News

After careful consideration and relentless weather, the gold medal game will be unable to be played.

Therefore, Victoria were named gold medal winners of the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships.

In tournament bylaws, if the Championship Final fails to decide the champion state team, the team which finished the most recently completed round in the highest position will be declared Australian champion.

In this instance, Victoria is 7-0 and are named champion.

New South Wales are silver medalists, and Queensland Bronze.

Award winners and presentations were done in a marquee after the game.

AWARD WINNERS|

MVP – Lili Cavanagh, Victoria
Golden Arm – Allie Bebbere, Victoria
Golden Bat – Claire O’Sullivan, NSW
Golden Glove – Abbey Kelly, Victoria

Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria remain in contention. Here’s how the day will play out:

3:00PM – NSW 10 def QLD 9

6:00PM – Washed out.

Catch the action on Baseball+.

More tournament information and archived stories can be found here.

Here are yesterday’s medal round and elimination day recaps + Youth Gold Medal.

Scroll for daily recaps.

HOW THEY GOT HERE?

Victoria is a perfect 7-0 in the tournament. They have won big, but also survived two narrow games vs both Queensland Maroon and New South Wales. They can hit. They can pitch. They are a well-drilled team, featuring a promising collection of rising stars and multiple Emeralds.

New South Wales have hit their way to the medal round. A team who has scored at least 10 runs in five of their seven games, suffering defeats to only Victoria this week. They have a team with multiple Emeralds and won last in 2022.

Queensland Maroon will medal for the first time since 2016. A roster, which features four players who graduated from last year’s Gold Medal at the 2023 Youth Championships, has hit well throughout and featured some clutch pitching performances. They started the tournament 3-0, lost by one run to Victoria, and defeated South Australia in the elimination final.

To win a gold medal, Queensland Maroon and New South Wales must win two games today. It’s tough, but possible.

Victoria earned the advatage of just playing one.

Daily Recaps

by Kristin Sims

NSW 10 def QLD Maroon 9

Kicking the game off in style QLD were on the board early, after singles from Riordan Bradley and Tamika Zamora and ending the first with 1 run.

NSW wasted no time getting the run back after Erin Partridge drew a walk and scored off an error with some great base running. NSW experienced batters gave them every opportunity with Claire O’Sullivan and Ticara Geldenhuis hitting singles, before 16-year-old Isobel Lambert hit an RBI double. NSW would put another 2 runs on the board to take a 5-1 lead early.

The margin remained the same until the third innings when QLD launched a comeback. In a repeat of the previous innings with the bat Riordan Bradley had another single, but this time it was Molly Paddison who hit the double to bring Bradley home. A single to Connie Row cut the NSW lead to 1 run, keeping QLD well and truly in it.

A two hour rain delay flipped the game on its head and NSW turned to veteran Claire O’Sullivan to take over the pitching reins. O’Sullivan did everything her team needed, and restricted QLD to the 1 hit in the inning after play resumed.

NSW came out and made a statement next, loading the bases before Ebony Van Eynde hit a double to the end of left field which cleared the bases. Claire O’Sullivan sent Van Eynde home on a single, before M Heath would get another on the board for NSW to hold a 6 run lead at the bottom of the fourth.

A pitching change for QLD brought Ashley Van Staden to the mound, it was a big moment for the youngster in her first nationals. She threw the ball well and despite giving up a couple of walks early, she kept NSW from scoring for the remainder of the game.

It was a do-or-die moment for QLD when they came in to bat in the seventh. After Molly Paddison reached on a walk, Shiori Hoshino doubled to bring Paddison home and a rally was sparked. Another double to Tamika Zamora added another run, and with no outs recorded QLD were coming for the win.

Two outs came in succession before Hannah Wilson doubled, and an error then gave QLD run number 8, cutting the lead to just 2 runs. Another hit to Riordan Bradley scored another, and then it was the rookie Molly Paddison facing off against the experienced Claire O’Sullivan. It was an edge of your seat moment and Paddison fought hard, but ground out for the final out to see QLD take home the Bronze medal.

SA 8 def QLD W 5

South Australia came from behind in the third to take the win, after big hitter Jess Maslin lit up the game.

Maslin hit the second home run of the tournament, which got SA on the board with two runs to take a 2-1 lead.

QLD White made a comeback in the fourth with hits to Shanye-Elise Lord and Taliyah Paolo and added another in the sixth to hold a 2-run lead late.

SA took bad the lead in the bottom of the sixth adding 4 runs to their tally. A rally of 6 hits in a row, gave SA some breathing space with one inning remaining.

Emily Colman pitched out the game for SA, QLD W added just the 1 run for SA to take victory.

WA 13 def SA 1

WA were on the board early adding three runs in the first thanks to a double from Meaghan Haggart and some errors from SA.

A tw0-run RBI double to Briah Burke in the third, helped add to WA’s tally. They would end the inning with an 8 run lead.

Meaghan Haggart was also strong with the ball in hand for WA, keeping SA to just the hits.

It was the bat of Jess Maslin again that got SA their first run in the fourth.

Back-to-back doubles in the fifth to Caitlin Eynon and Charlotte Yates, gave WA 13 runs on the board.

Caitlin Eynon had 5 strikeouts in her two innings pitched, helping WA hold SA to just the 1 run.

Award Winners

To be announced.

by Kristin Sims

In only their second ever U16 Youth Women’s Championships, South Australia wasted no time making their mark on a gold medal mark.

They dominated from start to finish in a convincing 14-1 win.

Alice Brown delivered one of the most iconic performances in Australian Gold Medal Championship History, going 7.0 innings in a complete game, allowing one run off four hits. She also went 4-for-5 with the bat and drove in six runs.

Every player in the South Australia line-up contributing, with each of the starters picking up at least one base hit during the game.

Here’s how the game unfolded…

READ MORE: DAY 6 RECAP

Hitting well, hitting early and running the bases hard, the South Aussies jumped to a four run lead. Singles to Regan O’Reilly, Alice Brown and Ruby Phitzner all contributed to the score for South Australia.

Alice Brown started on the mound for SA, she took some time to get comfortable after walking the first two batters but ended the innings strong with a strikeout and giving up just one run.

After an incredible tournament so far, unfortunately today was not Charlotte Stokes’ day.

Heading into the game she had a 0.00 ERA, but some errors behind her would see her leave the game after just 1.2 IP. In that time she still battled to strike out 3 batters.

A bright future for Charlotte no doubt…

Sout added another three runs in the second inning. Isabella Hacker kicked things off with a single. Regan O’Reilly hit a sacrifice fly that sent Hacker home, followed up by a double to Alice Brown. Finishing things off was Indie O’Hazy-Tschorn with a single to get SA’s 7th run.

Pitching just as well as she was batting, Alice Brown had a 3-up-3-down inning in the second.

The SA bats stayed hot in the 3rd, kicking it off with singles to Maxine Saunders and Pria Bholanat. Bree Ridding then had her own single, before Alice Brown had another double driving in 2 runs. SA ended the innings holding a 10 run lead.

QLD were able to settle with the ball in hand and slow SA’s scoring, until SA broke through with bat and added 2 runs in the seventh to hold a 13 run lead.

Despite QLD managing to get runners on base at times, they were unable to get on the board and break through the intense SA defence and the incredible pitching of Alice Brown.

