An Australian Emeralds squad of players, coaches and mentors is heading back to Indonesia on 5 May to continue the second year of Diamonds in the Rough, a program empowering Indonesian girls through baseball. The diplomacy program continues to be funded by the Australian Government through the Asian Sports Partnerships small grants fund.
The Emeralds mentors will return to Bali and Bandung, based on the success of the last visit, continuing the program of on-field skill development and off-field confidence building workshops facilitated by the Emeralds mentors.
The squad will continue its tradition of playing against local men’s teams, and are especially looking forward to playing in Bandung. Last year the games were washed out however Bandung joined the Emeralds in an intensive training session, so there is already a good relationship developed, and competitiveness established.
Another highlight will be the games in Bali, where last year the No More message of reducing domestic violence was soundly embraced, and the games were played in good spirits.
The squad is a combination of veteran Emeralds and those working to make their first open national team. Many of the players are returning for a second and third time, to build on existing relationships, refine and improve delivery and continue to develop leadership skills. The opportunity is also being provided to two rookie mentors in Georgia Jones and Gabby Bevan.
Bevan represented the silver medal winning Victorian Youth team at the 2017 Australian Women’s Championship, and can’t wait to begin the program.
“I am very excited to be a part of the program for the first time this year, and can't wait to get over to Indonesia and have the experience of a lifetime,” Bevan said.
“I haven't really coached before, so I am looking forward to giving it a go with the girls and seeing baseball from a different perspective."
Amy Collins is returning for a third time, and last year also went back to Indonesia on her own accord, delivering clinics while training with Home Plate Academy, a partner of the Diamonds in the Rough program.
“Being involved in this program has helped me to give back to the sport I love in an incredibly special way,” Collins said.
“Using baseball to break down initial barriers helps us create strong relationships in a short time. This allows us to make a strong impact with the Indonesian girls that we coach as well as their families and the local baseball communities that we visit. The trip has a two fold effect in that as players and mentors for our sport, we are able to build our own coaching, leadership and communication skills which we can bring back into our own clubs, associations and state programs when we return to Australia.”
To keep up to date on the program, head to the Diamonds in the Rough Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsintherough2016
EMERALDS COACHES/MENTORS
Amy Collins, NSW
Breanna Goodwin, WA
Bronwyn Gell, VIC
Caitlin Gordon, WA
Cate Lessman, QLD
Chloe Humphreys, QLD
Gabby Bevan, VIC
Georgia Jones, QLD
Julie Wadham, SA
Kaila Borgomastro, WA
Narelle Gosstray, NT
Shae Lillywhite, VIC
Simone Wearne, VIC
Tammy McMillan, QLD
The Australian Little League Championships are the pinnacle of Charter Baseball in Australia, where the best young talent come together across three divisions to be crowned Australian Champion.
The Bendigo Bank Australian Little League Championship is celebrating its 10th edition this June in Lismore NSW, and is now joined by the Australian Junior League Championship (May, Adelaide SA) and Australian Senior League Championship (May, Lismore NSW) as the premier national youth charter competition.
Baseball Australia are pleased to announce a re-branding of the Australian Little League Baseball Championships to embody the national team colours of Australian Baseball, providing a clearer link between Little League and the potential pathways to national team programs.
Australian Little League stays true to the principles of Little League International, with participation at its core. However the divergence from the traditional Little League International colours of red, white and blue identifies the Little League Championships as truly Australian.
Following the successful rebranding of the Australian Women’s Championship and National Youth Championship logos, incorporating the traditional green and wattle of Australian sport, the decision was made to re-brand the Australian Little League logos to further identify the potential pathway to various national teams and programs.
Since the inaugural Bendigo Bank Australian Little League Championship in 2008, the Australian Little League program has thrived, with Australian Championships now extending to the Junior League (12-15 year olds) and Senior League (13-17 year olds) divisions.
2017 will go down as another history making year in Australian Little League Baseball, as the winners of the Australian Senior League, Junior League and Bendigo Bank Little League Championships will automatically qualify for their relevant World Series for the first time ever, foregoing the Asia-Pacific Qualifier and representing the Australia region on the most prestigious stage Little League Baseball has to offer.
The first championship to display the new logo will be the Australian Senior League Championship, which will take place from 14-19 May at the Albert Park Baseball Complex in Lismore, NSW.
Baseball Australia Head of Little League Mathew Sundstrom has seen first hand the transformation of Australian Little League, and is excited to usher in what he sees as a massive step forward for the program in Australia.
