News

by James Dyer

There are over 30 Australians playing professional baseball, including over 20 in MLB-affiliate ball.

Here’s an update on how some of them are doing, two weeks into the minor league season.

Curtis Mead – Tampa Bay Rays

Curtis has started the season with the Rays after an impressive showing during spring training. With four hits and an RBI, Mead is averaging .200 and has been solid defensively across the infield with four assists and two putouts.

Liam Hendriks – Boston Red Sox

Veteran pitcher Liam Hendriks has started his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Worcester Woo Sox in impressive fashion. Hendriks has pitched two scoreless innings across two games while striking out four of the eight batters faced.

Jack O’Loughlin

A tough start to the season for Jack with the Albuquerque Isotopes, in 13.1 innings across four games he has allowed 15 earned runs, while giving up 17 walks. O’Loughlin will look to bounce back against El Paso this week.

Travis Bazzana

The #9th MLB prospect and #1 Guardians prospect, Travis Bazzana has been lighting up AA ball with the Akron RubberDucks. Currently hitting .344, including a HR, three triples, seven RBI and two steals Bazzana is stuffing the stat sheets. Could we see Travis arrive to the Major League during September call ups?

Mitch Neunborn

Neunborn has started where he left off last season with the AA Reading Fightin Phils. Across three games, Mitch has thrown 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out five of the 16 batters faced.

Kai-Noa Wynyard

Right handed pitcher Kai-Noa Wynyard is off to a solid start with single-A Hickory Crawdads. In three games, Wynyard has two wins to his name pitching 5.1 innings, striking out five batters while allowing just one earned run.

Brandan Bidois

Queensland native Brandan Bidois is currently on the 7-day IL. Brandan is assigned to the High A Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Blake Townsend

After spending time across A and AA ball last year, Townsend has started this season with High A Greensboro Grasshoppers. Townsend has thrown 5.2 innings across three games, allowing one earned run while striking out seven batters.

Solomon Maguire

Maguire has yet to record a hit this season with Single-A Bradenton Marauders. In 11 at-bats Maguire has walked four times, bringing in three runs in the process. Solomon has been sharp in the outfield playing across all positions with a fielding percentage of 1.000.

Adam Bates

19-year-old pitcher Adam Bates has thrown 4.2 innings in two games, allowing five earned runs this season for the Single-A Salem Red Sox. Bates has six recorded strikeouts with six walks.

feature story from the Australian Women’s Championships, by Connie Rowe. Photos by Izzy Lilburn.

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Loaded bases, none out, and a run for run ball game at a national championships.

Stepping into a pressure situation like this is enough to rattle even the most seasoned relief pitcher.

Not Amara Quinn.

Coming into the game after a 7-5 first innings, despite admitting to a rush of nerves before taking the ball, Amara kept that under wraps.

In fact, in her four innings on the mound, she only allowed three extra runs.

It allowed South Australia to claw back from as many as five runs down in an epic 14-12 win over Queensland White.

With full faith in the team around her, Amara knew that it would take strikes to keep her game in winning contention.

“We just needed outs,” said Amara thinking only of the job at hand.  “I just went out there and tried my hardest.”

And that she did.

Backed by a solid South Australian defence, Amara led her team to chalking the first 0’s on the score board and a crucial 1-2-3 inning.

“It’s an amazing feeling to know that you’re able to hold a state team to zero runs,” she said.

18-year-old Amara enters her third championships off the back of a red hot season with Woodville in the local South Australian competition as a regular for their Div 3 men’s team.

Like so many in the women’s game, pushing herself against the men in the league whether on the mound, in the box or on the field only fuels her drive to improve.

Her career has been spattered with ups and downs, but this has only helped grow her composure as the complete athlete.

Off the back of a nail-biting, high-scoring, must-win game against Queensland White, South Australia were set some work early. Having to claw back a four run deficit to clinch the win in the dying moments of the game. Amara said the energy in the dugout was electric.

The momentum built throughout that first game of day two clearly lit a fire within Amara, rallying through with the bat and contributing to SA’s highlight reel with some incredible plays at second base.

Despite going down in a comprehensive scoreline against Victoria in her second game of the day, Amara finished the day with 4 innings pitched, 3 runs, with 4 strike outs, and a line drive catch – a score card to be proud of.

MORE STORIES

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Follow @baseball.com.au for behind-the-scenes action, scores, highlights, interviews and more.

• Lila Hall at home behind the plate | 2025 Australian Women’s Championships Feature by Connie Rowe
• 2025 Women’s Championships Day 2 – April 14 | Scores, Recaps, Results
• HUB: 2025 AWC and AYWC 

It’s the second day of the Open Women’s Championships!

We’ll update this story with recaps and scores as the day progresses. Scroll down for mini-recaps, stats and stories from the day.

For live scoring, download the GameChanger app. You can search ‘Australian Women’s Championships’ or click this link.

Follow @baseball.com.au for social media updates and highlights.

TOURNAMENT HUB: www.baseball.com.au/women

You can find roster, previews & stories via our Tournament Hub above.

Click here for Day 1 recap, stats, stories.

FEATURE STORY by Connie Rowe: Lila Hall at home behind the plate | 2025 Australian Women’s Championships

DAY 2 SCHEDULE

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South Australia 14 def Queensland White 12
Victoria 23 def South Australia 0
New South Wales 14 def Queensland Maroon 6
Western Australia 8 def Victoria 5

Watch live & free on Baseball+

CURRENT STANDINGS

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New South Wales 2-1
Western Australia 2-1
Victoria 2-1
Queensland 1-1
South Australia 1-2
Queensland White 0-2

DAY 2 RECAPS

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South Australia 14 def Queensland White 12

Sarah McMahon had a two-out, bases-loaded game winning RBI single in the bottom of the last to propel South Australia to a wild 14-12 victory over Queensland White.

But what a game it was.

Ten players on Queensland White reached base. Nine reach on South Australia.

What started as a slugfest, ended in a mini pitcher’s dual late. There were 19 runs in the first two innings, and only three in the next 2.5

Bianca Ramsey led South Australia with four hits. Sarah McMahon, Georgia Davis, Syd Horton and Elisa Gooley had two hits each.

Lily Moffat had two hits and three RBI to lead Queensland White. Ash Ruzicka also had two hits.

This one was back-and-forth from ‘play ball’.

Queensland White popped off five runs in the top of the first, highlighted by a Lily Moffat two-RBI single.

South Australia responded with seven runs in the bottom of the first.

Queensland answered back with another big inning, this time putting up six to lead SA 11-7.

South Australia slowly chipped their way back, moving the score to 11-10 by the end of the fourth inning.

Amara Quinn played a big role in holding the scoreline. She pitched four innings of relief effort, allowing just three hits, three runs and four strikeouts.

“I was feeling a bit nervous, coming in with loaded bases, was pretty nerve-racking,” said Quinn. “Just tried my hardest to throw strikes and trust my field. Coming out with a few zeros is a good feeling.”

Queensland jumped back out to a multi-run, leading 12-10 heading to the bottom of the fifth.

With the game about to be called because of time, South Australia made their move. With the score now 12-11, they loaded the bases for 17-year-old rookie Bree Ridding. She came through with an RBI to tie the game before McMahon brought it home.

“We’re happy. Good high vibes. It’s a good feeling,” added Quinn.

