Vic Dingoes and Hornets are excited for a big week of baseball as the 2024 Barclay Cup kicks off this Sunday 29 September and runs through Saturday 5 October.
"We wish our Vic Dingoes and Hornets the best of luck as they head to Sydney to play in the junior girls tournament against baseballers from across Australia," Baseball Victoria CEO Chet Gray said. "The third annual event is sure to be filled with baseball fun on and off the diamond, and we can’t wait to watch it unfold."
To prepare for the tournament, Barclay Cup baseballers took part in the newly revamped Youth Women's Prospects Program for players aged 13 to 16, forming the core of their training. The program ran over eight weeks under the leadership of Samantha Hamilton, Victorian Women's Head Coach and Australian Women’s Assistant Coach.
Now, they are ready to represent at the Barclay Cup, which features teams from NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, and SA, providing a platform for junior girls to showcase their talent and celebrate the future of women’s baseball in Australia.
"Training was awesome and all of the girls showed massive improvements. They were sponges, absorbing everything they were told and working on their skills," Dingoes Head Coach Daniel Bebbere said. "Now, our goal is to help athletes put what they learnt at training into play."
The girls made leaps and bounds at training and are eager to meet new people and work well together.
"Sam Hamilton and the Barclay Coaches have put together an awesome program focused on developing the players' skills and learning new ones. The players have improved in a short time and we're looking to play some strong competitive baseball over the next seven days,” Hornets Head Coach Andrew Fielden said.
“This group of players is eager and willing to learn. We want the players to have the chance to experience baseball at a national level and make some new friends."
Check out the official Barclay Cup Facebook page for the full schedule and stay tuned for streaming via streamer.com.au.
Scroll down for team previews!
Vic Dingoes
Players
#12 Paige Anders: the pitcher and shortstop plays with Porepunkah Panthers and looks up to her dad as they share a love of baseball. Her favourite baseball moment was pitching her first win of the season, and she's excited to play her first Barclay Cup game, with her sights set on enjoying the experience and further growing her baseball skills. Off the field, Paige loves to ski in her spare time.
#18 Lillie Brockwell: another player from Victoria's North East, Lillie proudly plays for Wangaratta Rangers alongside her brother and friends. She plays pitcher, third base, second base, and outfield, and her favourite memory is playing with her brother and his friend in the same team for the first time. Lillie is excited to go away and play for the Dingoes, and she aims to improve her baseball skills and meet new people. When she's not playing ball, she enjoys spending time with her "three crazy dogs" (German Shorthaired Pointers).
#25 Sarah Fielden: Sarah, also known by the nickname "Sizzle", plays for Moorabbin Panthers and is a pitcher and infielder. Her baseball role models are Ruby Dale & Lili Cavanagh, and her favourite baseball memories come from playing at Little League Nationals. Now, she's hoping to get a few hits and hang out with her Barclay Cup teammates. As for her fun fact? "I’m better at baseball than my dad!"
#8 Alyssa Jamieson: Alyssa, or "Lyss", is a pitcher with Port Melbourne Mariners, and she represented Victoria at the Australian Youth Women's Championship earlier this year. She looks up to her dad in baseball and is excited to play with her friends while learning and growing at the Barclay Cup. Her fun fact is she can sleep for 15 hours.
#77 Guilia Kopievsky: Guilia's first year of baseball has brought plenty of fun, both with Melbourne Baseball Club (including a three-RBI single in her first game) and now the Barclay Cup! Guilia plays right field and second base.
#10 Ruby Llewellyn: Ruby continues to shine on the field after participating in the All-Girls Winter Invitational earlier this year alongside sister Mia. She wrapped up a great season with Greensborough Baseball Club and is ready to represent at the Barclay Cup and play infield.
#11 Ayla McCallum: Ayla hails from Porepunkah Panthers Baseball Club and plays catcher, shortstop, and second base. She's excited for Barclay Cup and the opportunity to improve her baseball skills and meet new people while striving to be the best team player. Ayla is Canadian and has a twin sister Sam. Her favourite baseball memories are shared with family: "Throughout my time playing baseball, I’ve played many games but the one thing I always loved and remember was having a throw in the paddock with my dad, practicing grips and having fun, even just for 20 minutes."