“With the tenth edition of the Bendigo Bank Australian Little League Championship this year, it was a great opportunity to refocus our Australian Little League logos and what they represent,” Sundstrom said.
“With the enhanced alignment to the national programs, we’re proud to re-launch the new Australian Little League logos. A lot of time and effort has gone into to the re-design of these logos, and we feel that after a number of years using the red, blue and white colour scheme, we’ve given little leaguers a clearer understanding as to the opportunities that Little League can bring.”
As the 10th edition of the Bendigo Bank Australian Little League Championship approaches, the number of high quality baseballers coming through the program is immense. Twin brothers Alex and Lachlan Wells represented Newcastle in the 2008 and 2009 editions, with both building impressive careers in the USA, signed by the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins respectively as well as representing multiple underage Australian teams.
Another Little League alumni doing big things in the US is Zac Shepherd, with the 21-year-old taking his place on the Hills North team that won the inaugural Australian Little League Championship. Shepherd is in the midst of his fourth full season with the Detroit Tigers after claiming a Silver Medal at the 2016 U23 World Cup.
Australian Senior League Championship Homepage: http://littleleague.org.au/ASLC
Australian Junior League Championship Homepage: http://littleleague.org.au/Junior-League/Australian-Junior-League-Championship
Bendigo Bank Australian Little League Championship Homepage: http://littleleague.org.au/Little-League/Bendigo-Bank-Australian-Little-League-Championship
Gold Medal Game
Victoria Blue 12-2 Western Australia
Victoria Blue capped off a perfect week with a 12-2 victory against Western Australia to seal the Gold Medal at the Australian Women’s Championship.
Team hitting has been the mantra all week for Victoria Blue, and today was no exception, with star infielders Abbey Kelly and Bronwyn Gell each driving in three runs apiece.
Victoria broke open the game in the second inning with six runs as Western Australia’s defence couldn’t match the powerful Victorian offence.
Manager of the Victorian side Dean Anglin was pleased with his team’s preparation
“We had to come into every game at 100%,” Anglin said.
“After winning the Youth Championship last year, we knew Western Australia would be a tough opponent. They really showed how good they could be today, there’s a very bright future in WA baseball.”
Nat House and Rebecca Torpy each claimed two hits for Western Australia, with both House and Torpy driving in a run in the second inning.
Western Australia threatened in the fifth inning, however Emma French quickly shut down the threat as Victoria Blue claimed the Australian Women’s Championship.
New South Wales and Australian infielder Olivia Bannon was given the fielding award, with star Victoria slugger Abbey McLellan honour with the Hitting Award.
After claiming the win in the Australian Championship game, Emma French was deservedly given the pitching award.
Australian infielder and Victorian stalwart Bronwyn Gell was named tournament MVP after she drove in 21 runs from her 17 hits, to finish with a batting average of .531.
Bronze Medal Game
Queensland 8-5 New South Wales
In a traditional state of origin battle, Queensland picked up the bronze medal following an 8-5 defeat of New South Wales on Diamond 1.
New South Wales flew out of the blocks to hold a four run lead after four innings, but a never say die attitude and some solid hitting saw Queensland fly home to claim bronze.
Olivia Bannon finished her tournament in style, claiming two hits and an RBI, while long-time Australian catcher Tahnee Lovering also claimed two base hits.
Amy West was one of Queensland’s best with bat in hand, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Grace Zylstra, young catcher Chloe Humphreys and Raewa Long each had two hits.
Priya Balnaves was tasked with throwing the final inning for Queensland, and despite giving up a leadoff single, claimed the next three outs with no trouble, sealing a well-earned bronze for Queensland.
5th Place Playoff
Victoria Blue 5-3 Country New South Wales
Victoria White left it late, but managed to scrape by Country 5-3 to finish fifth in the Australian Women’s Championship.
Vic White scored four of their five runs in their final three innings, including two in the sixth to all-but fend off Country New South Wales.
Kristen Bezzina gave up a leadoff double and had the tying run on first base before she struck out Isobel Demol to seal fifth for Vic White.
Kirra Hamilton was the only Country hitter to register two hits, including a double, with Britt Carree and Isobel Demol driving in two of the three runs.
Emma Chandler finished off her tournament perfectly, going 3-for-3 with a double, a run and an RBI, while Shannon Kwok’s two RBI in the sixth frame gave Vic White a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, holding on to claim fifth place.