South Australia 

Hits: Bianca Ramsey (4), Georgia Davis (2), Sarah McMahon (2), Syd Horton (2), Elisa Gooley (2), Peyton Daniels, Jess Maslin, Bree Ridding

RBI: Sarah McMahon (3), Georgia Davis (2), Jess Maslin (2), Syd Horton (2), Peyton Daniels (2), Bree Ridding (2)

Queensland White

Hits: Ash Ruzicka (2), Lily Moffat (2), Brit Wylie, Ebony Sutherland, Storm Law, Tiff Morris

RBI: Lily Moffat (3), Britt Wylie (2), Ngaire Ross (2), Ash Ruzicka, Ebony Sutherland, Chloe Taylor

VICTORIA 23 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 0

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Ten different Victorians had at least one RBI in a commanding 23-0 win for Victoria.

Their pitching was just as solid.

Narumi Kametani tossed 3.0 innings, allowing no runs and one hit while striking out five. Mackenzie Prentice-Evans threw 2.0 innings, allowing no hits and no walks with five strikeouts.

Eden Neave, Abbey Kelley and Ruby Dale brought the thunder for Victoria, each totalling four RBI.

Dale, Jasmine Bentley and Jess Brown each had three hits.

VICTORIA

Hits: Jasmine Bentley (3), Jess Brown (3), Abbey Kelly (2), Kira Jansen (2), Eden Neave (2), Lily Simpson, Allie Bebbere
RBI: Kelly (4), Dale (4), Neave (4), Jansen (3), Simpson (2), Bel Cannington, Kendra Rutgers, Jess Brown, Bebbere

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits: Maslin

NEW SOUTH WALES 14 def QUEENSLAND 6

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New South Wales surged ahead early, endured a mid-game pushback, and sailed away late in a 14-6 win over Queensland.

The win improves New South Wales record to 2-1.

It was a relentless effort with the bats. New South Wales combined for 13 base knocks, led by two hit efforts by Ticara Geldenhuis (above), Maddie McGuire, Mahaela O’Neill and Maddie Heath. Nine different players had hits.

Geldenhuis had three RBI, three runs, a walk and two stolen bases. She’s now 5-for-10 with four RBI and six stolen bases on the tournament.

“I’m a different baseballer from last year. Coming back from Japan, I’m a lot more locked in and I think I’m more grown up as a baseball player too,” she says. “I’m just being as aggressive as I can on the bases until someone throws me out. If they don’t throw me out, then I’ll keep going hard, keep my foot down and don’t back away.”

Maddie McGuire backed up a three-hit effort last night with a 2-for-2 performance with a walk and three RBI.

New South Wales raced out to an 8-1 lead after two innings, backed by strong pitching from Isobel Lambert on the mound.

However, Queensland pushed back with five runs in the third to push the score to 8-6. Molly Donald (below) and Taliyah Paolo led the charge back with a pair of hits each. Paolo tallied a pair of RBI.

Molly Paddison had a clutch RBI double that scored a pair as well.

Rookie Charlotte Stokes doubled down on her big Game 1 effort with a pair of hits of her own.

Lila Hall, a 16-year-old, backed up a big pitching performance with 1.1 innings of scoreless work for Queensland Maroon. You can read the story on Lila here.

A systematic five-run fifth inning restored a big advantage for New South Wales. O’Neill, Geldenhuis, Claire O’Sullivan and Maddie McGuire all had RBI hits in the big frame.

“We knew coming in Queensland chip away slowly. We said it would be a dog fight from the first pitch,” said Geldenhuis. “Stay in the game. Don’t switch off. Lean on each other if we need and try to score every inning.”

Breeana Green chucked 2.0 innings of relief, allowing one hit and no runs. Maddie Erwin tossed 1.2 with three hits and no runs.

New South Wales

Hits: Ticara Geldenhuis (2), Maddie McGuire (2), Maddi Heath (2), Mahaela O’Neill (2), Claire O’Sullivan, Isobel Lambert, Tiana Lascara, Cayla Johnston, Lisa Nakashio

RBI: Geldenhuis (3), Maddie McGuire (3), O’Sullivan (2), Lambert, Heath, Johnston, Nakashio, O’Neill

Queensland Maroon

Hits: Charlotte Stokes (2), Molly Donald (2), Taliyah Paolo (2), Ruby Orchard, Shiori Hoshino, Molly Paddison
RBI: Paddison (2), Paolo (2), Hannah Wilson,

 

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Western Australia stunned Victoria at the Australian Women’s Championships, handing the reigning Gold Medalists a 8-5 win.

Chloe Atkinson, Caitlin Eynon, Meaghan Haggart and Maddie Lines all collected multiple hits.

Meaghan Haggart allowed just one run in three innings of work in her start and Caitlin Eynon halted a valiant Victorian comeback attempt.

“She didn’t want to come out,” said WA Manager Andy Cooke after the game. “She’ll throw a whole game and back it up tomorrow. Lots of gumption. Want’s to play. She didn’t want to stop.”

Atkinson led Western Australia with three hits, moving atop the tournament leaderboard with seven for the tournament.

“Absolutely, amazing, fabulous, best outcome possible,” said an elated Atkinson after the game. “It was teamwork. Advancing one run at a time. Just using our bats using well and backing up each other in the field.”

Western Australia flew out of the gates, banking four runs in the top of the first. Atkinson had a key RBI double and Haggart cashed in a run of her own the pivotal opening frame.

They expanded their lead to 7-1 in fourth inning and held on from there.

“That’s what we did. We attacked Victoria. We had to come out and have a crack at them. That’s been the game plan. They just didn’t stop,” said Cooke.

They were aided by some special, albeit wacky, double plays.

Victoria did mount a comeback. They scored two in the fourth and two in the sixth, moving within three runs in the final inning.

Belinda Cannington had two of Victoria’s five hits. Abbey Kelly had two RBI.

Western Australia and Victoria both even their records at 2-1 after two days of the tournament.

Western Australia

Hits: Chloe Atkinson (3), Caitlin Eynon (2), Meghan Haggart (2), Maddie Lines (2), Charlotte Yates
RBI: Atkinson, Haggart, Lines, Jess Knight

Victoria

Hits: Cannington (2), Rub Dale, Abbey Kelly, Lily Simpson
RBI: Kelly (2), Cannington, Dale

photos by Izzy Lilburn (@izzygrace_media)

Day 1 of the 2025 Australian Women’s Championships is in the books.

Here’s how it unfolded. Scroll down for mini-recaps, stats and stories from the day.

For live scoring, download the GameChanger app. You can search ‘Australian Women’s Championships’ or click this link.

Follow @baseball.com.au for social media updates and highlights.

TOURNAMENT HUB: www.baseball.com.au/women

You can find roster, previews & stories via our Tournament Hub above.

SCORES

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Queensland 10 def South Australia 6
New South Wales 11 def Western Australia 2
Western Australia 19 def Queensland White 2
Victoria 6 def New South Wales 4

CURRENT STANDINGS

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Victoria 1-0
Queensland 1-0
New South Wales 1-1
Western Australia 1-1
South Australia 0-1
Queensland White 0-1

RESULTS

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All Day 1 games broadcast live & free on Baseball+: plus.baseball.com.au 

9:00AM – Queensland Maroon 10 def South Australia 6

All nine players in the starting line-up had a base hit in a total team effort for Queensland.

We may as well list them off for you. Queensland’s bats were that good.

Hits: Charlotte Stokes (2), Lila Hall (2), Ruby Orchard, Shiori Hoshino, Molly Paddison, Kya Foxwell, Grace White, MacKenzie Rogers, Taliyah Paolo.

Their finest work came in a five-run third winning which pushed the scoreline to 6-0. Paddison, Stokes, Foxwell, White and Lila Hall all rattled off RBIs in succession.