Holding on to the 13 run lead, SA were crowned the 2024 Youth Women’s champions.

TOURNAMENT AWARD WINNERS

MVP – Alice Brown (SA), 1 earned run in 13 innings pitched, with a complete game in the gold medal match, plus 10 hits and 12 RBI.

Golden Bat – Shenaye Lett (WA), Hits .563 while leading tournament in extra base hits and quality at bats. Also has 8 RBI.

Golden Arm – Alice Brown (SA), 1 earned run in 13.0 innings plus 14 strike outs

Golden Arm – Holly Moellers (QLD), allowed the fewest stolen bases as a catcher of all in position with significant time, while catching brilliantly behind the plate

THE NO MORE SPIRIT OF THE GAME AWARD WINNERS

As part of Friday’ss #NoMore Campaign day, which saw players at stand against domestic and family violence, a player from each game was recognised for playing within the spirit of the sport.

Western Australia – Lily Duckworth
South Australia – Bri Ridding
Victoria – Chelsea Nunn
New South Wales – Quincy Hindmarsh
Queensland – Lila Hall

It’s going to be a great day at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships.

At 3:00PM, South Australia and Queensland will compete in the Youth Championship Gold Medal Game. You can watch the action on Baseball+.

Here you will find schedules, game updates, and useful information.

More useful information and archived stories can be found here.

SUNDAY APRIL SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

Congratulations to Western Australia who won bronze in the Youth Women’s – their first medal since 2016!

In the Open Women’s, the winner of South Australia vs Queensland advances to the preliminary final.  They will play the loser of New South Wales and Victoria.

The winner of Victoria and New South Wales goes straight to the Gold Medal game.

RESULTS

AYWC GOLD – SA 14 def QLD 1
AWC – Queensland 10 def South Australia 7, QLD advances to Prelim
AWC – VIC 7 def NSW 1, VIC advance to Gold Medal

AYWC Consolation – NSW 4 def VIC 2
AYWC Consolation – NSW 7 def WA 4
AYWC Consolation – WA 12 def VIC 2
AWC Consolation – WA 17 def QLDW 2

Here is the schedule for tomorrow:

RECAPS + SCORES

U16 GOLD MEDAL: SOUTH AUSTRALIA 14 def QUEENSLAND 1

Every player in the South Australian starting line-up. Starting pitcher Alice Brown tossed a complete game, allowing just four hits and one run. She also went 4-for-5 with the bat.

Read the full recap here.

Elimination Final 

QLD M 10 def SA 7 

SA started strong in the game against QLD, after a single in the first as Elisa Gooley sent two runs in after a groundout. 

Kelsey Barker started strong on the mound for SA, limiting QLD’s scoring chances until the third where none other than QLD star rookie Molly Paddison kicked off the inning with a single and started the QLD rally. 

Molly Paddison, Riordan Bradley, Shiori Hoshino and Hannah Marshall all collected hits in the fourth to give QLD the lead for the first time in the game, ending the inning 2 runs ahead. 

Brianna Ragau had an RBI double in the fifth to extend QLD’s lead and Riordan Bradley had another single that drove in Hannah Wilson. Smart base running and an error for SA would see QLD hold a handy 5 run lead going into the sixth. 

SA mounted a comeback in the seventh, a double to Bianca Ramsey with bases loaded drove in 2 runs. Followed by another 2 RBI double to Jess Maslin, SA were trailing by 3 with 2 outs in hand. A single to Georgia Davis saw Jess Maslin in scoring position, but steady relief pitching by Britany Wyllie saw QLD get their final outs and progress to the preliminary final. 

Big Performers-

Brianna Ragau (QLD): 2-4, 3 RBI
Bianca Ramsay (SA): 1.0IP, 1SO,3RBI

GOLD MEDAL QUALIFICATION GAME – VIC 7 def NSW 1

Undefeated Victoria punched their ticket to the Gold Medal Game.

The two heavyweights of the tournament faced off in the gold medal qualification game, with VIC yet to lose a game it was a tough task ahead for NSW.

Wasting no time VIC were the first to get runs on the board, thanks to a 2 run RBI double from Jamie Bastians.

The next 2.1 innings were scoreless for both teams, with Jessica Johnson for VIC and MacKenzie Johnson for NSW both tossing well for their respective side.

VIC were back on the board again in the fourth, a string of hits to Lillian Bell-Tanner, Jamie Bastian, Ruby Dale resulted in 3 runs.

Claire O’sullivan got NSW on the board after a ground ball resulted in an error that saw Lisa Nakashio cross home plate.

The VIC batters were out again in the fifth inning, back-to-back doubles to Kira Kuwamoto and Belinda Cannington plus a single to Lillian Bell-Tanner added 2 runs to their tally. Giving VIC a comfortable 5 run lead late in the game.

Lili Cavanagh took to the mound in the sixth for VIC and closed out the game, with 1 strikeout and allowing no hits.

In her last at-bat for the day Lili Cavanagh had an RBI single, extending VIC’s lead to 6 runs.

NSW worked quickly in the field in the sixth, resulting in them getting another chance with the bat. VIC would finish the game in style with a slick double play to go undefeated into the gold medal match.

AYWC AND AWC – CONSOLATION GAMES

NSW 4 def VIC 2 

VIC took the lead early with a Kendra Rutgers single that saw Chelsea Nunn home on an error. 

Saya Turnley pitched a gem for VIC with 6 strikeouts in 2 innings. A double to Mariam Arifaki, plus errors and walks in the third gave NSW a 3-1 lead over VIC. 

Andie Torcasio had an RBI single in the fourth for VIC, with the lead now reduced to 2 runs. A double play from NSW would end the innings for VIC and seal the victory for NSW.

NSW 7 def WA 4

NSW got on the board in the first with a ground out to Ryleigh Delacour-Batch.

Quincy Hindmarsh was on the mound for NSW and pitched strong with 2 strikeouts in her 2 innings, allowing no runs.

NSW broke the game open in the third piling on 5 runs with hits to Kara Cassidy, Ava Makin, Sienna Gledhill and Ryleigh Delacour-Batch.

WA came alive in the third after 2 walks, a double to Jemma Golding scored 2 runs. An RBI single by Emma Rendell added to WA’s tally.

AWC – Western Australia 17 def Queensland White 2

Madison White hit a ground ball in the fourth, which added another to WA’s tally, ultimately after time was reached WA would fall by 3 runs.

17 year old Ava Tyson opened the pitching for WA, delivering 3 quick outs to start the game.

Singles Chloe Atkinson, Meaghan Haggart and Madison Lines delivered WA’s first 3 runs of the game. A series of walks and a double to Charlotte Yates had WA ending the innings with a 7 run lead.

For their second run with the bat, WA added a further 7 runs.The highlight of the inning coming from a Chloe Atkinson single that brought 2 runs home.

A double for Emma Reid in the third gave QLD W their second run of the game.

Catiling Eynon, Chloe Atkinson and Grace Spano all had hits in the fourth for WA. Ending the game with a 17-2 win, it was a positive end to the tournament for last year’s champions WA.

AYWC – WA 12 def VIC 2

Runs came early for both teams, with VIC adding 1 in the first before WA put 5 on the board.

VIC had 4 hits in the second, with Alexandra Egan and Charlotte Jansen both bringing in runners to cut into WA’s lead.