7th Place Playoff
Australian Capital Territory 22-2 South Australia
The ACT came home with a wet sail in the Australian Women’s Championship, winning their last two games to claim seventh, as they defeated South Australia 22-2.
Both ACT and SA were tied at two after the first inning, but the ACT pulled away in the middle stages, piling on 20 runs in two innings to put the result beyond doubt.
Meredith Wells only gave up two hits in her four innings of work, striking out five in a strong performance.
Claire Stephens finished the tournament well with bat in hand, going 2-for-3 with 4RBI. Kristol Pyke and Caitlyn Elliott also drove in four runs apiece, with Elliott picking up three hits.
Carly Moore and Emma Young claimed SA’s two RBI, while Julie Wadham also managed a hit.
FINAL STANDINGS:
1. Victoria Blue
2. Western Australia
3. Queensland
4. New South Wales
5. Victoria White
6. Country New South Wales
7. Australian Capital Territory
8. South Australia
Victoria Blue capped off a perfect week with a 12-2 victory against Western Australia to seal the Gold Medal at the Australian Women’s Championship.
Team hitting has been the mantra all week for Victoria Blue, and today was no exception, with star infielders Abbey Kelly and Bronwyn Gell each driving in three runs apiece.
Victoria broke open the game in the second inning with six runs as Western Australia’s defence couldn’t match the powerful Victorian offence.
Manager of the Victorian side Dean Anglin was pleased with his team’s preparation
“We had to come into every game at 100%,” Anglin said.
“After winning the Youth Championship last year, we knew Western Australia would be a tough opponent. They really showed how good they could be today, there’s a very bright future in WA baseball.”
Nat House and Rebecca Torpy each claimed two hits for Western Australia, with both House and Torpy driving in a run in the second inning.
Western Australia threatened in the fifth inning, however Emma French quickly shut down the threat as Victoria Blue claimed the Australian Women’s Championship.
New South Wales and Australian infielder Olivia Bannon was given the fielding award, with star Victoria slugger Abbey McLellan honour with the Hitting Award.
After claiming the win in the Australian Championship game, Emma French was deservedly given the pitching award.
Australian infielder and Victorian stalwart Bronwyn Gell was named tournament MVP after she drove in 21 runs from her 17 hits, to finish with a batting average of .531.
South Australia 9-6 Australian Capital Territory
Behind a strong start from Bianca Smith, South Australia took down a dogged ACT side 9-6 in the opening game of the day on Diamond 2.
Smith only gave up two hits and struck out two in her four inning start, while her offence backed her up well. Shelley Neller had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBI, while Julie Wadham also drove in a pair of runs from her double.
1B Cecilia Tran claimed two RBI from her two hits, with Kristol Pyke and Lilian King also getting in on the action with a pair of hits each for the ACT..
Claire Stephens threw well in relief, only giving up one earned run from her 3.1 innings for the ACT.
Despite pegging four runs back in the top of the sixth, the ACT weren’t able to make any further inroads, as Nicky Bacon kept her cool to throw the final 1.1 innings without any blemishes for SA.
Victoria White 17-10 Country New South Wales
Victoria White used a consistent start and some late runs to stave off Country NSW 17-10 on Diamond 1.
Kei Matsumoto did her best to fire up Country’s offence, going 4-for-5 with two RBI in the leadoff spot, with the always dangerous Eryn Shipp picking up three hits.
Vanessa Sandoval played her role of leadoff to perfection, driving in four runs from her three hits. Sandoval was supported by Kayla Adams, as the first baseman went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI.
Victoria White lead by two in the late stages, but a five run sixth inning highlighted by two RBI from Kristen Bezzina put the result beyond doubt.
Australian Capital Territory 18-17 Victoria White
It was an absolute nailbiter to finish the second round on Diamond 2, with the Australian Capital Territory claiming their first win of the tournament over Victoria White.
ACT raced out of the blocks to lead by six runs after two complete before Victoria White clawed back ten runs in the next two innings.
Rachel Warwick was one of ACT’s best with the bat in hand, as she drove in four runs from her two hits, including the eventual game winning runs in the final frame.
Sinead Byrne-Connell was fantastic in keeping the ACT bats at bay during the middle innings, as she only gave up one run in her 3.1 innings of relief.
Emma Chandler was one of Victoria’s best with the bat, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.
Victoria needed six runs to win in the final frame, and had the winning run at second base before the final out was made, sending the ACT fans and players alike into raptures as they captured their first win of the championship.