At one point, Queensland raced out to a commanding 9-1 lead.

Their starter, Shiori Hoshino, was excellent. She tossed 5.0 innings with seven strikeouts, allowing five hits, one earned run.

“It’s so good catching Shiori,” said catcher Lila Hall, who was playing in her first open women’s game. “She just pounds the zone. Nothing in the dirt. This was my first time catching to her.”

16-year-old Hall was making her debut after winning medals with Queensland Youth the last two years. She reached base four times.

Charlotte Stokes also starred in her Open Women’s Debut, tallying two hits including a huge RBI double.

Ruby Orchard stole two bases in the win.

South Australia did spark a late comeback, scoring five times in the sixth and seventh innings.

Georgia Davis led the charge with three hits and two RBI for South Australia. Sarah McMahon also had two hits.

Check out GameChanger for the full box score.

South Australia

Hits: Georgia Davis (3), Sarah McMahon (2), Syd Horton, Bianca Ramsey, Jess Maslin, Amara Quinn, Bri Hosie
RBI: Georgia Davis (2), Bri Hosie, Sarah McMahon, Bianca Ramsey

Queensland

Hits: Charlotte Stokes (2), Lila Hall (2), Ruby Orchard, Shiori Hoshino, Molly Paddison, Kya Foxwell, Grace White, MacKenzie Rogers, Taliyah Paolo.
RBI: Molly Paddison (2), Kya Foxwell (2),MacKenzie Rogers (2)  Lila Hall, Charlotte Stokes

NEW SOUTH WALES 11 def WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2

Claire O’Sullivan starred with the bat and ball in hand during a 11-2 opening game victory over Western Australia.

On the mound, the long-time Emerald tossed 4.0 innings of one-hit shutout ball with five strikeouts.

She compounded her massive day by going 3-for-3 with the bat.

“You always have some pre-game nerves. I just really wanted to focus on doing the best I could for the team and getting us off to the best start and that was a great start for us,” said O’Sullivan. “Just happy to be here and be part of it.”

Fellow Emerald Maddi Heath opened the scoring with a bases clearing triple in the first to put NSW up 3-0 early.

New South Wales piled it on in the third with a seven run inning. Lisa Nakashio had the cherry in the inning, doubling on a fly ball to plate two.

“I think we’re really focused on what our goal is. We just want to be the best team we can be. We’re strong and determined and ready to play baseball,” added O’Sullivan. “We have a lot of depth, a lot of arms, and a lot of confidence anyone can go out there and get the job done.”

Western Australian scrapped a couple runs back in the sixth inning before the game ended.

New South Wales will rest up and face Victoria in the night cap at 5:15PM. Western Australia face Queensland White.

New South Wales

Hits: Claire O’Sullivan (3), Maddi Heath, Ticara Geldenhuis, Cayla Johnston, Lisa Nakashio
RBI: Maddi Heath (3), Cayla Johnston (2), Breanna Green (1), Elise Grenfell (1), Geldenhuis (1)

Western Australia

Hits: Caitlin Eynon, Chloe Atkinson
RBI: Sam Thrush, Peyton Newman

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 19 def QUEENSLAND WHITE 2

Five Western Australians had three hits or more in a bounce back victory.

Caitlin Eynon (3-for-4, RBI), Chloe Atkinson (3-for-3, 1BB, RBI), Meghan Haggart (3-for-3, 2BB, 4RBI), Jess Knight (4-for-4, 3RBI) and Bella Clarke (3-for-3, 2RBI) were blistering with the bat.

Western Australia jumped out to a 7-0 early lead and never looked back.

Haggart was particularly impressive, tallying a single, double and a triple.

Ava Tyson tossed 4.0 innings, allowing two hits and two runs.

Felicity Clissold had a big moment for Queensland White, driving in a pair of runs with a booming triple.

Western Australia tallied 19 hits in the game.

Western Australia 

Hits: Jess Knight (4), Caitlin Eynon (3), Meghan Haggart (3), Bella Clarke (3), Peyton Newman
RBI: Haggart (4), Lines (3), Knight (3), Clarke (2), Eynon, Atkinson, Bree Wright

Queensland White

Hits: Ebony Sutherland, Felicity Clissold
RBI: Felicity Clissold (2)

VICTORIA 6 def NEW SOUTH WALES 4

A comeback. Top notch defensive plays. Late game heroics.

Victoria and New South Wales delivered an opening day classic.

Saeko Suzuki broke a 4-4 deadlock in the penultimate inning with a clutch two-out RBI single for her second hit of the day. It helped cap off a scrappy comeback from a Victoria side that found themselves down 2-0 and 3-1 early.

“I think that could have gone either way. That’s pretty much one of the most elite games you could ask for at a national championships for both teams, especially at defense,” said Victoria manager Samantha Hamilton.

There were a number of defensive standouts for Victoria.

Belinda Cannington was involved in 13 plays at first base. Narumi Kametani made two momentum altering plays at second. Abbey Kelly was automatic in her return to shortstop.

New South Wales came to play too.

“Ticara at centrefield was outstanding. She makes things happen,” says Hamilton. “Then you have Claire and the way she hit and fielded at first base. New South Wales have something they want to prove. They’ve come to play.”

Offensively for New South Wales, Maddie McGuire led the charge with three hits. Claire O’Sullivan and Ticara Geldenhuis each had a pair of base knocks.

Suzuki and Kira Kuwamoto had multi-hit efforts for Victoria.

Also starring for Victoria was a stellar appearance from Paula Doherty on the mound for Victoria. The 17-year-old entered the game in the fifth and helped Victoria escape a bases loaded jam and her team in touch. She allowed just two hits and no runs in 2.1 innings of work.

“Wow. What can I say about Paula Doherty,” says Hamilton. “She was huge for us. She moved all the way from Queensland. She has done do much to get here, it really was her game to finish and she did it in style.”

Here’s how the game unfolded.

Claire O’Sullivan drove in the games first run on her fourth hit of the day. Maddi Heath cashed in O’Sullivan to give New South Wales a 2-0 lead after one.

Kira Kumamoto doubled in a run for Victoria in the second. 2-1.

O’Sullivan restored a two run lead for New South Wales with an RBI double in the third.

Victoria kept bouncing back. Belinda Cannington’s sacrifice fly cut the deficit to 3-2 in the bottom of the third.

Jasmine Bentley tied the game in the fourth with a clutch two-out double.

But the teams kept trading runs.

Maddie McGuire doubled home a run to put New South Wales up 4-3 in the fifth.

Victoria responded again. Ruby Dale put the ball in play and tied the game on a New South Wales error.

4-4.

All the while, both teams benefited from some big time defensive efforts. 

Victoria’s Narumi Kametani made two stellar plays in the third at second base, aided by a wonderful Belinda Cannington stretch.

Lisa Nakashio rolled out a couple big time plays at shortstop and Claire O’Sullivan chipped in with a diving stop.

Allie Bebbere tossed 4.2 innings with eight hits and four earned runs for Victoria. Paula Doherty entered and tossed 2.1 innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. It was a fantastic debut for the 17-year-old who played for Queensland last year.

MacKenzie Jackson pitched 4.0 innings for New South Wales, allowing four hits and three runs. Maddie McGuire threw 2.0 innings allowing two runs.

Victoria broke the deadlock in the sixth. Back-to-back hits from Saeko Suzuki and Abbey Kelley helped seal the deal.

