Baseball Australia is proud to announce the athletes selected to represent the Australian Emeralds at the 2018 Women’s World Cup in Viera, Florida from 22-31 August.
The 20-strong team contains three athletes who will be making their debut at World Cup level, as Kaila Borgomastro (WA), Elodie O’Sullivan (NSW) and Abbey McLellan (VIC) don the green and gold for the first time.
Australian Emeralds Manager Simone Wearne was excited when asked about the talent that the staff saw on display in Bendigo.
“The Bendigo Challenge was a fantastic event,” Wearne said.
“We were able to see the most talented women’s players in the country step up against Japan, and also in some very competitive intra-squad games.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the organising committee, the people of Bendigo and the Victorian Government for their continued support of our great sport.
“The depth of players in attendance made it very difficult for the selectors, and ultimately some good players missed out. Although it was a hard task to cut the squad in half, it really does prove that women’s baseball is in a great position in this country.”
Shae Lillywhite will make history, becoming the only Australian player to feature at each of the eight World Cups (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018).
The Victorian infielder has been consistently outstanding for well over a decade, hitting .444 with 11 RBI at the recent Australian Women’s Championship in Geelong.
Another key addition to the Emeralds medal hopes is NSW native Tahnee Lovering.
Lovering was named the World All-Star Team catcher at the 2016 World Cup in Gijang City, Korea, after claiming a team high eight hits and a .400 batting average.
Wearne was quick to applaud the players on their commitment to the Emeralds program, and knows that the group must continue that hard work in the lead up to departure in mid-August.
“In a game where the players do not have the opportunity to vie for College Scholarships or MLB contracts, these girls continue to work hard in a real ‘love of the game’ type way,” Wearne said.
Baseball Australia and the Australian Sports Foundation have teamed up to start a campaign and raise funds for the Australian Emeralds World Cup campaign.
The Emeralds are made up of dedicated women from around the country who are mostly self-funded as they continue their dream to bring women's baseball in Australia to new heights.
A contribution to the Australian women's baseball program will also help build and sustain women's baseball in Australia for years to come.
Australia will take on Japan, Canada, Cuba, Hong Kong and the Dominican Republic in the first round of action, with a full schedule and broadcast information to be revealed soon.