Country New South Wales 19-9 South Australia
Both Country New South Wales and South Australia scored two each in the opening inning, but Country came home with a wet sail to record a 19-9 win on Diamond 1. Stephanie Lewer was instrumental in keeping SA’s bats at bay in the late stages, only giving up one earned run in her two innings of relief.
Eryn Shipp continued her excellent tournament with two hits and three RBI, while Kirra Hamilton went 3-for-4 with 2RBI to keep Country’s strong day at the plate going.
Jenny Dunn has been arguably SA’s best hitter at the tournament, and she didn’t disappoint today, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
Victoria Blue 8-2 New South Wales
Victoria Blue needs one win to go through the 2017 Australian Women’s Championship undefeated after they dispatched 2016 champions New South Wales 8-2 on Diamond 1.
New South Wales struck first care of Olivia Bannon scoring on a wild pitch, but Victoria struck back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first.
Elise Izzard was the only NSW hitter to claim multiple hits, as Olivia Bannon, Maddison Tabrett and Hayley Jones each managed singles.
Abbey McLellan was fantastic with bat in hand for Victoria Blue, driving in three runs from her two hits, while Rieko Abe also chimed in with two RBI.
Sinead Flanigan and Bronwyn Gell combined to quell the NSW offence, as Flanigan only gave up two runs in her five innings, with Gell coming on to toss a scoreless sixth and seventh to put the result beyond doubt.
Western Australia 7-6 Queensland
It took two extra innings and one of the games of the tournament to separate Western Australia and Queensland, and eventually it was Western Australia who prevailed in a classic to book their place in the Gold Medal Game.
Western Australia tied up the ball game in the final inning of regulation to put the game into extras, the first extra innings ballgame of the tournament so far.
Both teams managed to score a run in the eighth inning, before a grandstand finish saw Western Australia score three runs in the bottom of the ninth, capped off with a Caitlin Eynon squeeze bunt, scoring Nat House from third base and sealing the sandgroper’s place in the Australian Women’s Championship Final.
The game was a pure pitchers dual, with WA’s Amanda Mirco (7IP, 9H, 1ER, 4K) and Queensland’s Karina Connors (7IP, 6H, 3ER, 7K) both proving tough tasks for batting lineups.
FINAL DAY SCHEDULE
GOLD MEDAL
Victoria Blue vs. Western Australia
2.00pm – Diamond 1
BRONZE MEDAL
New South Wales vs. Queensland
11am – Diamond 1
5th PLACE PLAYOFF
Victoria White vs. Country New South Wales
12.30pm – Diamond 2
7th PLACE PLAYOFF
South Australia vs. Australian Capital Territory
9.30am – Diamond 2
Western Australia 11-9 New South Wales
The opening game of the game on Diamond 1 saw Western Australia sneak past defending champions New South Wales 11-9 in a high quality affair.
Rebecca Torpy again proved her stature as a two-way threat, tossing five innings against a tough NSW lineup to go with two hits and two RBI with bat in hand. Renae Currie played her part in a seven run inning with a bases clearing double to give WA plenty of momentum.
NSW drove in three runs in the final frame to send a scare through the WA camp, but Natalie House kept her cool and finished the game on the mound.
Kim McMillan went 3-for-4 with three RBI, while left fielder Lauren Donnellan drove in two runs from her two hits. New South Wales scored consistently in the early innings, but couldn’t maintain the intensity, as WA snuck home in a game that will have plenty of implications to the makeup of the Gold Medal game.
Country New South Wales 18-17 Australian Capital Territory
An absolute heartstopper saw Country New South Wales come from three runs down late in the ballgame to snatch an 18-17 victory over the Australian Capital Territory on Diamond 2.
ACT used an eight run second inning to propel them to an early lead, as Meredith Wells drove in four runs from her two doubles to lead the ACT offence. Ellen Bentley went 3-for-4 in the leadoff spot, while designated hitter Kathryn Delavere picked up three RBI from her two hits.
Country’s offence was spread evenly throughout, with Britt Carree, Kirra Hamilton and Kei Matsumoto each picking up two base hits. Eryn Shipp was given the task of finishing the ballgame on the mound for Country, and in a precarious position, she found her rhythm, only giving up one run across two innings, setting up her offence to come home with a bang.
Victoria Blue 12-0 Queensland
Victoria Blue continued their blemish free tournament alive with a 12-0 shutout victory over fourth seed Queensland.