Doherty closed the door in the seventh, again benefiting from another nice defensive play with the Victoria field picking off a New South Wales runner trying to advance to third.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits: Maddie Mcguire (3), Ticara Geldenhuis (2), Claire O’Sullivan (2), Maddi Heath, Elise Grenfell, Lisa Nakashio
RBI: Claire O’Sullivan (2), Maddie McGuire, Maddi Heath

VICTORIA

Hits: Saeko Suzuki (2), Kira Kuwamoto (2), Abbey Kelley, Ruby Dale, Jasmine Bentley
RBI: Abbey Kelley, Bel Cannington, Kira Kumamoto, Jas Bentley, Saeko Suzuki

DIGITAL PROGRAM: Rosters, Numbers, Schedule for AYWC and AWC 2025

CARVE PERFORMER OF THE DAY

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CARVE Eyewear are rewarding peak performance at the 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships.

For the first day of the tournament, CARVE is awarding a ‘Performer of the Day’ for each team.

The winner of each team will receive sunglasses courtesy of CARVE.

Award winners will be given a voucher to be able to redeem a pair of sunnies. A member of baseball Australia staff will bring you the voucher.

Here are your Day 1 winners:

Queensland Maroon – Lila Hall: 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and reached base four times in her senior women’s debut, while catching.

Queensland White – Felicity Clissold: A two-RBI triple to score their only runs of the game

Western Australia – Chloe Atkinson: Co-led Western Australia with four hits. She had one of two WA hits in a game one loss to New South Wales, and three hits in a 19-2 win over Queensland White. She scored five runs and had two doubles.

South Australia – Sarah McMahon: A two-hit effort in her return to the national championships with an RBI.

New South Wales – Claire O’Sullivan: Threw four shutout innings with one hit in Game 1, while going 3-for-3 with the bat. Had two hits and two RBI in game two.

Victoria – Paula Doherty: In her debut for Victoria, Doherty closed out the game by tossing 2.1 shutout innings to keep Victoria in the game.

 

feature story by Eliza Wood. For more of Eliza’s features in the lead-up to the Australian Women’s Championships, visit www.baseball.com.au/women.

There’s something captivating in sport about watching a dark horse emerge from the shadows and proving to be a force that no-one saw coming.

In the world of women’s baseball, that force is South Australia.

10 years ago, South Australia barely had a women’s state team. Now, they’ve built themselves into medal contending competitors every time they take the field.

From humble beginnings to present day gold medal success, Julie Wadham, a leading lady of women’s baseball in South Australia has been there to witness it all.

But this journey didn’t just start from the beginning of the women’s league.

“A lot of people who have been involved in women’s baseball in Adelaide in the last 10 years think that the women have only been playing baseball here since the start of the current women’s baseball league in 2014-15,” says Wadham.

“Like many things that appear to come from nowhere, there were many years of effort before that,” she adds.

An Adelaide local who began playing baseball as a young teenager, Wadham boasts a decorated career as both a player and coach.

A widely respected figure amongst the entire baseball community, Wadham’s involvement in the history of the game and continued presence is undeniable.

“Her knowledge and experience in baseball is so influential and has significantly broadened my experience,” SA Junior Coach of the Year, and U16 Girls Gold Medal manager, Dion Thiele expresses.

“If you add her enthusiasm, determination and passion Julie has for the success of the girls and women’s baseball in South Australia, we are very fortunate to have Julie,” he says.

Wadham’s career dates back to 2004, as a member of the first ever South Australian women’s national team.

An eye-opening experience, the team knew they had work to-do if they wanted to compete with the best Australia had to offer.

“The first few years at nationals we didn’t win many games, but it gave us the chance to see what we could aim for,” says Wadham.

However, lack of numbers and support was proving to be a problem for any hope of improving consistency and performance on the national stage.

In 2013, a concerted effort by Baseball SA along with key players and coaches, saw the launching of the women’s league for the 2014-15 season.

The competition originally was just four teams, named after different colours, which played more socially at West Beach on a Friday night. There was no club involvement, just a group of women playing in organised competition.

But, it was the founding pathway of success for Team SA.

Four teams in 2014-15, became six teams in 2015-16, to now 25 plus teams, competing across three divisions across 13 different clubs across the metropolitan area.

South Australia has fielded a team at the Australian Women’s Championships every year now since 2014.

In 2019, they had their first taste of glory.

Walking away as bronze medallists after defeating NSW in a landslide 13-1 victory.

Repeating the feat again in 2023, taking down Queensland 12-4. It felt different that time, with a squad made up entirely of South Australians from the local development system.

Having competed in eight national championships herself, it’s no surprise that 2023 saw Wadham move into an assistant coaching role for the U/16 girls’ team, at their first Australian Youth Women’s Championship appearance.

Who better to have as your assistant coach than one of the inaugural SA representatives herself?

With female sport participation in general on the rise in recent years, baseball has reaped the rewards of that growth.

“Baseball SA have really been supporting that growth at both the top end of our game and locally” says Wadham.

The improvement of the Adelaide Seahorses (13-16 years) at the Barclay Cup is a testament to this.

From winning two games in the Cup’s inception in 2022, to Silver medallists in 2023 to an undefeated championship run in 2024.

The impact of instilling stability and support throughout their community leagues, with countless figures championing women’s baseball is instrumental.

It was only a matter of time before the junior talent emerging in South Australia felt the thrill of victory on the elite stage at nationals.

Reprising her assistant coaching role in 2024, alongside Elly Tucker and head coach Dion Thiele, history was made as their youth women’s national team were crowned champions.

In a dominating 14-1 performance over the Queensland Maroons, the gold medal was finally theirs!

Alice Brown was also awarded tournament MVP and was recipient of the Golden Arm, rounding out their outstanding tournament.

“After so many years of playing and coaching here in SA, being part of the gold medal win at the AYWC last year was an amazing feeling,” says Wadham.

Thiele echoed Wadham’s reaction.

“We finished fourth in 2023,” he says. “To go from there to winning gold was so rewarding… a significant achievement and reward from the hard work put in by the players and the coaches.”

However, this result represents so much more than just winning gold.

Above: Member’s of South Australia’s U16 team celebrate with senior team members and coaches after clinching a spot in the 2024 AYWC Gold Medal Game.

It’s a glimpse into what the future holds for baseball in South Australia.

“[It] was different for me because it recognises not just the one year’s achievement, but how exciting the future is for women’s baseball here,” expresses Wadham.

“Having the U/16s coming up so strong, indicates a bright future for the women’s team and program… it’s exciting to think of SA’s women’s team 5 years from now,” she adds.

With a line-up of extreme talent and depth across both South Australian teams, they are certainly ready to showcase their skills as they step up to the plate and look to solidify their place further into the history books this April.

Only time will tell what the next 10 years has in store for women’s baseball in South Australia, but if the past is anything to go by, the future is destined to shine with success.

PREVIEW: South Australia’s official AWC and AYWC preview ahead of the Australian Women’s Championships. 

MORE BY ELIZA WOOD

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• Caitlin Eynon: The world-class Australian baseball talent chasing greatness and inspiring the next generation
• Team-first, dream-driven: Molly Paddison is focused and raising the bar
• A Newbie’s Guide to Women’s Baseball: Six Takeaways from a chat with Amy McCann

HUB: The 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships.

Victoria were the team to beat at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championship. A humble, hungry and talented squad rolled through the tournament undefeated to claim gold medal.

Now, they’re tasked with defending a title with some new faces on the squad.

Welcome to the preview of Victoria for the upcoming Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne from April 13-19.

For links to more stories, podcasts, schedule and tournament information, visit our tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women.

