After an amazing week at the world's first Little League Girls National Championship in Lismore, Victoria Belles are happily coming home with a silver medal.
Belles made it all the way to the gold medal game after going 4-1 in pool play. They played NSW Blue for the championship title, and although it wasn't their day on the scoreboard, their infectious spirit and determination never wavered.
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The Belles took a leap in 2023 by entering an all-girls team into the Little League Division 2 National Championships. They helped inspire all states to come together and submit a team to the world’s first all-girls national title.
After dropping their first game of the tournament, the Belles won four in a row and came from behind in two of the games. They also got to meet incredible role models on the Victoria Aces, Brisbane Bandits, and Adelaide Giants teams competing in the 2024 Australian Women's Baseball Showcase alongside the Little League girls event.
“I don’t want to say I’m not suprised but I didn’t expect it to happen,” 10-year-old Taylor Elton said. “If I told myself four years ago you’re going to play in an all-girls tournament and be in a gold medal match I wouldn’t believe it.”
Elton feels this tournament has created a special bond between players.
“It’s really nice we get to share the experience together. I think there are friendships and bonds that could live on for years and years from now,” she added.
Head coach Leah Trebilcock radiates pride when talking about her team.
“Whilst we were incredibly privileged to break ground as the first all girls team at the Little League Division 2 Nationals, this year’s group of girls has redefined what it means to be a Belle," she said. "They have played with incredible heart and hustle, and refused to give up with their backs against the wall. This is by far the team-iest team I’ve had the pleasure to coach."
Congratulations Belles - our baseball community is so proud of you!
Players: Pia Amsing, Quorra Ridd, Eve McAndrew, Isabella McKenner, Georgia Brown, Emily Mills, Audrey Cheung, Emily Perks, Hannah Wilson-Powell, Lucy Gale, Molly Richards, Taylor Elton, Isla Theobald, Maddy SaundersCoaches: Leah Trebilcock, Delia Robey, Richard Elton
EO: Jess Morehouse
Scorer: Bobby Green