WA picked up more runs in the fourth with some unsteady pitching and fielding, after a ground out to Jemma Golding helped add 4 runs to their tally.

A healthy lead for WA with Isabella Cleva on the mound, VIC were against the wall with 2 outs before a double to Andie Torcasio brought in 2 runs. The comeback would end with the next batter, with WA coming out 6 run winners.

It’s Saturday at the Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) and Youth Women’s Championships (AYWC) and the medal round has begun.

In the youth side of the bracket on Diamond 2, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia competed for a spot in the Gold Meda Game.

Over in the elite women’s, the Top 4 teams begin their double elimination bracket on the path to glory. Watch the broadcast on Baseball+.

Here you will find schedules, game updates, and useful information.

Scroll down to learn about how the finals works, if you’re curious and need to know. Recaps and results will be filled in after the schedule.

More useful information and archived stories can be found here.

SATURDAY 5 APRIL SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

Watch the two medal round AWC games on Baseball+.

Follow the AYWC on GameChanger.

Results

AYWC 
Consolation Round – Victoria 5 def NSW 2
Medal Round – SA 6 def WA 2
Medal Round – QLD 10 def SA 9
Medal Round – QLD 5 def WA 2

Western Australia wins bronze medal. South Australia and Queensland advance to the Youth Championships Gold Medal Game on Sunday 6 April at 3:00PM. Watch on Baseball+.

AWC

Medal Round – NSW 12 def Queensland Maroon 5
Medal Round – VIC 8 def SA 0
6:00PM – WA 15 def QLDW 12

New South Wales and Victoria advance to the Gold Medal Qualification game on Sunday at 12:00PM. The winner advances to the gold medal game, the loser goes to the preliminary final. Watch it on Baseball+.

South Australia and Queensland Maroon advance to the Elimination Final on Sunday at 9:00AM. The winner advances to the Preliminary Final.

SATURDAY 5 APRIL RECAPS

by Kristin Sims

CONSOLATION ROUND AYWC – Victoria 5 def NSW 2

It was the Kendra Rutgers show for this matchup, pitching for 4 innings for Rutgers, striking out ten in an incredible performance on the mound.

Both teams were scoreless until the third where VIC broke away getting 3 runs on the board, started by a double to Isabel Zurawel, and a single to Amelia Wright that brought in 2.

Aaliyah Te Ahuru-Kostic got NSW on the board in the fourth with a 2 RBI double. It was a good day with the bat for Te Ahuru-Kostic who was NSW’s only player with multiple hits.

Amelia Wright was best with bat for VIC going 2-2, with Charlotte Jansen also providing 2 RBI’s off her bat.

Chelsea Nunn was also excellent pitching for VIC, coming in to relieve she pitched one inning striking out three to close out the game.

MEDAL ROUND – AYWC – SA 6 def WA 2

It was a shaky start and strong finish for South Australia who won their first game of the double-header.

WA struck first. They took advantage of an SA error by bringing home runs thanks to a double from Shenaye “The Show” Lett.

The pitchers for both teams took control for the next few innings, until Bree Ridding got SA’s first run after some excellent base running, followed by a 2 run RBI to Ruby Pfitzner that gave SA a 1 run lead.

SA then had another 3-run inning in the 4th, with two big doubles and singles driving in the runs.

A 3 strikeout and scoreless innings to Dakota Ding for SA on the mound, sealed the victory for SA to keep a top podium finish alive for SA.

Alice Brown pitched two perfect innings for South Australia, while Sienna Thiele had two hits.

South Australia move to 1-0 in the second round and Western Australia 0-1.

MEDAL ROUND – AYWC – QUEENSLAND 10 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 9

A game with a roller coaster of emotions.

Queensland had a 6-0 lead erased. South Australia mounted a rally in the last two innings to lead 9-6 in the final frame.

Then, with two outs, Queensland rallied themselves, with Sienna Fens driving in the winning runs with a 2-RBI single.

QLD were on the board early taking advantage of walks and errors, to end the first inning with a 2-run lead.

Tehya Lewis was solid on the mound for QLD, keeping SA scoreless until the fourth and collecting four strikeouts during her outing.

SA started chipping away at QLD’s six run lead in the 4th innings with the first run coming in from a single to Alice Brown, before Indie O’Hazy Tschorn hit another that brought another two runners in.

The fifth inning was a hit fest for SA, Alice Brown and Indie O’Hazy Tschorn both hitting big doubles that would see SA with a 3-run lead in the fifth.

Time was starting to be a factor in the game and QLD took their chances in the bottom of the fifth, to get themselves the win. A groundout from Ruby Preston would give QLD 2 outs, but it also drove in 2 runs. An error from SA, followed by a single to Bella Nolan brought the margin to just 1 run.

Charlotte Stokes was then intentionally walked, before Sienna Fens was the hero for QLD hitting a single that would see two runs come over and QLD clutch victory.

Big Performers-

Tehya Lewis (QLD) 4 IP, 5 SO

Indie O’Hazy Tschorn (SA) 2-3, 3 RBI’s

MEDAL ROUND – AWC – New South Wales 12 def Queensland 5

New South Wales racked up 17 hits in a dominating offensive performance.

A five-run third inning pushed a NSW advantage to 7-0, off the backs of a Claire O’Sullivan double, Elise Izzard double, Sayaka Mori single and Maddi Heath triple.

Ebony Van Eynde, meanwhile, chucked three perfect innings to ease NSW into the game.

Hits to Molly Paddison and Shiori Hoshino sparked a rally for Queensland in the fourth. They took advantage of walks to cut the lead to 7-5.

They had a chance to strike for more with bases loaded in the fourth, but Lisa Nakashio forced a groundout to get out of the jam. She went on to pitch 3.1 innings of one-hit, shutout baseball.

New South Wales instantly responded with three.

Isobel Lambert collected three hits, Sayaka Mori had four hits and four RBI, and Lambert + Heath each had three hits of their own.

New South Wales advance to the Gold Medal Qualification Game on Sunday at 12:00PM for a spot in the Gold Medal Game.

AWC MEDAL ROUND – VICTORIA 8 def SA 0

The bats for VIC were too strong for SA, and the pitching was just as good, in their clash for a spot in the gold medal qualification game.

Allie Bebberre was starting pitcher for Victoria, she led the team well in her 4 innings allowing just one hit and striking out four.

Victoria wasted no time putting their stamp on the game, lighting it up in the first inning with hits to Lili Cavanagh, Belinda Cannington, Kira Jansen, Kira Kuwamoto, Jasmine Bentley and Abbey Kelly.

Both teams were scoreless from there, until the fourth, where Abbey Kelly and Lili Cavanagh both hit doubles before a single to Belinda Cannington later in the innings saw VIC extend their lead to 8 runs.

Despite making contact with the ball, SA were just unable to affect the scoreboard at any point in the game with VIC fielding shutting them down.

Victoria move on to the Gold Medal Qualification Game, while SA will meet Queensland Maroon in the Elimination Final.

AYWC MEDAL ROUND – QLD 5 def WA 2 

Western Australia took an early 2-0 lead over Queensland early, but Queensland bounced back to win and advance to the Gold Medal Game.

Western Australia scored two runs in the first after notching up three hits in a row. A double from Shenaye Lett that drove in two and gave them the early lead.