Make sure you download Baseball+ for broadcasted games.

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP: Can Victoria overcome key losses and go back-to-back?

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2024 Result: Gold

They may only have one gold medal since COVID, but Victoria has very much been the team to beat in this era of women’s baseball.

In fact, they’ve been incredibly hard to beat.

In 2022, they went unbeaten in the minor rounds only to lose to New South Wales in a Gold Medal game. In 2023, it was the same again. They went unbeaten in the minor rounds again but fell to Western Australia in the Championship decider.

In 2024? You guessed it. Unbeaten in pool play. Unbeaten in finals. They won gold, but never played the championship. A scheduled tilt with New South Wales was washed out because of heavy rain.

Make no mistake, Victoria were the best team in the tournament. Last year Victoria went 7-0 and outscored opponents by a staggering 78-18.

Allie Bebbere won the Golden Arm. Abbey Kelly won the Golden Glove. Lili Cavanagh won the MVP.

But, Lili Cavanagh is not returning due to injury. Nor is pitching stalwart Jess Johnson, the ever athletic Kira Kumamoto, and third base star Jamie Bastian.

Still, manager Samantha Hamilton has been ramping up the intensity in training with a hungry squad filled with experience and youthful energy.

“Preparation for this tournament has been intense, especially with the added pressure of backing up our success. After winning silver in 2022 and 2023, then being crowned champions last year, there’s a high standard to maintain,” she says.

“Training has focused on refining our game strategies, building team cohesion, and ensuring players are physically and mentally ready to perform under pressure. The goal is to embrace the challenge, trust our preparation, and give ourselves the best chance to defend our title.”

They’ll need some of the newcomers to perform if they wish to repeat.

The Victorian ‘rookies’ are: Narumi Kametami, Eden Neave & Kendra Rutgers. Mackenzie Prentice-Evans and Paula Doherty debut for Victoria, but played AWC for other states in 2024.

They have big shoes to fill.

Still, although young, there are 11 national champions on the roster.

“They might be new to the team, but they’ve been around this level,” says Allie Bebbere on the Girls are Players Too Podcast. “They are players we see every five weeks. We know how they play. We get to be friends with them in a small community. So it might be the first time we are pulling a Victoria uniform with them but we’ve played with them enough.”

 

On the pitching side of things, Allie Bebbere will likely assume the role as the ace. The Emerald star allowed one run in 9.2 innings last year. She was recognised as the best pitcher in the tournament.

Saeko Suzuki and Narumi Kametami could pitch big innings as well and also bring a Japanese approach to the game.

The youngsters will have to step up on the hill for this team to have success. Filling the key innings of Cavanagh and Johnson is tricky. But Kendra Rutgers brings plenty of raw ability up from the Under 16s and MacKenzie Prentice-Evans brings a year’s experience on Queensland White.

Then comes Paula Doherty. The Far North Queensland product is now living in Victoria. She was the breakout star at The Australian Women’s Championship.

“I’ve got a feeling about her,” says Bebberre (below). “This has potential to be a great tournament for her.

With the bat, they’ll be anchored by experienced hands of the likes of Saeko Suzuki and Abbey Kelley.

Bel Cannington will bring experience too. Behind Claire O’Sullivan, she’s the second most capped player at nationals.

Some rising stars include the two Rubys – Dale and Benne.

“Ruby Dale just came off an amazing club ball season and I think that momentum will carry onto nationals,” says Ruby Benne.

The key to Victoria’s success will likely be an all hands approach. Can a young, athletic and energetic club carry Victoria to a back-to-back nationals title?

“I think whether this is your 12th national, or it’s your first, it’s the same expectation for everyone. For those girls that are coming through, we all hold each other to a certain standard. One of our bigger things is to be a big teammate. That’s a big factor for all of us. No matter which national it is, living and breathing it as a team, that’s something Victoria has been doing a lot as a team recently and that will make a big difference,” says Cannington.

Sounds like a winning attitude.

A sentiment Hamilton echoes.

“Our biggest strength is the balance between youthful energy and experienced leadership. This is one of the youngest teams we’ve ever had, but that fresh enthusiasm is complemented by key veteran players who will lead from the front. The younger athletes bring intensity, fearlessness, and a hunger to prove themselves, while our experienced players provide composure, guidance, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at this level. That combination creates a dynamic team culture where everyone is pushing each other to be better, and we’re confident it will serve us well throughout the tournament,” she says.

YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Tight-knit Victorian squad looks to make name for self on national stage

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2024 Result: Fifth

There are eight new players and seven who return from last year’s teams.

Lots of new players, and lots of new energy.

New players: Hannah Wilson-Powell, Paige Anders, Ayla McCallum, Vivien Turner, Tabitha Pitt, Paiquin Robertson, Emily Mills, Lucy Gale

Return players: Charlotte Jansen, Isy Zurawel, Alyssa Jamieson, Andie Torcasio, Maddy Haynes, Ally Egan, Molly Lewis.

Head coach Richard Elton says team culture has been a big focus in the lead up to the tournament.

“We have focused on setting a culture where the girls will take ownership of their performances,” he says. “Some of the principles we’ve talked about [include] play hard, but be respectful, being a good teammate, playing with confidence but remaining humble and being accountable to each other [among others]. I can’t wait to see the girls own this on the field!”

With the bat, Charlotte Jansen could be poised for a big week. She hit .455 in 2024.

“I have really worked hard on improving my strength and my swing,” says Jansen, who led Victoria in RBI (6) last year.

Allysa Jamieson pitched three innings last year and had four strikeouts.

“I would say my confidence on the field has improved [over the last 12 months],” she said in a pre-game media survey.

One name seemed to pop up a lot amongst Victorian teammates as a player to watch: Ally Egan.

“She has developed into an even better player than last year,” says Andie Torcasio. “She’s very athletic, has a strong arm, she has a great bat as well as being an awesome teammate for Victoria to have.”

Torcasio looks strong herself. She had a couple doubles in 2024.

Keep an eye on Emily Mills. She was the spark plug in an epic walk-off hit for the Belles at the Little League Girls nationals in 2024.

Above all else, the team unity appears to be a big X factor for this Victorian bunch.

“Our team is an incredibly close knit, and have been from the first warmup of our first training,” says Richard Elton. ” A lot of these players are in there second year together, and have been through the challenges of AYWC together. Those that weren’t in the team last year have established themselves in the group. Their ability to support each other through the tournament will show up. Our depth is strong, and while we may not have the recognised star power of a couple of other teams to start the tournament, by the end of the tournament, you’ll remember our girls names.”

Further, the passion of the group and community has Elton itching for the tournament to start.

He says it may not get the attention of other sports, or even men’s baseball, but women’s baseball has the most dedicated, passionate sporting community he has ever come across.

“The community has players from every age group, economic background and geographical region in the state. But where baseball is concerned regardless of skill level, it is a passion,” he says. “We have two players on the team whose families drive them 4 hours EACH WAY three times per week to support their daughter’s passion for the game. Their commitment to me epitomises women’s baseball. The players have to work unreasonably hard to get the recognition they deserve.”

“So they do. Because it not about the recognition, it’s about the passion for the game.”

MORE PREVIEWS

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Two years removed from a Women’s Championship gold medal, Western Australia has undergone a bit of a transformation.

With a surge in youth baseball, many are wondering if the time is now (again) for WA.

It’s a state which features a strong women’s competition and a newly formed women’s elite series, which has had a flow on effect to both the senior and youth team. Does Western Australia have the horses to go deep and make another stab at a medal?