Emma French and Erin Collis combined to shutout Queensland, with French only giving up three hits in her four innings of work.
Emeralds representative Abbey Kelly played her leadoff role to perfection, going 3-for-4, scoring four times and driving in a run. Her Emeralds teammate Bronwyn Gell drove in three runs from her two hits, while Leslie Anglin and Abbey McLellan picked up two RBI each.
Chloe Humphreys, Karina Connors, Mei Hurihara and Raewa Long claimed Queensland’s four hits.
Victoria White 13-2 South Australia
A five run first inning propelled Victoria White to a dominant 13-2 victory over South Australia in their first game of the second round. Allie Steane was the sparkplug for Vic White, only giving up two runs in her three innings pitched, while with bat in hand, she drove in a pair of runs in the opening inning.
Jenny Dunn was the only South Australian to claim multiple hits as her fantastic Australian Women’s Championship continues. South Australia stuck with Victoria White for most of the game, however a seven run sixth inning propelled Victoria to a handy 11 run victory.
Kristen Bezzina threw well in relief for Victoria White, tossing two scoreless innings, and also driving in a pair of runs.
New South Wales 6-4 Queensland
Queensland took it up to the defending champions New South Wales, but three runs in the fifth inning kept the Bandits at bay, with NSW eventually taking a 6-4 win.
Tahnee Lovering and Amy Collins both picked up two RBI for New South Wales, while Emeralds infielder Olivia Bannon and Amy Collins had a pair of hits each.
Amy West and Courtney Murphy both had a hit and an RBI for Queensland, with Mei Hurihara, Chloe Humphreys and Grace Zylstra all claimed hits.
Queensland kept NSW on their toes late, with three runs in the final two innings, but Maddison Tabrett held her nerve for NSW.
The game ended with an 8-1-2 double play, as Amy West was out at home after Karina Connors flew out to Amy Collins in centrefield.
Victoria Blue 18-3 Western Australia
Western Australia struck first, but couldn’t maintain the pressure, as Victoria Blue continued their undefeated streak, claiming an 18-3 win in the final game of the day.
Abbey McLellan has starred all week for Victoria, with tonight no exception. The right-handed catcher went 2-for-3 with two doubles and 4RBI. Emeralds outfielder Leslie Anglin also had a strong offensive outing, driving in four runs of her own.
WA claimed two runs in the opening inning care of an error and a Caitlin Gordon single, but weren’t able to maintain that offensive clip as Victoria Blue continued their push for the gold medal.
New South Wales 21-1 Australian Capital Territory
Defending champions New South Wales finished their opening round with a dominant 21-1 win against the ACT.
Olivia Bannon continued to show why she’s one of the best prospects in Australian baseball, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBI. Lauren Hughes also drove in three for NSW, while on the mound, Natassha McDonnell struck out three.
New South Wales finished in the second seed heading into the second round of play, while the ACT end up with the eighth seed.
Western Australia 12-2 Country New South Wales
Country struck early against Western Australia, but two big innings saw WA claim a 12-2 win to secure the chance to play for a medal at the Australian Women’s Championship.
Kei Matsumoto was the only Country NSW hitter to claim multiple hits, while Callie Windsor drove in the only earned run for country.
Team hitting was the order of the day for WA, with hits shared among all nine starters. Emily Watson picked up three hits and two RBI, while Aislinn Morris went 2-for-3.
Western Australia secured third place in the Open Women’s division, while Country NSW finished in sixth place following the minor round.
Country New South Wales Youth 9-8 Queensland Youth*
Despite a loss in the third place playoff game, Queensland Youth were awarded the Bronze Medal following a technical ruling.
Hits were spread evenly for Queensland, with Hannah Marshall the only Queensland hitter to register multiple hits. Mahaela O’Neill registered two hits and two RBI for Country NSW, with Emma Wallace also finishing with two RBI.
Maddison Erwin also picked up a pair of hits for Country.
Victoria Blue 22-0 South Australia
Victoria Blue finished the first round undefeated following a 22-0 defeat of South Australia.
Current Emerald Bronwyn Gell was outstanding with bat in hand for Victoria, going 3-for-5 with a massive 5RBI. Hannah Jackson also swung the bat well, picking up three RBI from her three hits. Georgia Page struck out two and only gave up two hits in a complete game shutout.
Sarah McMahon and Tamara Harkin claimed a hit each for South Australia.