In the bottom of the second, QLD would tie the game after a single from Hannah O’Brien to left field was enough to bring Mea Arlow and Amelia Stephens home after they both hit singles.

Hannah Elliot kept the game tied with her efforts on the mound in the third, with a 3 up 3 out inning.

QLD took a two-run lead in the fourth after some smart base running and a double to Charlotte Stokes.

Amelia Stephens pitched strong for QLD, keeping the WA tally to the 2 runs once she came into the game. She pitched 3 innings, with just the 1 hit.

Queensland advanced to the gold medal game to face off against South Australia. WA will take home bronze after a strong tournament.

Big Performers-

Shenaye Lett (WA) 1-3, 1 RBI
Hannah Elliot (QLD) 4 IP, 6 SO

CONSOLATION GAME – WA 13 def QLD 12 

A true nail-biter of a game down the very end, as Western Australia walked it off and ended Queensland White’s dream to get their first win of the tournament.

QLD White, the state’s development team, got themselves on the board early with a run resulting from a double to Grace White which Paris Bastow home.

WA tied it up with their first chance with the bat, a Caitlin Eynon single and hard base running got her home from an error to QLD white.

The aggressive base running continued from WA in the second with Madison Lines charting WA’s second run on the board, after she stole second and third before coming home on an error.

In the fifth innings, QLD White broke the game apart with some of their best batting of the tournament. They put six extra runs on the board thanks to some smart eyes at the plate and 3 hits including a double to Grace White.

Unfortunately for QLD, WA seized the lead back as they amassed 8 walks and an error. WA would add seven runs in the inning to push a lead by three.

But how about the fight from Queensland? They replied with another three runs of their own in the sixth to tie the ball game. Emma Reid, Allissa Stone and Emma Tate all collected hits in the inning.

Two walks early for the QLD pitchers delivered WA with a shot at taking victory. Enter the experienced Meagan Haggart, who got the ball in play to bring Briah Burke home and get WA the win.

13-12 final.

Big Peformers- 

Chloe Atkinson (WA): 3-5, 3 RBI

Allisa Stone (QLD W): 4-2, 3 RBI

HERE’S HOW THE FINALS WORK

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

Here’s how the medal round games play out:

Saturday – VIC 8 def SA 0
Saturday – QLD 12 def NSW 5

Sunday – Elimination Final: QLD-M vs SA, 9:00AM

Sunday – Gold Medal Qualification Game: VIC vs NSW, 12:00PM

Monday – Preliminary Final: Winner of Elimination Final vs Loser of Gold Medal Qualification, 3:00PM

Monday – Gold Medal Game: Winner Gold Medal Qualification vs Winner Preliminary Final

AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

South Australia (1-1) and Queensland (2-0) advance out of the final three second round, and go to the Gold Medal Game.

Western Australia win bronze.

The Gold Medal Game is at 3:00PM on Sunday, watch on Baseball+.

It’s the final day of the group stage of the 2024 Australian Women’s (AWC) and Youth Women’s Championships (AYWC).

Here you will find:
– Daily Results
– Final Standings and How Finals Works
– Game Recaps
– Tournament Leaders
– Tomorrow’s schedule

Replay the action on Baseball+.

Other Useful Links

Broadcast on Baseball+ – Head here for download links to stream on phone or cast to television. Or you can go to plus.baseball.com.au to watch via web. Today the Youth Women are streamed.

Schedule – Here is the master link.

Tournament Info and old recaps – Click here.

Make sure you follow us on social media (@Baseball.com.au) on Facebook and Instagram for photos, stories and highlights throughout the day.

It’s also NO MORE Day today, where players will make a stand against family and domestic violence. 

SCHEDULE / RESULTS

9:00AM – AYWC – Victoria 7 def NSW 6

9:00AM – AWC – Victoria 16 def SA 6

11:00AM – AYWC – Queensland 5 def NSW 2

12:00PM – AWC – Western Australia 11 def Queensland White 1

1:00PM – AYWC – South Australia 9 def Western Australia 6

3:00PM – AWC – NSW 20 def Queensland Maroon 9

CURRENT STANDINGS

PLEASE NOTE, 10PM on FRIDAY: THERE HAS BEEN A SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR TOMORROW’S GAMES. SA vs VIC AWC will now be played at 3:00PM instead of 9:00AM

AWC

1. Victoria – 4-0
2. New South Wales – 4-1
3. Queensland M – 3-2
4. South Australia – 2-2
—- / —-
5. Western Australia – 1-4
6. Queensland White – 0-5

The top four teams advance to the medal rounds in double elimination on Saturday.

Here’s how the medal round games play out:

Saturday – NSW vs QLD, 12:00PM
Saturday – SA vs VIC, 3:00PM

If you win one of the above games, you are guaranteed a medal.

Sunday – Elimination Final: Loser of SA/VIC vs Loser of NSW/QLD, 9:00AM
Sunday – Gold Medal Qualification Game: Winner of SA/VIC vs Winner of NSW/QLD, 12:00PM

Monday – Preliminary Final: Winner of Elimination Final vs Loser of Gold Medal Qualification, 3:00PM
Monday – Gold Medal Game: Winner Gold Medal Qualification vs Winner Preliminary Final

AYWC
1. Queensland 3-1
2. South Australia – 3-1
3. Western Australia – 2-2
— / —
4. Victoria – 1-3
5. New South Wales – 1-3

Here’s how the finals will work:

On Saturday, SA, QLD and WA will play each other once each.

The records reset. The top two teams advance to the 3:00PM Gold Medal Game on Sunday.

The third place of the bunch will finish with the bronze.

DAILY RECAPS – FRIDAY 5 APRIL

AYWC – Victoria 7 def New South Wales 6

Victoria trailed 6-0 before storming home to stun New South Wales in a walk off win.

NSW opened the scoring in the first when Alyssa Frame doubled. Then, triples to Ryleigh Delacour-Batch and Ruby Allison extended it to 4-0 in the third.

Ryleigh Delacour-Batch was brilliant on the mound for NSW, going 2.2 innings with six strikeouts allowing just one hit.

They had a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, before Victoria made their first move.

Victoria tallied five runs on three hits, including a clutch two-RBI shot from Charlotte Jansen, who finished 2-for-2 with 3RBI in the game.

A Jansen single helped Victoria tie the game at six in the sixth, before a winning run was scored on a passed ball.

Victoria finish the minor rounds with a 1-3 record, while New South Wales drop to 1-2. They now must beat Queensland in their next game to have a chance at advancing.

AWC – Victoria 16 def South Australia 6

A relentless Victorian attack tallied 16 runs off 16 hits, in a game where every player in the starting nine had at least one hit.

In fact, six players had multiple hits (Macy Priamo, Lily Simpson, Allie Bebbere, Jess Johnson, Jess Brown and Belinda Cannington).

Kira Jansen and Brown also worked three walks on the day, while Simpson led the charge with three hits.

Ruby Dale, Jamie Bastian and Jasmine Bentley all pitched.

Jess Maslin and Bianca Ramsey had another big day with the bat for SA. Maslin followed up yesterday’s 3-for-4 performance with two hits and 2RBI. Ramsey chalked up the same stat line to move to eight hits on the tournament.

Victoria finish the minor rounds in first at 5-0 and will play South Australia, who finish 2-3, in the #1 vs #4 medal round game tomorrow.