Welcome to the preview of Western Australia for the upcoming Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne from April 13-19.

For links to more stories, podcasts, schedule and tournament information, visit our tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women.

Make sure you download Baseball+ for broadcasted games.

AWC PREVIEW: Can Western Australia’s returning core continue to grow into medal contention?

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2024 Result: Fifth

Two members of the Emeralds, a few Showcase players, and a strong contingent of returning players highlight this Western Australia senior side.

While the team is notably young, they are a year older than last year and that has to count for something.

A core of returners in Chloe Scott, Meaghan Haggart, Ava Tyson, Makayla George, Brian Burke, Jessica Knight, Madison Lines, Chloe Atkinson, Charlotte Yates, Caitlin Eynon & Peyton Newman represent 11 players who come back to build on last year.

21-year-old Caitlin Eynon headlines the lot.

She already boasts an impressive resume which includes a World Cup appearance for the Emeralds, three Showcase teams with the Adelaide Giants, training time in Japan and an AWC gold.

The gun shortstop and pitcher possesses a mid-70s fastball and is considered one of the best women’s players in the world. She plays men’s reserve state league in WA, where she had a .380 on-base-percentage this season.

“She is a Top 3 short stop in the world right now,” says Emeralds head coach Jason Pospishil. “Her combination of arm strength, foot speed and bat to ball skills puts her in the upper echelon of world class players.”

Above: Caitlin Eynon. Read a feature by Eliza Wood on her here.

Eynon is joined by Peyton Newman, Chloe Atkinson, Makayla George, Madison Lines and Briah Burke as the only remaining gold medal winners on the Western Australia state team.

Atkinson hit a grand slam in the 2023 championship run and backed it up by leading the team with a .529 average in 2024.

Newman (below) played rock solid first base last year.

Pitching depth will be the question Western Australia needs an answer too. They seem to have some pieces. Caitlin Eynon is among the hardest throwing in the world and Meaghan Haggart is a national champion & Emerald with wicked off-speed.

But they can’t do it on their own.

Enter the youth movement.

Ava Tyson had a 2.45 ERA across 11.0 innings last year in her first senior tournament and earned a spot in the Australian Women’s Showcase.

Madison Lines is turning into a bit of a local star, too.

“She has come a long way with her pitching and has worked hard on her off speed pitches and I’m keen to see how she will develop throughout this competition,” says teammate Isabella Clarke. “Also the talented Caitlin Eynon and Meaghan Haggart has showed a lot of leadership in the team and will preform well.”

Clarke is getting some attention herself, being notched as a breakout player by multiple teammates. She also started key games for Kalamunda in the Women’s Elite Series.

“Isabella played in the junior state WA team multiple times now but making her debut in the open women’s,” says Chloe Scott. “She is always working and putting in her all at training I really can’t wait to see her play this tournament.”

Head to www.baseball.com.au/women for tournament information, stories and more state team previews.

Western Australia hope to start the week better this year. They dropped their first four games of the tournament in 2024, getting outscored 46-12 in the process.

But the team steadied as the week went on, winning their final four games against Queensland White and South Australia by a 54-15 margin in the consolation games.

They have established elite players in the likes of Eynon, Haggart and Atkinson. Can a returning core keep developing? Will new faces make an impact? We’ll find out this week.

Pool play schedule:
– Sunday 13 April, 11:45AM vs NSW
– Sunday 13 April, 2:30PM vs QLD White
– Monday 14 April, 5:15PM vs Victoria
– Tuesday 15 April, 2:30PM vs QLD Maroon
– Wednesday 16 April, 2:30PM vs SA

AYWC PREVIEW: Youth movement looks to build on bronze medal from 2024

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2024 Result: Bronze Medal

Fresh off a bronze at the 2024 youth women’s event, head coach Gus Golding likes the blend of players he has on the squad – seven returning players and eight new members.

“The mix of experience and new talent creates opportunity,” says Golding. “Everyone has the chance to step up and contribute. I think this will allow the team to grow, improve, and adapt throughout the tournament.”

He says there is a nice culture building – one that should continue to grow as the tournament progresses.

“The culture has been positive, supportive, and energetic. When we started, the girls all came from different clubs and circles, so it took a bit of time to get the team dynamic humming. But now, there’s a real sense of camaraderie, with everyone encouraging each other as we learn new skills and plays. The girls are focused, yet they’ve found a way to keep things fun and lighthearted during training, which creates a great atmosphere for them,” he says.

Among the return players is 15-year-old Shenaye Lett (Below). She won the Golden Bat Award at the 2024 tournament by hitting .529 with six doubles and eight RBI.

At 14, she was the youngest player at the 2024 Australian Women’s Showcase while playing for the Adelaide Giants.

Jemma Golding also returns after hitting .278 and pitching 6.1 innings, the second most on the team.

“Jemma brings so much to the team both on and off the field,” says Lett. “Her level of skill and knowledge for baseball is unbelievable for a 14-year-old, her ability to play any position and run the bases all while having a strong consistent batting ability is something so valuable to the team. Off the field she is such a strong character and never fails to make the team laugh.”

High praise.

Other returners include Lily Duckworth (below), Emma Rendell, Madison White, Mylie Watt and Sophie Dowsett.

Madison White hit .462 last tournament and just put up some big numbers in the Women’s Division I league. She starred with multiple multi-hit games in the Women’s Elite Series.

Gus Golding says the Elite Series is already raising the standard of Western Australia baseball.

“It provided an avenue for the girls to play in a more competitive enviroment amongst some of the established stars of women’s baseball in our state,” he says. “The opportunity for the up and coming talent to show they could impact at that level was outstanding.”

The eight new players are ready to prove their metal, too.

Multiple members are signalling Millar Butler as one to watch.

“It’s because of her crazy good batting performance and accurate throws,” says return player Emma Rendell. “She hasn’t pitched for a while but I reckon she will come in clutch and win the game for us.”

Golding says all the new players have the ability to provide a breakout moment in their first women’s national championship.

“Our greatest strength is our evenness and adaptability. We have a mix of experienced players and new talent, who are all adaptable and multi-skilled. This versatility gives us options, which should serve us well in the tournament. Couple that with our desire to compete, and we’re ready for whatever comes our way,” he says.

Pool play schedule:
– Tuesday 15 April, 2:30PM AEST vs VIC
– Wednesday 16 April, 11:15AM AEST vs NSW
– Thursday 17 April, 11:15AM vs SA
– Thursday 17 April, 2:30PM vs QLD

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Follow baseball.com.au on social media for tournament updates and make sure you visit ‘The Hub’ at www.baseball.com.au/women.

MORE PREVIEWS

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The youth movement in South Australia is here.

Exactly ten years on since the revival of its women’s competition, it’s the new generation of players turning heads.

South Australia’s Under 16 squad enters the tournament as defending champions, after claiming their first ever AYWC Gold in 2024.

The senior squad features a largely young squad – the oldest player being only 30 – with some intriguing talent rising through the pipeline.

Can South Australia return to the podium, a place they last were in 2023?

Welcome to the preview of South Australia for the upcoming Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne from April 13-19.

For links to more stories, podcasts, broadcast schedule and tournament information, visit our tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women. Make sure you download Baseball+ for broadcasted games.

The 2024 tournament like a watershed moment for Queensland women’s baseball for a number of reasons.

In the elite division, Queensland Maroon secured their first medal at a senior women’s championship since 2016 by claiming bronze.

In the youth division, Queensland reached their third straight gold medal game. They ultimately took home silver – just a year after from winning it all.

