After an amazing regular season and victorious home semi finals both of our teams (Division 1 & 2) had earnt the right to play off for the championship. After watching Division 2 hold of a determined and fast finishing Adelaide Angels we got our (somewhat delayed) chance to match up against the undefeated might of Sturt.
A fantastic battle where Sturt managed to settle into the game a little faster than we did and their starting pitcher kept us off balanced enough to dance out of trouble and get through her innings unscathed.
Despite strong efforts from Bianca Smith and Alice Prokopec who pitched fantastically and kept finding the key strikeout when needed – we trailed 5-0 when we got into Sturts bullpen. We immediately rallied – scoring 3 to put the pressure back on the minor premiers. Unfortunately however we ran out of time to finish the comeback and despite our best efforts Sturt ran out deserved winners and Premiers. Congratulations to you all.
An absolutely wonderful season with both teams performing at a fantastic standard and proving our club to be the envious model of the league with both teams in our program reaching the big dance. Massive congratulations to our legends in Division 2 for coming away with the chocolates.
To our Division 1 ladies – thank you and well done. I am in awe at your enthusiasm and commitment to our club and this league, we had some fantastic individual and team achievements this year but the way you all rallied together, battled every week and prioritised the team over individual achievement, plans, holidays and bridesmaid duties to name just a few was greatly appreciated.
I hope to see you all again next season and hope you had as much fun playing and learning the game of baseball with me as much I did with you all.
Thanks to Kelly Qualmann & Jacksoon Goody for your fantastic efforts coaching all year – truly an honouring standing side by side with you all, and to Bev & Peter McGearey thank you for the selfless task of scoring our performances.
Your Division 1 Squad (includes all players who played/suited up for Division 1 this season):
Alex Meldrum, Alice Prokopec, Bianca Smith, Brianna Dillon, Dana Aldwin, Emily Parker, Erin Harris, Fiona Crabb, Jacqui Dunn, Jenna Handy, Jenny Dunn, Jo-Anna Kenney, Jojo Papadothomakos, Sarah McMahon, Sarah Wright.
Thanks
Bender
Glenelg outlasted a spirited Adelaide outfit as the first ever Division Two title went to the Tigers in a hard-fought game, 11-10.In a high-quality affair that showcased the increased depth of talent in the league, the Angels struck first with the opening two runs before a Glenelg fightback saw a momentum swing head their way.
Glenelg’s lead-off hitter, Kassy Rose, was all-class with a hit, two walks and three stolen bases, while she scored every time she was on-base.
As the tone-setter for the Tigers her teammates found confidence as the game wore on; Cariad Edwards brought home two runs, Em Parker scored twice off a single and HBP, and late sub Sarah Wright chimed in with a handy RBI single in the closing stages.
For Adelaide, who led 2-0 before falling behind 6-2, Nikki Taylor and Grace Grant paved the way with a pair of hits each although their early honours belonged to pitcher Sophie Fuchs.
She scored twice, and had a hit, but with four strikeouts – including one to deny the Tigers a score in the first inning, with a runner at third – Fuchs was composed right from the start.
Backed by a solid defence the Angels were always a threat, Glenelg’s early turnaround was just too much to overcome.
Their final-inning rally provided plenty of hope, however, Adelaide bouncing back from 11-6 down.
Hits to Bridgette Dunn, Grant and Linda Sparrow helped close the gap to one run and ultimately it was a strikeout with bases loaded and a 3-2 count which secured the title for Glenelg.
Em Parker was the hero with game defining moment, and her relief stint followed on from Alex Meldrum’s clinical six strikeout start.
The win is Glenelg’s first ever title in the SAWBL.
**NOTE** - Report is from Baseball SA website