AYWC – Queensland 5 def New South Wales 2

In a game that determined who would advance to the Top 3 and the medal rounds, Queensland fended off a late New South Wales charge.

Holly Moellers singled in a pair of runs to push Queensland’s lead to 3-0.

They added two more runs in the second to then lead 5-1, after NSW scored one in the bottom of the first after a Miriam Arifaki RBI hit.

Bella Nolan started the game off strong for Queensland, pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit and one unearned run with three strikeouts. It backed up her three perfect innings on Saturday.

New South Wales scored a run in the fourth and had base runners in the bottom of the fifth, pressuring for a tie.

But Queensland brought on star pitcher Charlotte Stokes who got two huge outs to seal the win.

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia will advance to this weekend’s U16 Medal Round. The records re-set, each team will play each other once, and the Top 2 will advance to a Gold Medal Game on Sunday at 3:00PM.

AWC – Western Australia 11 def Queensland White 0

Briah Burke and Grace Spano combined to pitch a one-hit strikeout as Western Australia picked up their first win of the tournament.

It was a 0-0 game until the fourth inning. Briah Burke for Western Australia and Storm Law for Queensland started the game brilliantly, holding the opposition scoreless.

Finally, WA broke through. Peyton Newman doubled in a run, Emily Hone had an RBI-single, Caitlin Eynon singled in a run and Chloe Atkinson had an RBI double in the pivitol inning.

They scored four more in the fifth.

Western Australia totaled nine hits in the win, with Charlotte Yates and Chloe Atkinson each collecting two. Yates led WA with 3RBI. Emily Hone was also impressive with two walks, an RBI single, and two stolen bases.

Western Australia and Queensland White will play each other again tomorrow in the consolation round.

AYWC – South Australia 9 def Western Australia 6

South Australia emerged the winner in a see-saw affair to conclude group stage of the Australian Youth Women’s Championships.

There were four lead changes in a dramatic game which officially clinched a Top 3 spot and a medal for both teams.

South Australia scored four runs in the bottom of the penultimate inning. They entered the inning down 6-5 but left leading 9-6. Sienna Thiele singled in a run, before Sakura Collins knocked in two with her base knock. Bethany Lee drove in the last run of the inning.

SA had a 2-0 lead before Western Australia scored five runs on three hits in the third. The biggest blow in the inning was an Isabella Clarke RBI.

South Australia quickly responded with three runs, but WA snatched the lead again in the top of the fourth.

South Australia tallied ten hits in the win from nine different players. Sienna Thiele led the charge with two RBIs. They used five pitchers in the win, and got two clutch shutout 1-2-3 innings from Indie O’Hazy Zschorn and Hannah Nuske.

Western Australia was led by two hits by Madison White and Mia Watt.

Both teams wil lfight for a medal on Saturday.

AWC – NSW 20 def QUEENSLAND MAROON 9

It was an early storm of runs which powered New South Wales to a big win and second place in the group.

The women in blue built up a 9-0 lead after the third inning.

Emeralds stars Claire O’Sullivan & Ticara Geldenhuis led the charge with the bats. O’Sullivan had four hits and five RBI to continue her impressive tournament. Geldenuis went 3-for-4 with four RBI.

In total, New South Wales tallied 17 hits and 12 walks in a baserunning barrage. Isobel Lambert and Ticara Geldenhuis combined to pitch four innings of scoreless ball.

Down 16-0, Queensland Maroon made a move. They scored two in the fifth and seven in the sixth to leave the final score at 20-9.

Hannah Marshall continued her impressive tournament with the bat, going 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.

Both these teams will play tomorrow in the #2 vs #3 game.

TOURNAMENT LEADERS – AFTER ROUND ROBIN

Australian Youth Women’s Championships

RBI 
Sienna Thiele (SA) – 7
Ryleigh Delacour-Batch (NSW) – 5
Shenaye Lett (WA) – 5
Alice Brown (SA) – 4
Bree Ridding (SA) – 4

HITS
Shenaye Lett (WA) – 5
Madison White (WA) – 4
Alice Brown (SA) – 4
Chelsea Nunn (VIC) – 4
Charlotte Stokes (QLD) – 4

DOUBLES
Miriam Arafaki (NSW) – 3
Shenaye Lett (WA) – 3

STRIKEOUTS (PITCH)
Bella Nolan (QLD) – 9
Charlotte Stokes (QLD) – 8
Alice Brown (SA) – 7
Aaliyah Te Ahuru-Kostic (NSW) – 5

BATTING AVERAGE AGAINST*
Bella Nolan (QLD) – 0.059
Charlotte Stokes (QLD) – 0.067
Alice Brown (SA) – 0.154
Bree Zavec (NSW) – 0.188

Australian Women’s Championships

The final four have been decided with a day to play! But how did we get here? Read on.

Leaders, standings and tournament scenarios at the bottom of the story.

Watch the tournament game replays on Baseball+.

Don’t forget, tomorrow is NO MORE Day. Here’s how it will unfold.

SCHEDULE: 2024-AWC-YWC-Schedules-Combined-LR06.pdf (baseball.com.au)

Two days of group stage done at the Australian Youth Women’s Championships, one day to go. Things tightened up at the top. It’s going down to the wire.

The top three sides after Day 3 (end of group stage) advance to the second round,  where records re-set and the qualifiers each play each other once for a spot in the Grand Final.

If you do not finish in the Top 3, you cannot win gold. If you finish Top 3, you are guaranteed a medal.

Scroll down for recaps. At the bottom of the page you’ll find standings, tiebreaking information, and tournament leaders.

Don’t forget, it’s NO MORE Day tomorrow. Check out all the info here.

SCHEDULE: 2024-AWC-YWC-Schedules-Combined-LR06.pdf (baseball.com.au)

BIG PERFORMERS OF THE DAY

-Bella Nolan (QLD, Game 1): 3.0IP, 6 strikeouts
– Regan O’Rielly (SA): 3.0IP, 0ER, 2SO
– Charlotte Stokes (QLD, Game 2) 3-3 AB, 2 RBI and 2.1 IP, 3 SO
– Miriam Arifaki (NSW) – 2-for-3, 2RBI and 3.0IP, 1H, 0ER
– Aaliyah Te Ahuru-Kostic (NSW) – 3.0IP, 5SO
– Kara Cassidy (NSW) – 2 hits, 3RBI

QLD 2 def SA 1

The defending champions Queensland scored an early win in tense fashion over an SA team who rolled to two wins yesterday by a combined margin of 27-1.

Three Queensland pitchers combined to allow just one hit in a brilliant defensive and pitching performance.

South Australia struck first. In their only hit of the game, Bree Ridding hit a strong single to bring Isabella Hacker home to make it 1-0 early.

Queensland responded in the second with a tying run after Holly Moellers made the most of her chance to get on base after being hit by a pitch. Moellers stole third and then ran hard to get home off a single to Natalie Murphy.

Hannah Elliot entered the game as a relief pitcher for Claire Gattera who tossed 1.2 innings of one hit ball. Elliot herself threw 2.1 innings of hitless work while striking out four.

The game was tight from here, with no team able to make any advances with the bat.

Some great pitching from Bella Nolan (below) was vital for QLD, she had six strikeouts for her perfect three innings of play. Her arm kept the SA bats quiet who had scored 27 runs in the past two games.

