News

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?

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

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?

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

On Friday 5 April at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships, all teams rallied together to make a stand against domestic and family violence.
Presented by NO MORE, players linked arms together to show a united front before each game while sporting orange playing socks.

Players also had the opportunity to write messages of supports on placards.

A player from each team was awarded with the NO MORE Spirit of the Game Award to a player who embodies fair play, teamwork, community, and respect on and off the field – setting a positive example for all.

For more information and to learn how you can support visit www.nomore.org.au.

Congratulations to all our winners.

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Western Australia – Ava Tyson
South Australia – Bianca Ramsey
Victoria – Kira Kuwamoto
New South Wales – Sayaka Mori
Queensland White – Mackenzie Rogers
Queensland Maroon – Kate Deegan

Scorer – Mel Hargraves
Umpire – Paul Carthy

AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

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

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 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

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.

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

The best young female baseball players in Australia will be in Melbourne from April 3-7 for the Australian Youth Women’s Championships.

It’s a tournament which features top U16 talent from five states – Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

No More and the best Australian women’s baseball players in the country have once again linked up to say NO MORE to domestic and family violence.

NO MORE day returns to the upcoming Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships, where players will proudly wear NO MORE socks and link up before the game to make a stance against domestic and family violence.
In addition, a ‘Spirit of the Game’ Award will be presented to one player from each team who embodies fair play, teamwork, community, and respect on and off the field – setting a positive example for all.

NO MORE Day will proudly be on Friday 5 April of the event, with players linking up before each game.

Since 2014, Baseball Australia has been a proud supporter of NO MORE.

Here are the official proceedings:
– Orange Socks for the players and coaches, who will sport them throughout the day
– Linking of arms before each game
– Spectators encouraged to wear orange
– Spirit of the Award winners announced at closing ceremonies

For more information or to support NO MORE’s work, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOMORE.org.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore.org.au/

Web: No More | Link up and say ‘No More’ to family violence

#NOMORE #NOMOREFamilyViolence #LinkUp #BreakTheCycle #ZeroTolerance #BaseballAustralia #WomenChampionships #YouthChampionships

The Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) and Women’s Youth Championships (AYWC) is right around the corner.

From April 2-8 in Melbourne, states across the country will fight for baseball supremacy and a national title.

Both the Senior Women’s (open age) and the Women’s Youth Championships (U16) will take place in one exciting week in Melbourne.

Here’s what you need to know.

PREVIEWS / RECAPS

MEDAL ROUND DAY 1: Click here to follow the action

DAY 3: Medal Rounds Set after great final day of pool play

DAY 2 YOUTH WOMEN’S RECAP – DAY 2 YOUTH WOMEN’S RECAPS AND PERFORMERS: Standings tighten up at the U16 event | Baseball.com.au

DAY 2 WOMEN’S RECAP – DAY 2 WOMEN’S RECAPS, STATS & LEADERS: Victoria and Queensland remain undefeated while NSW start their charge | Baseball.com.au

DAY 1 YOUTH WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS – U16 Women’s Day 1 Recaps, Results and Performers: Last year’s bottom sits on top | Baseball.com.au

DAY 1 WOMEN’S RECAP – 2024 Australian Women’s Championships Day 1 Recaps – Youth shines through on big day one | Baseball.com.au
—

2024 Australian Women’s Championship Preview and Team Guides: New Generation ready to shine in national spotlight | Baseball.com.au

—

2024 Australian Youth Women’s Championship Preview and Team Guides: Best young female players fight for National glory 

Schedule

Click the links below to download the schedule for your tournament:

• 2024 AWC and AYWC Schedules – Combined

Visit our event hubs for up-to-date information.

Please stay tuned to Baseball.com.au website and social media handles for any changes in the schedule, likely due to weather.

Please note this schedule is subject to alterations before the event.

Broadcast, Scoring and Coverage

Interested in helping out? Read on!

Broadcast:

There will be 3-4 broadcasts per day on Baseball+. The broadcast schedule can be seen in the links above.

Baseball+ is now an app that can be downloaded on your smartphone. For links to download, please click here.

All other games will feature a single camera through GameChanger.

There will be an Australian-based commentary team for all Baseball+ broadcasts. If you are interested in joining the broadcast, we are accepting expressions of interest.

Occasional highlights will be posted throughout the tournament, too.

Scoring:

All games will be scored through GameChanger. It will be free for all to access.

Note: For full functionality of GameChanger, you will need at least a “plus” account. You can register for a free trial with a new email address which last seven days – the length of the tournament.

All other games will be streamed and livescored on GameChanger. You can follow at the following links, or by searching AWC 2024 in GameChanger (not Game Changer Classic).

AWC: https://web.gc.com/organizations/o7FR6b0kuXWB

AYWC: https://web.gc.com/organizations/TErCdUHHIQrl

Coverage:

We will post daily recaps, photos and stat updates on Baseball.com.au as the tournament progresses. Please follow Baseball.com.au on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Trent Schwarz Photography will return from a great job at the Australian Youth Championships behind the camera to capture all those intense moments during the games – both via photo and reels!

Baseball.com.au is seeking expressions of interest for those who wish to help out with media coverage, broadcast commentary, or operations of the event. Please email Eric at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au if this is an opportunity that interests you.

Merchandise: 

Order official merchandise from the 2024 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships from the links below.

Cut off date is April 11.

Women’s Championships: https://belgraviaapparelshop.com/collections/baseball-australia-women-championships

Youth Women’s Championships: https://belgraviaapparelshop.com/collections/baseball-australia-youth-womens-championships

Format

Open Women’s

This is a seven-day tournament. There are six teams: Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland 1 & Queensland 2

GROUP STAGE: On Days 1-4 (April 2-5), teams will compete in a group stage. They will each play each other once, amounting in five games.

DOUBLE ELIMINATION ROUND: On Days 5-6, the Double Elimination Round will begin (April 6-7). The top four teams will advance and have a double-chance to reach the gold medal game.

MEDAL DAY: The Gold and Bronze Medal Games will be played on Monday 8 January.

Western Australia are the defending champions.

Youth Championships

This is a five-day tournament. The teams are: Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

ROUND ROBIN / ROUND ONE: In Round 1, from April 3-5, teams will play each other once, amounting in four games.

ROUND TWO: The top three teams will advance to Round 2, to be played on April 6. The records reset and each team plays each other once.

The Top 2 teams will advance to the April 7th Gold Medal Game.

Rosters

Follow each state association for their roster updates of the event. Some states have already named their teams.

Western Australia – | Open Women’s Team | Youth Team |

South Australia – | Open Women’s Team | Youth Team |

Victoria – | Open Women’s Team | Youth Team |

New South Wales: | Open Women’s Team | Youth Team |

Queensland: Yet to be announced on website. Queensland will submit two teams in the senior competition.