Mr Vale said.
Testament to
Baseball Australia’s serious resolve to turn its back on alcohol advertising, Mr
Vale says Baseball Australia recently rejected a sponsorship proposal with an
overseas alcohol brand.
“Sport is a
competitive market in Australia and we are not alone in positioning our
particular game as being focused on junior participation and development;
however, better leadership from sporting administrators is required,” Mr Vale
said.
“Our Little
League program, which is part of the broader Little League International
platform, promotes values
of citizenship, discipline,
teamwork and physical well-being, which perfectly align
with the values and spirit of this particular partnership” he said.
Alcohol is
the major contributor to the three leading causes of death among Australian
teenagers: unintentional injury, homicide and suicide. And there is extensive
research showing that exposure to alcohol marketing leads kids to drink more
frequently, at dangerous levels, and from an earlier age.
Baseball
Australia’s decision does not extend to, or impact, the operations of the eight
independently owned and operated Australian Baseball League teams competing in
the professional domestic competition.
The three year
partnership with End Alcohol Advertising in Sport will see the campaign
promoted nationally at Little League games and promoted on Baseball Australia’s
digital and media platforms and
distributed to the baseball clubs and members throughout Australia.
One of Australia’s
rising baseball stars Mitch Edwards, who’s making a name for himself with
Major League clubPhiladelphia Phillies, is a vocal ambassador for End Alcohol
Advertising in Sport, and believes Baseball Australia has made a fantastic
strategic play.
“It's really
exciting that we get to step up, be the leader, and show the other codes the
way. Baseball Australia is the first national sporting code in Australia to
join the campaign to end alcohol advertising in sports, so it's massive and I'm
really proud to be involved,” said Mitch.
End Alcohol
Advertising in Sport campaign spokesman and Chief Executive for the Foundation
for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), Michael Thorn congratulated Baseball
Australia and said he was delighted that a national sporting code recognised
the importance of prioritising the health and welfare of its player and
supporter base above all else.
“Baseball
Australia have today shown leadership that is sadly lacking in too many of our
national sporting codes. Sport can and should be a powerful force for good.
Rather than simply condemning player transgressions, sporting codes must show
leadership, and that starts with walking away from alcohol advertising dollars,
as Baseball Australia is doing,” Mr Thorn said.
Click here to support End Alcohol Advertising in Sport's campaign.
Senior SWC 08-10 June Geelong (GBA)
U14 SWC 29/30 June Morwell/Traralgon (LVBA)
U18 SWC 06/07 July Mildura (SBL)
U16 SWC 20/21 July Morwell/Traralgon (LVBA)
U12 SWC 27/28 July Werribee
These championships will bring some of the best junior players throughout the state together for memorable weekends of intense competition and thrilling results. It’s especially great to have four impressive venues across Victoria involved in making these championships a reality. Baseball Victoria will be releasing more details about these events as they get closer, and our team is excited to see what this year’s State Winter Championships have in store!
Baseball Australia would like to congratulate Oli Baillargeon our Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
Oli has won $500 for his baseball club.
13 months ago Oli was not confident to play baseball....but this year his courage has shone through and his character is developing on the mound.
Oli does not get phased when things don’t go his way and when it come to loyalty, this trait is quickly developing to the sport as he wants to play catch every night!
To go into the draw to become the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week and win $500 just like Oli, enter your details HERE.
Stay tuned next week as we announce another Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
Oli was awarded the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week for 17-24 February.
Baseball Australia would like to congratulate Tom Chessell our Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
Tom has won $500 for his baseball club.
Tom just lives and breathes baseball.
He loves playing practice games and the joy of being on a field. As a catcher he calls the plays and he’s the first to help at training always setting up or carrying something.
Equally is the nice kid never argues just plays where he is put. Tom is a nice kid great baseballer and a really good hard worker. He deserves all the success that will come his way.
To go into the draw to become the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week and win $500 just like Tom, enter your details HERE.
Stay tuned soon as we announce another Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
Tom is the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week for 10-17 February.
Baseball Australia would like to congratulate Erin Fenerty, our Brut Little Leaguer of the Week.
Erin has won $500 for her baseball club.
Erin plays in the T-Ball League Minor East (U7's) team in the Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association competition at the age of 3-and-a-half (league age 4).
Baseball Australia would like to congratulate Erin Fenerty, our Brut Little Leaguer of the Week.
Erin has won $500 for her baseball club.
Erin plays in the T-Ball League Minor East (U7's) team in the Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association competition at the age of 3-and-a-half (league age 4).
Erin has won $500 for her baseball club.
Erin plays in the T-Ball League Minor East (U7's) team in the Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association competition at the age of 3-and-a-half (league age 4).
She has grown up watching her both of her Uncles play first grade baseball with Arncliffe Scots and her older brother Sean playing T-Ball with the same club, so baseball is firmly in her blood.
Whilst fielding is not yet her forte (grass and dirt being more interesting right now), batting and running bases is. Stepping up to the plate, her face just lights up and is then replaced by a look of concentration and focus, batting extremely well then taking off with little instruction for first base. She even insists on using her brother's glove, despite having one of her own.
To go into the draw to become the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week and win $500 just like Erin, enter your details HERE.
Stay tuned soon as we announce another Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
(Erin is the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week from 3-10 February)
To go into the draw to become the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week and win $500 just like Erin, enter your details HERE.
Stay tuned soon as we announce another Brut Little Leaguer of the Week!
(Erin is the Brut Little Leaguer of the Week from 3-10 February)
Fitzroy Baseball Club just celebrated its 130th Anniversary!