#70 Zali Packer: Z is a utility player who enjoys year-round baseball with Werribee Giants and Newport Rams. She looks up to Paul Rutgers on the field and loved being part of the inaugural Barclay Cup in 2022. She wants to win and is excited to represent Victoria and maintain the memory of Jacinta Barclay. Outside of baseball, she made the varsity ice fishing team in Wisconsin.
#82 Kendra Rutgers: this marks Kendra's third Barclay Cup. At the inaugural event, she was nominated for the Barky’s “LIONHEARTED” Award for the most ferocious competitor who also demonstrated courage and leadership, both on and off the field. Kendra pitches and plays first base, and won VSBL Women's Batter of the Week last season following a 5-for-6 performance. She also represented at the 2024 Australian Youth Women's Championship.
#37 Lily Strachan: nicknamed "Lilza", this dedicated catcher plays with Springvale Lions and Frankston Tomatoes. While she's only played two winter seasons and a summer season, she is at home on the field and looks forward to having fun and making new friends at Barclay Cup. This will be her first out-of-state baseball tournament, and she is inspired by role models Simone Wearne, Mandy Advent, Cassandra Shelverton, and Bronwyn Gell. Her favourite memory? "In my first season, winter semi-finals were a washout so my team decided to have some fun sliding around in the mud."
#80 Olivia Walker: Olivia plays first base and shortstop. She represented Victoria at the Australian Youth Women's Championship earlier this year and picked up a double for her first tournament hit at the 2023 Barclay Cup in Perth. Outside of baseball, Olivia plays bass guitar.
Coaches
Daniel Bebbere: "Bebbs" is excited to be the Dingoes head coach, having been involved in baseball for 20 years. He plays Summer League with Fitzroy Lions and MWBL with Latrobe Uni. He even got married on a baseball field and has a baseball stitching pattern in his wedding ring. His proudest baseball moment was being able to coach his now-wife and little brother in the same team. He looks forward to seeing the athletes put their practice into action and wants the team to have a bunch of fun and make friends with each other and other interstate athletes. His key advice for players? "You have more than one chance in baseball, don’t let one minor thing ruin your day."
Matthew Atkinson: the assistant coach comes from Sandringham Baseball Club, with 30+ years in the sport including incredible moments like watching and coaching his daughter pitch an 11-strikeout grand final. He advises players to "be an aggressive and smart baseballer" and hopes to see growth in all the girls as they achieve their goals and strive to bring home Barclay Cup glory.
Jasmine Bentley: the Victorian Women's representative brings 10 years of experience to her role as pitching coach. Jasmine, nicknamed DJ on the field, plays with Doncaster Dragons in the summer and Watsonia Saints in the winter. Her proudest baseball moment is getting the opportunity to coach overseas in the USA and being the only female coach in that tournament. Jasmine tells players not to take any moment for granted - compete and smile. She is excited to help develop everyone's pitching abilities and watch their progression, while also seeing them build baseball friendships that will last lifetimes. Her fun fact? "I still actively carry my year 4 pen licence as a form of valid identification."
Nicole Llewellyn: Nicole is a dedicated baseball mum, childcare industry professional, and the Dingoes EO, ensuring the team is set up for success and the girls are supported every step of the way.
Vic Hornets
Players
#14 Lila Atkinson: Lila is back for another Barclay Cup! She pitches and plays second base and has even picked up a save in winter semi-finals. She also won MVP honours at the 2023 State Winter Championships. One of Lila's favourite players to watch is Shohei Ohtani.
#58 Amelia Bergman: Amelia, who goes by the nicknames Noodles and Milly, catches and plays outfield with Newport Rams. She looks up to Aaron Whitefield and is excited to follow in her sister Ellisha's footsteps. She also looks forward to making more tournament memories after playing with the 2023 Belles Little League team in Sydney. Her Barclay Cup goals? "To try my best and hopefully get to catch a game or two."