The game-breaking moment game in the bottom of the fifth. Natalie Murphy scored the go ahead run. To her credit, she reached first on a walk and went on to steal 2nd and 3rd before scoring on a wild pitch.

For SA, they were unable to get the lead back with QLD getting their first victory of the tournament.

Big Performers-

Bella Nolan (QLD): 3.0IP, 6 strikeouts
Regan O’Rielly (SA): 3.0IP, 0ER, 2SO

QLD 8 def VIC 1

Playing the double header today, Queensland were running hot after their epic win over SA in game one.

A big performance from Charlotte Stokes – both with bat and ball – helped propel Queensland to a win.

Continuing the momentum from that win, Queensland hit the front in the first with Lila Hall scoring on a wild pitch after hitting a single and stealing the next two bases.

A single to Ashley Ruzicka, followed by a double to Charlotte Stokes had QLD with another run in the second.

Kendra Rutgers brought in a run for Vic and had the game looking like it was going to be even.

Saya Turnley came into pitch for VIC in the third and went three up, three out.

Charlotte Stokes would do the same for QLD, keeping hold of their 1 run lead.

An all-important run for QLD came in the fourth thanks to a sacrifice fly from Ashley Ruzicka, at this point in the game any run was rare.

Another strong inning pitching from Charlotte Stokes kept QLD ahead, before they ripped the game open in the fifth.

QLD took their chances in the 5th and Sally Knetchli, who initially got on base from a walk, stole home to get the first QLD run of the inning.

Singles to Bella Nolan and Ruby Preston plus a double to Charlotte Stokes would bring in 5 runs for QLD and take a 7 run win.

Big Performers- 

Charlotte Stokes (QLD) 3-3 AB, 2 RBI and 2.1 IP, 3 SO

New South Wales 13 def Western Australia 0

New South Wales kept their gold medal hopes alive with a massive win over WA.

After an 0-2 start on the first day of the tournament, scored 13 runs off eleven hits in a commanding effort.

Mariam Arifaki and Aaliyah Te Ahuru-Kostic combined to pitch six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just three hits combined for NSW. Ahuru-Kostic dazzled with four strike outs.

New South Wales piled on runs early and often – four in the first, two in the second, and four in the third, to build up a quick 10-0 advantage.

Arifaki, Kara Cassidy, Ivy White and Breearna Zavec each collected two hits for New South Wales.

Isabella Clarke went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Western Australia in hits.

BIG PERFORMERS

– Miriam Arifaki (NSW) – 2-for-3, 2RBI and 3.0IP, 1H, 0ER
– Aaliyah Te Ahuru-Kostic (NSW) – 3.0IP, 5SO
– Kara Cassidy (NSW) – 2 hits, 3RBI

STANDINGS, SCHEDULE AND SCENARIOS

With one day to play, here’s how the standings shake out.

The Top 3 teams advance to the Gold Medal Round. There is a chance at some tiebreakers, so here are the first things we look for:

1. Head-to-head
2. If there is a tie between three or more teams, the first tie-breaker is runs allowed in games played between the teams in tiebreaker. Once a leader is separated, you back to head-to-head.

For reference, here are all AYWC scores

1. SA 14 def NSW 0
2. SA 13 def VIC 1
3. WA 15 def VIC 4
4. WA 7 def QLD 3
5. QLD 2 def SA 1
6. QLD 8 def VIC 1
7. NSW 13 def WA 0

Happy math-ing 😉

Tournament Leaders

Hits
Shenaye Lett (WA) – 4
Bree Ridding (SA) – 4
Multiple tied at – 3

RBI
Sienna Thiele (SA) – 5
Alice Brown (SA) – 4
Shenaye Lett (WA) – 4
Bree Ridding (SA) – 4
Multiple tied at – 3

STRIKE OUTS (PITCHING)
Maxine Saunders (SA) – 9
Emma Rendell (WA) – 7
Bella Nolan (QLD) – 6
Alice Brown (SA) – 6
Charlotte Stokes (QLD) – 6

BATTERS AVERAGE AGAINST*
Bella Nolan (QLD) – 0.000
Maxine Saunders (SA) – 0.071
Charlotte Stokes (QLD) – 0.077
Emma Rendell (WA) – 0.100
Miriam Arifaki (NSW) – 0.111

*To qualify, a player must have an average of one inning pitched or more per game.

The standings are starting to take shape after two days of the Australian Women’s Baseball Championships.

Only two days to go in the first round. Tune in tomorrow on Baseball+.

Queensland Maroon make their mark early with a huge statement to the competition on Day 2. Catch up on all the action below!

Scroll down for today’s standings, tournament stats leaders and tomorrow’s schedule.

OTHER STORIES

– Day 1 AYWC Recaps: U16 Women’s Day 1 Recaps, Results and Performers: Last year’s bottom sits on top 

– Watch the tournament on Baseball+: www.plus.baseball.com.au.

– Master Schedule

QLD Maroon 26 def QLD White 6

by Kristin Sims

Queensland White (Development) gave an early scare to the top Queensland side, but Maroon pulled away for a huge win.

Picking up where she left off yesterday, Queensland Maroon rookie Molly Paddison kicked off the game against her state brethren with a single for her first at bat of the day.

Hitting well, QLD Maroon came out with one run lead early before QLD White evened it up thanks to a single and quick base stealing from Paris Bastow. They eventually took the lead thanks to an Emma Reid single. 

But Molly “The Business” Paddison struck again in the second, with her third double of the tournament to give Queensland Maroon the lead back.

QLD White clawed back the lead after Grace White hit a double that played two. Suddenly, the development squad had a two run lead after two innings… 

It was the third inning where QLD Maroon changed the entire game. Smart batting came into play and QLD Maroon took the lead scoring from walks. A wild pitch and a series of errors saw QLD Maroon score three runs before the damaging Paddison was intentionally walked.

Paddison then took advantage of the walk, by stealing a base and then scoring on another wild pitch to give QLD Maroon a 5-run lead. 

From this point in the game, QLD Maroon kept control of the game. Limiting any further scoring for QLD White, whilst adding 15 more runs to their total in the remaining two innings.

Queensland Maroon totaled 13 hits and 20 walks in the eventual dominating win.

Grace White was a standout with the bat for QLD White hitting 2 from 2 in her return to representative baseball after a three-year break from the game.

Big Performers- 

– Molly Paddison (QLD M) – 2-for-3, 3RBI, 2BB, 2SB
– Shiori Hoshino (QLD M) – 6 runs, 3RBI, 2BB
– Grace White (QLD W) – 2-for-2

Queensland Maroon 7 def Western Australia 1

by Kristin Sims

Queensland Maroon are 3-0 to start the tournament. They made a statement by defeating last year’s tournament winner’s Western Australia by six runs. 

Western Australia took an early lead from a fielding error to QLD, which saw Emeralds star Caitlin Eynon head home after a hit from fellow national team member Meaghan Haggart. 

Continuing her hot streak with the bat, Molly Paddison hit a single in her first at bat of the game, but runners were left stranded with some strong fielding from WA. 

The next few innings were an arm wrestle between the two teams, with both defences holding on strong and making plays to support their pitchers.

Ava Tyson threw three innings for WA and despite three hits against, only gave up the one run. On the other side for Queensland, Shiori Hoshino registered seven hits allowed for her six innings but support from the fielders also kept her to one run given up. 