There’s no question Queensland Women’s Baseball is on the rise.

This year they have two teams entered in the Women’s Championships – an “A” team (Maroon) and a Development Team (White). Can they double down on last year’s success?

Can the Youth squad continue the formidable rise and make it to the championship game for a fourth year running?

Welcome to the preview of Queensland for the upcoming Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne from April 13-19.

For links to more stories, podcasts, schedule and tournament information, visit our Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/women. We’ll be updating everything here. 

Make sure you download Baseball+ for broadcasted games. Head to the Hub for scoring links.

QUEENSLAND MAROON: Can young Queensland core improve on their historic bronze medal?

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2024 Result: Bronze Medal

It was nearly a silver medal for Queensland in 2024.

They had New South Wales on the ropes in the Preliminary Final, dropping an epic 10-9 classic vs their rivals. It was arguably the most exciting game of last year’s tournament.

They were also closer than anyone to scoring a win over undefeated Victoria. They fell 6-5 in a gripping group stage game.

It certainly put the Australian baseball world on notice.

“Women’s baseball in Queensland is getting stronger every year,” says manager Lisa Norrie. “We are keeping players in the game longer as we have so many off season programs now to help keeping them working throughout the year on growing and developing their skill sets. Baseball Queensland should be commended to that.”

While regulars like Hannah Marshall, Rio Bradley and longtime pitcher Lyndsey Campbell won’t play this year, the team is not short of returning talent.

Shiori Hoshino is arguably the leader and one of the best players in the country. Nicknamed ‘the Boss’, she plays dynamic short-stop and can throw big innings on the pound.

Hoshino hit .429 last tournament while tallying a 1.70 ERA on the bump.

Kya Foxwell has been regarded as one of the elite bats in the women’s game, but has struggled to stay healthy. She looks in great form heading into these nationals. Foxwell has previously played for the Brisbane Bandits in the Australian Women’s Showcase and has accolades from the junior ranks.

17-year-old Molly Paddison will hope to build on her breakout 2024 campaign, one where she co-led the tournament in hits (15), recorded a staggering .536 average and drove in eight runs.

Norrie told baseball.com.au her progression has been fun to watch, in an excellent feature crafted by Eliza Wood.

“It’s exciting to see her evolve into such a well-rounded player, constantly pushing herself to grow. That drive is a big part of what makes her such a special talent,” says Norrie. “Adding pitching back into her game shows how dedicated she is to being the best version of herself, both for her team and for her own growth.”

Above: Molly Paddison had a breakout tournament. Eliza Wood wrote a feature story on the woman they call ‘The Business’ you can read here. 

To back up the pitching, Tamika Zamora (below )returns. She took a huge step forward on the hill last year, nearly leading Queensland to a win over Victoria.

But perhaps most intriguing about Queensland are the players they have moving up from last year’s silver medal AYWC side.

Charlotte Stokes is one of them. She tossed 6.2 innings at the 2024 U16 Nationals, allowing just two runs. She also hit .353 with three doubles.

Catcher Holly Moellers won the Golden Glove at the U16 event, and Lila Hall hit .400.

Also catching the eye of selectors and teammates alike is Grace White. She led Queensland White with a .667 average in 2024 and moves to the top team in 2025.

“I think Grace White with the bat is going to have an unreal tournament as she has been grinding hard for this upcoming nationals over the last 12 months,” says Foxwell. “I also think Charlotte Stokes is gonna have a wicked torment on the mound. She is unreal pitcher and baller who is coming up and it awesome to see the young girls showing us older girl we gotta start worker harder than we are now to keep up!”

17-year-old Ashley Van Staden won a gold in 2023 at the AYWC and returns for her second outing with the top Queensland side.

Taliya Paolo was one of the more energising players on Queensland’s development squad in 2024 and gets an opportunity with the top team in 2024.

“We have a great young team this year,” says Norrie “We have lost a few players from last year’s team due to injury and work commitments which will be a big loss but we have gained some great young talent. They are all bought in to our culture of the team and the expectations. They are amazing young athletes and it excites me about the future of women’s baseball in Queensland.”

Schedule:
– April 13, 9:00AM AEST vs South Australia
– April 14, 2:30PM AEST vs New South Wales
– April 15, 9:00AM AEST vs Queensland White
– April 15, 2:30PM AEST vs Western Australia
– April 16, 9:00AM AEST vs Victoria

QUEENSLAND WHITE: Development squad for Queensland looks to cause national tournament chaos

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2024 result: Sixth

They may be the development team for Queensland but they insist their not here to make up numbers.

Queensland White wants to win. That attitude is reflected from legendary Emeralds player Karina Connors, the head coach.

“I’m a competitive person and my goal for the Queensland White team is to play Queensland Maroon in the Gold Medal Game,” she says. “It’s a National Championship and everyone has the same chances of winning. We’re trying to build our pipeline of players so that they have as many opportunities to play the best players in Australia.”

Connors joined Amy McCann, Amy Cannington and Tahnee Lovering on the Girls are Players Too podcast and gave incredible insights to the team.

What has Connors excited is the work ethic of her squad.

“We’ve got quite a few younger players coming through our program and they have done everything asked of them and then some,” she says. “They don’t quit and they are resilient.”

A player poised for a breakout could be Amelia Wright, a youngster who moved to Queensland from Victoria. She moves up from the youth age group.

Wright is bringing “fresh energy” to trainings and brings lots of tournament experience, including playing for Australia at the Baseball5 World Cup.

Tiffanie Morris has been injured the last two tournaments. But healthy, strong, and in-form, could be set for a big week.

“She’s been making adjustment with her hitting and I think we’ll see some power from her,” says Connors.

Multiple players have tipped Ash Ruzicka to explode this tournament.

“It’s her first year coming up from youth but she is  a weapon in the outfield and on the base paths with her speed,” says Morriss. 

Storm Law, Jess Russell, Cathy Rowe and Britt Wylie all may have to pitch crucial innings, too.

“Watch Cathy Rowe,” says teammate Emma Reid. “She has worked tirelessly on both her pitching and short stop skills.”

Reid is a cool story in herself. She has played softball on Victoria’s state team for year before moving to Far North Queensland and dominating a baseball field.

A mum of three, with lots of nationals experience, she could also be a secret weapon.

Three friendship players – Ebony Sutherland, Emma Sullivan and Felicity Clissold – join the squad from Victoria.

“They are picking up some guns,” says Emerald Amy McCann, commentator at the upcoming tournaments and a player in Victoria herself.

Schedule:
– April 13, 2:30PM AEST vs Western Australia
– April 14, 9:00AM AEST vs South Australia
– April 15, 9:00AM AEST vs Queensland Maroon
– April 15, 11:45AM AEST vs Victoria
– April 16, 11:45AM AEST vs New South Wales

AYWC PREVIEW: Can Queensland go to a Gold Medal Game for a fourth year in a row?

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2024 Result: Silver

Queensland has played in the last three youth Gold Medal games. Can they make it a fourth?

While many of the players who have won gold (2023) or silver (2024) have moved up a division, there is still a solid core amongst the Queensland U16 group.

In fact, eight players who competed in last year’s championship game are set to return. This has head coach Neal Ragau intrigued by the possibilities.

“I believe we will have a well rounded team effort this year,” says Ragau.

“Some of the players who have aged out over the last two years were part of the youth women’s program for around 4-5 years, starting before covid. This year will see the first group that is fully post COVID, so hasn’t had as much time in our program and experienced as much tournament play that teams in the past have had.”

It means everyone has to chip in.