Victoria Blue remain the only undefeated team in the Open Women’s Division and will head into the second round as the top seed. South Australia’s two wins in the opening round see them enter the second round as the sixth seed.
Queensland 18-0 Victoria White
Queensland secured their place in medal contention following a 18 run victory over Victoria White. Chloe Humphreys lead Queensland’s offence with two hits and three RBI, with Taneeca Moss also driving in three runs.
Karina Connors tossed a complete game shutout for Queensland, keeping Victoria to only the one hit and striking out three.
Queensland have ended the first round in line for a medal after finishing fourth, while Victoria White finishing in seventh position.
New South Wales Youth 12-4 Victoria Blue Youth
After an amazing week of baseball, New South Wales capped off their undefeated tournament against Victoria Blue to claim the Simone Wearne Shield for the fifth time in six years following a 12-4 win.
Lianna Davidson was honoured with the start for New South Wales, and paid her coaches back in spades, tossing four shutout innings, striking out seven in the process and setting her team up for success. Davidson put together a performance for the ages, with her success not limited to her work on the mound, as she went 2-for-2 with 3RBI with bat in hand.
Despite having such a dominant tournament, New South Wales were challenged early by the Victoria Blue defence, as Chelsea Stewart continued to challenge the dominant New South Wales hitters. Victoria’s defence was a highlight in the opening inning, with some sharp plays made by Lili Cavanagh at third base.
New South Wales opened the floodgates in the fourth inning, picking up six runs from five hits, however in trademark fashion, Victoria Blue never gave up, managing to extend the ballgame with four runs of their own in the top of the fifth.
NSW Manager Ashleigh Ross was impressed with Victoria’s efforts on the day.
“They really pushed us today,” Ross said.
“We had to lift our game today, they’ve got some great talent and we had to be on our game.”
NSW’s Ticara Geldenhuis finished the tournament with an astonishing .824 batting average after claiming another two hits and two RBI today, while Serena De Gail and Caitlin Wilde each picked up two RBI.
Victoria’s Lili Cavanagh claimed the Gold Glove Award for best fielder of the tournament, while NSW’s Maddison Heath finished with the batting award.
After an incredible start in the gold medal game, NSW utility Lianna Davidson was aptly given the Pitching Award.
MVP of the Australian Youth Women’s Championship was Ticara Geldenhuis. The NSW shortstop finished with 14 hits and 10 RBI from her 17 at bats, as she ended up hitting .824 for the tournament.
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS FOLLOWING POOL PLAY
1. Victoria Blue
2. New South Wales
3. Western Australia
4. Queensland
5. NSW Country
6. South Australia
7. Victoria White
8. Australian Capital Territory
After an amazing week of baseball, New South Wales capped off their undefeated tournament against Victoria Blue to claim the Simone Wearne Shield for the fifth time in six years following a 12-4 win.
Lianna Davidson was honoured with the start for New South Wales, and paid her coaches back in spades, tossing four shutout innings, striking out seven in the process and setting her team up for success. Davidson put together a performance for the ages, with her success not limited to her work on the mound, as she went 2-for-2 with 3RBI with bat in hand.
Despite having such a dominant tournament, New South Wales were challenged early by the Victoria Blue defence, as Chelsea Stewart continued to challenge the dominant New South Wales hitters. Victoria’s defence was a highlight in the opening inning, with some sharp plays made by Lili Cavanagh at third base.
New South Wales opened the floodgates in the fourth inning, picking up six runs from five hits, however in trademark fashion, Victoria Blue never gave up, managing to extend the ballgame with four runs of their own in the top of the fifth.
NSW Manager Ashleigh Ross was impressed with Victoria’s efforts on the day.
“They really pushed us today,” Ross said.
“We had to lift our game today, they’ve got some great talent and we had to be on our game.”
NSW’s Ticara Geldenhuis finished the tournament with an astonishing .824 batting average after claiming another two hits and two RBI today, while Serena De Gail and Caitlin Wilde each picked up two RBI.
Victoria’s Lili Cavanagh claimed the Gold Glove Award for best fielder of the tournament, while NSW’s Maddison Heath finished with the batting award.
After an incredible start in the gold medal game, NSW utility Lianna Davidson was aptly given the Pitching Award.
MVP of the Australian Youth Women’s Championship was Ticara Geldenhuis. The NSW shortstop finished with 14 hits and 10 RBI from her 17 at bats, as she ended up hitting .824 for the tournament.