In the fifth inning the whole game flipped on its head and QLD lit up the bats.

Again it all started with Molly Paddison, adding another single to her tally and starting the rain of runs for QLD. Tamika Zamora then brought Molly Paddison home with a big double, before some wild pitches assisted QLD to build a five run lead. 

Shiori Hoshino continued the pitching in the sixth innings for QLD and showed her experience registering two strikeouts to keep WA from mounting a comeback with runners on second and third base. 

Molly Paddison and Tamika Zamora combined again in the sixth to get the seventh run for QLD, before an excellent play from WA catcher Chloe Atkinson ended the innings after she caught Ashley Van Staden stealing. 

The six run win to QLD has them currently sitting at 3-0 on day two of the competition, all eyes are now on them as a hot favourite. 

Big Performers- 

Molly Paddison (QLD) – 3-for-4, 2 runs

Tamika Zamora (QLD) – 2-for-3, 2RBI, 2B

Shiori Hoshino (QLD) – 6.0IP, 4SO, 0ER

Caitlin Eynon (WA) – 2-for-3, 1R

VIC 19 def WA 3

by Kristin Sims

Victoria joined QLD Maroon at the top of the table with a 3-0 record, posting a huge score to continue making a statement. 

Both teams pitchers started off well, until Victoria capitalised on the walks and wild pitches of WA. They scored four runs in the second inning, assisted by a double to Lili Cavanagh.

WA clawed back two runs during their batting, with Saeko Suzuki on the mound for Victoria for the first time in the comp. 

Victoria put their foot down in the third with a seven run inning. Big doubles to Abbey Kelly and Belinda Cannington helped to bring in three runs. Singles and smart base running helped bring the rest in and ended the inning with a 9-run lead. 

Jasmine Bentley took to the mound for the first time in the tournament and did her job as relief pitcher. On the mound for two innings, Bentley struck out four and allowed no hits which stopped any comeback that WA was trying to mount. 

The experience of the Victorian team was on full display for this game, batting with calmness they had nine walks for the game that were an important to building their scoring tally.

Victoria attacked with 14 hits in the game. Allie Bebbere (2), Abbey Kelly (2) and Lily Simpson (2) joined Cavanagh as the multiple hit performers.

Big Performers- 

Lili Cavanagh (VIC): 4-for-4, 4RBI, 1R

Jasmine Bentley (VIC) : 1 IP, 4 strikeouts 

NSW 12 def South Australia 0

From start to finish, New South Wales were dominant in a complete 12-0 victory to improve their record to 2-1.

Eight players combined for 15 hits, while Claire O’Sullivan and Tiana Lascala combined for six innings of shutout ball from the hill.

NSW got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Lisa Nakashio and Isobel Lambert collected their first hits of the day.

They expanded on a 3-0 lead by scoring four in the second.

In the third, NSW played five runs off six hits. Ticara Geldenhuis had a 2RBI single, Claire O’Sullivan tripled, and Isobel Lambert collected another one of her three hits on the day.

South Australia collected just three hits in the loss.

Big Performers:
– Claire O’Sullivan: 2-for-3, 2RBI, 3.0IP with 0ER
– Isobel Lambert: 3-for-4, 3RBI
– Ticara Geldenhuis: 2-for-3, 2RBI

TOURNAMENT LEADERS

Hits
1. Molly Paddison (QLDM) – 7
2. Claire O’Sullivan (NSW) – 6
3. Lili Cavanagh (VIC) – 5
3. Isobel Lambert (NSW) – 5
3. Tamika Zamora (NSW) – 5

RBI
1. Abbey Kelley (VIC) – 8
2. Kira Jansen (VIC) – 7
3. Lili Cavanagh (VIC) – 6
3. Claire O’Sullivan (NSW) – 6
3. Tamika Zamora (QLD) – 6

BB
1. Lisa Nakashio (NSW) – 4
2. Shiori Hoshino (QLD) – 4
3. Six tied at – 3

SB
1. Molly Paddison (QLDM) – 4
1. Abbey Kelly (VIC) – 4
1. Lili Cavangh (VIC) – 4
4. Lisa Nakashio (NSW) – 3
4. Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW) – 3
4. Erin Partridge (NSW) – 3

Strikeouts (Pitching)
1. Shiori Hoshino (QLDM) – 4
1. Allie Bebbere (VIC) – 4
3. Claire O’Sullivan (NSW) – 3
3. Tiana Lascala (NSW) – 3

Batters Average Against*
1. Jess Johnson (VIC) – .100
2. Claire O’Sullivan (NSW) – .100
3. Saeko Suzuki (VIC) – .111
4. Mackenzie Jackson (NSW) – .118

recaps by Kristin Sims

Oh, how the turn tables. Quite literally.

South Australia and Western Australia – last year’s fourth and fifth place finishers – each scored two wins on the opening day of the Australian Youth Women’s Championships.

The three medalists last year – Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales – went a combined 0-5.
Scroll down for some recaps, standings and standouts from Day 1 of the AYWC. You can watch the replays on Baseball+ with commentary from Emeralds legends Amy McCann, Gen Beacom and Amy Cannington.

BIG PERFORMERS OF THE DAY

– Alice Brown (SA, Game 1): 3.0 IP, 6SO, 0ER
– Dakota Ding (SA, Game 1): 1.2IP, 6SO, 0ER
– Sienna Thiele (SA, Game 1): 4RBI
– Kendra Rutgers great defense on 1st base (VIC)
– Maxine Saunders (SA, Game 1) 9 strikeouts
– Shenaye Lett (WA, Game 1) : 3 doubles and a Triple with the bat
– Isabella Clarke (WA, Game 1): 6 strikeouts in 3 innings
– Chelsea Nunn (VIC, Game 1): 2-for-2
– Emma Rendell (WA, Game 2) :3.0 pitched,7 Strikeouts,1 hit
– Charlotte Stokes (QLD, Game 1) : 2.0 pitched,4 strikeouts,0 hits

OTHER STORIES
– Day 2 Recap: Australian Women’s Championships
– MASTER SCHEDULE

SA 14 def NSW 0

South Australia made a big statement in the first game of the tournament, with a complete team performance that restricted NSW from scoring. 

Playing in her first state team, pitcher Alice Brown made herself known on the mound and with the bat. With the bat Brown was 3-for-4, including two doubles and 3 RBI’s. On the mound she pitched for three innings, giving up just one hit with six strikeouts.

SA wasted no time getting runs on the board adding three in the first innings kicked off by a ground ball to Isabella Hacker, followed by a single to Bethany Lee and finished off with Alice Brown’s first double of the day. 

Heading into pitch for the first time SA wasted no time in getting their three outs, allowing just one hit a single from Quincy Hindmarsh and striking out two. 

The game evened out across the next two innings, with NSW slowing down SA’s scoring until SA broke the game apart in the 4th adding six runs to their tally.

With two runs coming in, as a result of walks it was Alice Brown who doubled again to bring in a further two and extend SA’s lead to 9-0. A hit from Sienna Thiele then brought in another two runs, as SA ended the innings with an 11-0 lead. 

A pitching change from SA saw Dakota Ding take to the mound and dominate in her 1.2 innings pitched. Backing up Alice Brown, Ding recorded one hit and six strikeouts to keep NSW scoreless for the entire game. 