The big and beautiful Anniversary Celebration was held on Friday, February 15th, and it was a wonderful night for past and present members of the club who have enjoyed life as a Lion! Here are some of the best snapshots from the night, as kindly provided by FBC.
President John King and Karen King
Laurie Mazzocato, John King, Jeff Harvey and his wife Marilyn. Jeff is the son of cricketer Merv Harvey. The Harvey family has a proud history with Fitzroy Baseball Club.
Club Coach Thomas Dicker and import Alex Merithew.
Some of the Life Members who were honoured on the night.
Celeste Higney, Allie Bebbere, Christine Busby, Leah Trebilcock and Christina Brasacchio, who all play with Fitzroy Baseball Club.
Some of the Anniversary Season merchandise and the hand-designed table numbers from the night!
President John King and Karen King
Laurie Mazzocato, John King, Jeff Harvey and his wife Marilyn. Jeff is the son of cricketer Merv Harvey. The Harvey family has a proud history with Fitzroy Baseball Club.
Club Coach Thomas Dicker and import Alex Merithew.
Club Coach Thomas Dicker and import Alex Merithew.
Some of the Life Members who were honoured on the night.
Celeste Higney, Allie Bebbere, Christine Busby, Leah Trebilcock and Christina Brasacchio, who all play with Fitzroy Baseball Club.
Some of the Anniversary Season merchandise and the hand-designed table numbers from the night!
Some of the Life Members who were honoured on the night.
Celeste Higney, Allie Bebbere, Christine Busby, Leah Trebilcock and Christina Brasacchio, who all play with Fitzroy Baseball Club.
Some of the Anniversary Season merchandise and the hand-designed table numbers from the night!
Having called for nominations from Member Bodies for persons to be considered for Life Membership of Baseball Victoria, five nominations were received and from these five nominations the Board recommended to the Annual General Meeting held on 12 February 2019 that two persons have life membership conferred on them.
“Life Membership is the highest honour Baseball Victoria can confer on an individual. The individual must have rendered distinguished service to baseball in Victoria over an extended period of time and such service must have assisted the advancement of baseball in Victoria,” said Myles Foreman, President of Baseball Victoria. “While Club Service is taken into consideration individuals are awarded Life Membership where they have also contributed at a State and National level. Congratulations to Michele Winther and Ian Bishop, who are now Life Members of Baseball Victoria, joining many greats of Victorian Baseball.”
Michele Winther and Ian Bishop will be formally presented with Life Membership at the Baseball Victoria Annual Awards Night to be held on Thursday the 28th March 2019.
Michele Winther
As a longtime scorer, contributing committee member and life member of Bonbeach St Chads and Frankston Baseball Clubs, Michele has been making a difference to local, state and national baseball for more than 35 years. She’s shown unwavering commitment to her passion of scoring baseball games, serving as Chief Scorer at Bonbeach since 1988 and at Frankston since 1981. She’s also a life member of Dandenong Baseball Association, and she’s widely considered the authority in baseball scoring among peers and our sporting community. Michele has served numerous times as the team scorer for Victorian state teams, Melbourne Aces and Claxton Shield, and she was named the National Team Scorer for the 1999 InterContinental Cup, 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and 2007 Baseball World Cup.
Michele is just one of just a handful of scorers nationwide who hold a Level 5 accreditation with CABS. Taking a look at the life membership criteria, including innovative practice, advancement of the game, administration, leadership roles and community involvement, Michele received an outstanding 55/55 for her knowledge, guidance, volunteerism and good character.
“I’m very pleased and honoured to accept this Life Membership,” Michele Winther said. “It’s been a long trip and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve been to some wonderful places all around Australia and overseas so baseball has been very good to me.”
Michele added that her passion for scoring began shortly after she married her husband, when the former Little Leaguer decided he wanted to pick up a bat and ball again. She came along to watch and was asked to score, despite minimal knowledge of the game. Fast forward 40 years, and she’s shared her passion for scoring with so many others in the baseball community while making a big difference to the sport.
Ian Bishop
Photo reproduced courtesy of Sunraysia Daily – Mildura, www.sunraysiadaily.com.au
A standout individual who has dedicated more than 50 years to the Sunraysia Baseball League, Ian’s baseball career has included playing, coaching, umpiring and committee work. He first joined the sport as an athlete in the 1950s, and he soon took up coaching in addition to playing on representative sides. He served as SBL’s Secretary/Treasurer in 1966 and Treasurer in 1972, and he had a crucial leadership role in the reformation of the SBL in 1979.
Although he retired from playing in 1984, his contributions to the sport were far from over. He was League Treasurer from 1980-1982 before beginning his 30+ years of umpiring. He was a proud advocate and promoter of the sport, serving as media liaison for several years as well as sharing baseball radio reports on Sunday mornings from 1982-2005. He was the SBL Committee Level Umpire Coordinator from 1990-2004, and he returned to his beloved role as Secretary/Treasurer from 2007/2017.
Ian was granted life membership to SBL in 1993 for his commitment and support of the sport and its growth in Sunraysia. Ian’s notable advocacy, leadership, reformation, administration and community involvement gave him an impressive 48/55 in life membership criteria. A special presentation for Ian will be held at the 2019 end of season Sunraysia Baseball League Awards Night.
"I'm quite honoured and proud to receive Life Membership. It's something I never expected," Ian said. "I started baseball in 1955 and just carried on with it, because it's something I loved doing. It is an absolute honour and a pleasure."
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.