#21 Alexia Hunkin: Alexia plays first base and utility with local clubs Waverley and Heathmont. She is excited to return to the Barclay Cup for the second year in a row and continue improving her skills after playing on the 2024 Victorian Youth Women's State Team.
#26 Charlotte Jansen: Another returning infielder, Charlotte has been involved in all three Barclay Cups and played for Victoria at the AYWC this year, where she went 2-for-2 with three RBI in a comeback win. She enjoys meeting new friends and making memories at baseball tournaments.
#8 Stephanie Keely: Steph enjoys grassroots baseball at Essendon and Research, playing both second base and pitching. She looks up to Jasmine Bentley and has many fond baseball memories, such as finishing her first season with a walk-off. Steph has lived in Canberra, Queensland and the Northern Territory, but she's excited to represent Victoria while developing as a player, meeting new people, making new friends, and having fun with the team!
#76 Molly Lewis: Molly plays for South East Warriors and looks up to Abby McLellan, with great memories of playing in her first women's game. She plays catcher, third base, and second base and is excited to have fun, make friends, and learn something new at this year's Barclay Cup. She also looks forward to seeing friends from other states.
#59 Hayley Mather: Hayls pitches and plays first base with Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers and Knox Falcons. Gen Beacom is her role model, and she's feeling inspired to play her part in the 1/9th and do it as best she can. She is excited to play with people from all over Austalia and bring home awesome memories. As for fun facts, she was part of a triple play 6-4-3-2, and she was born on the 13th in room 13, bed 13, and lives at 13.
#4 Tabitha Pitt: Tabitha from Sandringham Baseball Club plays third base and centre field. She's had a busy year of baseball, representing at the AYWC as well as last year's Barclay Cup. She's had some great baseball moments so far, from epic backhand catches with the Mariners at nationals to throwing a six-pitch inning.
#2 Audrey Trubiano: Audie is a catcher and first base player from Research Lower Plenty Baseball Club. She looks up to her team and has amazing memories from winning a winter grand final. She looks forward to playing with the Hornets and hopes to hit well. Outside of baseball, she knows a lot about reptiles.
#54 Amelia Wright: it's been a busy few years for Amelia, nicknamed "Milsy", with the first two Barclay Cups under her belt plus two AYWC tournaments. The utility player from Newport Rams has fond memories of making her first rep team and continues to be inspired by Gen Beacom and other women's baseball trailblazers. She always wears a ribbon when she plays and will continue her tradition at the 2024 Barclay Cup, where she's excited to play her best tournament baseball for the team and mentor younger players.
#19 Isy Zurawel: Isy is a Newport Ram who pitches and plays infield. In her third year of baseball, she was named to the Victorian Youth Women's State Team. This will be her second Barclay Cup!
Coaches
Andrew Fielden: the head coach has been involved in baseball for 40 years and is a proud member of Geelong Baycats and Ballarat Royals. Playing in a winning grand final with his son is his proudest moment, and he could put a family team on the park including an umpire and scorer. Heading into the 2024 Barclay Cup, he reminds the Hornets to play in the spirit of the game. He is eager to help players have an enjoyable and positive tournament, and he's most excited to see how they take their improvements over 10 weeks of tryouts and training into the tournament.
Jamie Bastian: a beloved Victorian Women's rep, JB plays for Doncaster and offers sound advice to stop thinking and swing hard. She is excited to be part of an awesome coaching staff and hopes the girls take home good skills, life lessons, and great memories. Her own favourite memory? "Coaching my sister in rookie ball and her having a better arm than me."
Jess Johnson: also known by the nickname "JJ", Jess has been involved in baseball for about 28 years, with plenty of great memories at local clubs Doncaster and Watsonia. Jess was part of the Victorian Women's State Team that took out the 2024 national title, as well as the Women's American Football World Cup in 2017 for the first-ever Australian women's team. With experience on the Emeralds squad, Jess is excited to see the future of Australian women's baseball while promoting a fun, positive and competitive baseball environment. As for advice, Jess says baseball is a game of failures and failure is a success so long as you learn from it. And proudest baseball moments? "Winning this year's nationals and watching my husband win an ABL championship."