Among the returners is 14-year-old Bella Nolan. She had 10 strikeouts in 6.1 innings pitched last year – that’s some serious swing and miss stuff.

“She’s an amazing player anywhere in the field and she doesn’t buckle under pressure,” says teammate Lillian Fogg of Nolan. “She’s definitely someone you want to play with not against.”

Hannah Elliot (6.2 innings) and Amelia Stephens (9.2 innings) each ate big innings last year and will return to help guide a young squad.

Elliot has been recorded at 70mph off the mound and could be poised for a big tournament if that velocity is there.

Sally Knechtli and Natalie Murphy are two other top-age players to keep an eye on.

Sienna Fens, Bella Nolan, Lucy Plumb and Kayla Sparks area all younger players to watch with multiple years left on the team.

Sparks says some off-field work has helped improve her game.

“My knowledge of the game has improved. I became a scorer over the last 12 months, and it has really helped me have a whole new perspective on baseball,” she says. 

Imogine Masters has been working hard and travelling around the world trying to crack this Queensland squad. She finally has.

“I think my pitching has improved a lot,” she says. “I went from barely knowing to what I was doing and just throwing the ball and now I can do what I love at a high level.”

Ragau says overall he’s encouraged with how Queensland women’s baseball is developing.

Schedule:
– April 15, 9:00AM AEST vs New South Wales
– April 15, 1:30PM AEST vs Victoria
– April 16, 9:00AM AEST vs South Australia
– April 17, 11:15AM AEST vs Western Australia

Follow baseball.com.au on social media for tournament updates and make sure you visit ‘The Hub’ at www.baseball.com.au/women.

MORE PREVIEWS

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Can last year’s silver medalists go one step further?

How will almost an entirely new youth women’s team perform on the big stage?

Welcome to the preview of New South Wales for the upcoming Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Melbourne from April 13-19.

For links to more stories, podcasts, schedule and tournament information, visit our tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women.

Make sure you download Baseball+ for broadcasted games.

WOMEN’S PREVIEW: Experienced squad primed to make another run at gold

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2024 Result: Silver Medal

Whenever New South Wales takes the field in a national championship there is one clear goal: Win. It. All.

This year is no different.

New South Wales took home silver in 2024. The tournament ended on a tough note.

After winning a heated preliminary final vs Queensland, a 10-9 epic, New South Wales was ready to take on Victoria in the championship game.

Enter the rain. The gold medal game was never played.

Victoria were declared deserving winners after going unbeaten in the tournament.

However, it’s left New South Wales hungry for a shot at redemption.

The 2025 team features five members of the 2023 Emeralds – INF/ P Maddison McGuire, UTIL Ticara Geldenhuis, C Maddison Heath, P / INF Claire O’Sullivan and P / INF Maddison Erwin – all of whom have won gold at a national championship before.

Claire O’Sullivan did it all last tournament, both with the bat and on the mound. She won the Golden Bat Award after hitting .714 with a 2.024 OPS, 15 hits, a homer and 15 RBI. All of those numbers were tournament leading.

Outfielder Ticara Geldenhuis (below) brings World Cup experience, a women’s nationals gold and time in Japan to the fray. In the Japanese national championships last year, she hit .600 and hit a walk off homer.

The squad is buoyed by the return of Maddison McGuire, a member of the Emeralds since 2011. She returns to form after missing last year due to welcoming her second daughter to the world. The infielder / pitcher has been in All-Star form for powerhouse Blacktown Workers in the women’s competition.

On the mound, while World Cup pitchers, O’Sullivan, McGuire and Maddi Erwin will no doubt pitch important innings, New South Wales will look to a few others to navigate through the tournament. The likes of MacKenzie Jackson and Ebony Van Eynde will be tasked with going deep into games.

“[I’ve been working a lot on] my pitching mechanics,” says Jackson, entering tournament number nine. “I’m lucky enough to have the coaching staff I do at Blacktown Workers and fortunate enough to work with current ABL players.”

The coaching staff has a few different key cogs in their line-up, too.

18-year-old Isobel Lambert broke out last season and is a noted rising star. Emerald Maddison Heath appears healthy. Sayaka Mori and Lisa Nakashio (below) have turned into to well-rounded, athletic stars to provide some versatility.

“I’d be watching Lisa Nakashio and Izzy Lambert,” says Claire O’Sullivan, “I’m their number one fan because they work so hard to be the best and have the best attitudes. Everything they do is for the team.”

There’s a few breakout stars in the mix. 16-year-old Ryleigh Delacour-Batch makes her senior women’s debut.

“I am the youngest on the team and I am very grateful to be surrounded by such incredible female athletes,” says Delacour-Batch, who starred for the Youth Squad in 2024.

Outfielder Cayla Johnston is in sizzling form entering the tournament too. The Eastern Suburbs Dolphins player had a breakout women’s season in New South Wales and looks to show it off at nationals.

“She has been working hard at training and has had a great club season,” says Isobel Lambert. “She’s highly dedicated and I think she will have a breakthrough tournament.”

With a deep pitching staff, a core of champion players, national team talent, and a couple new players providing fresh perspective, is this the year New South Wales return to the top?

Group Stage Schedule:

– April 13, 11:45AM: vs Western Australia
– April 13, 5:15PM: vs Victoria
– April 14, 2:30PM: vs Queensland Maroon
– April 15, 5:15PM: vs South Australia
– April 16, 11:45AM: vs Queensland White

YOUTH PREVIEW: Unified energy, positive team culture drives young New South Wales squad ahead of U16 Girls Nationals

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2024 Result: 4th

If the senior New South Wales squad is loaded with experience, the Youth squad is undergoing somewhat of a transition.

Only four players return from last year’s team.

Still, head coach Amy Saliba is excited about the prospects of her young squad.

“Overall, the team vibe has been positive and supportive,” says Saliba. “The girls will always have one big open circle which welcomes everyone and anyone, opposed to a number of small groups mixed throughout the team. They also seem to love to end a training night with a BeReal team selfie!”

Among the four returning players is Ivy White (below) . She enters her final year of youth eligibility. She’ll likely be tasked with catching important moments for the team.

Tamyrn Love also returns and has been playing Division I for Ryde in the New South Wales Women’s League, helping them to a grand final.

“I think my pitching has improved a lot over the last 12 months,” says Love. “People didn’t really think of me as a pitcher before but recently I have been given so many great opportunities on the mound. I have been helped my so many great coaches, that I have come so far. With the help of a growth spurt!”

Lily Warren has also been catching the eyes of her teammates in training.

“Every training she is there putting in 100% always and also picking up anyone who feels down,” says teammate Lily Baxter. “She also doesn’t get down on herself and if she makes an error she will laugh about it and do better the next time the ball gets hit at her.”

Tallara Joseph-Riogi – a hard throwing pitcher – was also an oft-named player to watch by her teammates.

Tallara herself, however, is quick to deflect the attention elsewhere.

“My whole team is one to watch,” she says. “Every single one of them brings something special to the team talented, unique and strong”

The teamwork and energy around the team has coach Amy Saliba excited as a whole about girls baseball in New South Wales.

“It’s definitely growing,” says Saliba. “The NSW Little League Girls series held at the beginning of the year was a hit and I’m excited to see how women’s baseball develops with these talented girls coming through the ranks in the coming years.”

Group Stage Schedule:
– April 15, 9:00AM: vs QLD
– April 15, 11:45AM: vs SA
– April 16, 11:15AM: vs WA
– April 17, 9:00AM: vs VIC

MORE PREVIEWS

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