With such a well rounded performance, SA are looking like the team to chase early on. 

SA 13 def VIC 1

Not even the heavens could stop SA’s winning ways, playing aggressively all across the ground and fending off a mid-game rally (and some rain) from Victoria coming out eventual big winners.

Pitching again set up SA for a strong game, with Maxine Saunders stepping on the mound for 3.2 innings and registering a huge 9 strikeouts.

Ending the game with Sienna Thiele on the mound, the two pitchers combined for just three hits across the game in the tricky conditions. 

With the bats SA recorded 9 hits with Bree Ridding, Pria Bholonat, Dakota Ding and Kelsey Goldspink all driving in multiple runs.

It wasn’t just the hits that got SA on the board, watching the ball well they stole 14 bases to assist with their hits. 

Despite the margin Victoria drove in a run and threatened in the third inning loading the bases before the SA fielders backed up their pitcher, by stopping the onslaught. 

The weather took hold in the fourth inning and with the ball in hand Victoria struggled with the conditions. Letting a few pitches get away the SA batters ran the bases hard and added 9 runs to their tally and took a commanding lead into the fifth. 

Three quick outs to Victoria and SA were back in the batters box at the bottom of the fifth and continued with their polished play. Showing discipline they batted well despite the driving rain to add a further three runs to their total and seal back-to-back victories. 

It’s not all bad news for Victoria though with Kendra Rutgers shutting down first base, and taking an incredible overhead catch. She is definitely one to keep an eye on throughout the tournament. 

Big Performers
– Kendra Rutgers huge on 1st base (VIC)
– Maxine Saunders (SA) 9 strikeouts

BOX SCORE

WA 15 def Vic 4

After having some time to dry off after the rain, Victoria was back out on the diamond to take on WA as part of their double header.

WA did everything right in their convincing win over Victoria, they hit the ball hard and knocked up knocking up ten hits as a team.

They also ran the bases hard, stealing 14 bases over the game but backed up their offensive efforts with dominant pitching despite the drizzly conditions.

After her impressive display on first base in the previous game, Kendra Rutgers started on the mound for Victoria. But wild pitches and errors went against her though and despite keeping her head high and striking out four, her two innings also resulted in an early six nil lead for WA. 

Sophie Bird took to the mound for Victoria in the third, representing her state for the first time in this tournament. There’s no doubt she had a few nerves, but she threw well to end her first innings with 2 strikeouts and allowing one run. 

In the fourth innings WA took over the game, adding five runs to the board off doubles from Shenaye Lett and Madison White that both brought in multiple runs.

Lett had four hits – all of them from extra bases.

Jemma Golding also pitched for WA in the fourth, where she walked one and struck out the next three batters in an impressive display.

Showing plenty of determination Victoria put three runs on the board in their final at bat, to end the game on a positive note and walk away with some confidence. Chelsea Nunn was the best with the bat for Victoria, going 2 from 2 with an RBI.

Big Performers- 

Shenaye Lett (WA) : 3 doubles and a Triple with the bat 

Isabella Clarke (WA): 6 strikeouts in 3 innings 

Chelsea Nunn (VIC): 2 from 2 

WA 7 def QLD 3

Western Australia started slow and  finished fast in a comeback victory over Queensland to finish the day undefeated.

Taking the lead early in the game, QLD were looking like they were going to run away with the game. Charlotte Stokes was impressive on the mound, striking out four batters across her two innings and was backed up by some incredible work from Lila Hall behind the plate, who made an incredible throw to third base to get Lily Duckworth out on a steal attempt and end the second inning.

It was the bottom of the third where things started to unravel for QLD.

With two outs, no runners on, and no hits yet in the game, Western Australia started to charge.

Two walks, and a single to Jemma Golding scored their first run.

With two outs on the board WA held strong and with some really smart batting, put the ball in the fielding holes of QLD and put 5 runs on the board to take a 2-run lead over QLD heading into the fourth inning with time now becoming a factor in the game.

Trying to hold on to a lead, Emma Rendell came in to pitch for WA and was cool and calm with the ball in hand, registering three quick outs and preventing any scores for QLD in the fourth.

Back with the bat in hand, WA had three hits and added another two runs to the tally to hold on to a 4-run lead heading into the fifth inning.

The game was played in great spirit and both teams can head into day 2 with plenty of confidence.

Big Performers

Emma Rendell (WA) :3.0 pitched,7 Strikeouts,1 hit

Charlotte Stokes (QLD) : 2.0 pitched,4 strikeouts,0 hits

Hot off the back of a successful preseason training camp by the Hanwha Eagles and two games between Team Australia and the Hanwha Eagles at Melbourne Ballpark, the Melbourne Aces, in partnership with the Victorian Government and Baseball Australia, are hosting the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships and Australian Youth Women’s Championships at Melbourne Ballpark from 2- 8 April 2024.

EVENT HUB: Follow the 2024 Championships

Baseball is currently going through a renaissance in Melbourne with record season crowds at the Melbourne Aces home series and nearly 4,000 people attending the 2 games between Team Australia and the Hanwha Eagles.  This will be the second consecutive year the Women’s Championship’s will be held in Melbourne.

The Melbourne Aces acknowledge that events such as this would not be possible without the support of valued partners.

For over 30 years Melbourne Ballpark has been the home of Baseball in Victoria. Proudly built as an addition to the prestigious state sporting facilities infrastructure, the Victorian Government continues to ensure the sport of Baseball has a facility capable of hosting significant events.

The LED lighting upgrade at Melbourne Ballpark was delivered through a partnership with the Victorian Government. In addition, support through the Significant Sporting Events Program, helped provide the opportunity to see Team Australia take on the Hanwha Eagles on home soil, for the first time since 2017.

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said he’s excited to welcome the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships and Australian Youth Women’s Championships to Melbourne Ballpark next month.

“The Championships is another huge win for Melbourne Ballpark and baseball fans across Victoria, this is elite baseball in our own backyard.

“Spectators from across Victoria and interstate can enjoy the Championships at the upgraded Melbourne Ballpark, showcasing the venue’s latest facilities and everything Melbourne has to offer while you’re here.”

CEO of Baseball Australia, Glenn Williams is excited the championships will be played at one of Australia’s premier baseball facilities.

“Hosting the events at Melbourne Ballpark, with the support of the Victorian government, will make for an amazing experience for the players, staff and the fans. We’re thrilled with the support shown for this event”.

After successful championships in 2023 Melbourne Aces General Manager, Justin Huber, is very happy to be hosting these events again in 2024.

“These are such fun championships to host.  The passion of the players is just contagious. You can hear it their voices in the hallways, in the dugouts, on the practice fields and you can see their passion on the field too, played out against the best players in the country each day.  We’ve been looking forward to this event for months and we can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and make this event the biggest and best yet”.

Both the Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships are free for spectators to attend. The Melbourne Aces will also be conducting a series of community outreach opportunities during the tournament including a ballpark Easter egg hunt, school holiday activities, competitions, giveaways and more.

Don’t miss out on this great celebration of baseball and a chance to give the kids something fun to do this school holidays.  Stay tuned to the Melbourne Aces website and social media channels for more information.

Day 1 is in the books. What the quick dirt about what happened? Read on!

You can watch all the action on Baseball+ or follow on GameChanger (search AWC 2024).