THE Mount Gambier Softball League will be represented in A Grade at the 2018 South Australian Senior Championships this weekend at West Beach after a five year hiatus.
The team is combined with the Adelaide competition due to the inclusion of former SA Open women’s pitcher Jade Peterson, who currently leads the Adelaide A Grade competition in strike outs already amassing 120 for the season.
Mount Gambier’s contingent will see players from all clubs representing the local league, with a mixture of youth, experience and skill sets.
Bruce Morale is chief umpire of the team, bringing with him his baseball experience and humour.
An enjoyable experience will also be high on the agenda for team managers Erin Chaplin and Dylan Walker.
The late inclusion of Mount Gambier softball league scorer Pam Weselowski will provide additional statistical expertise.
The team will benefit from the enthusiasm, versatility and youth of the sister duo Montana and Mackenzie Millard, along with the consistency and level head of Raquel Sneath who has had a sound season to date.
Em Hart brings her leg speed and strong arm to the team, as does Bella Morale, in addition to her willingness to play both infield and outfield positions.
Mount Gambier league newcomer Anna Livingston has led the competition from the front with consistent hitting from the left handed side of the plate.
Her pitching will be instrumental in combating opposition teams from around the state.
Quiet achiever Chelsea Fowler brings maturity to the team which complements her hitting strength.
The league’s 2017 batting average and runs batted in award winner Cody Manning will also be among the representatives, with her long ball hitting undoubtedly being imperative to the team’s success.
Sarah Nieuwenhuizen’s return from injury has been successful and she has embraced the opportunity to fill the second base position, but unfortunately Steph John has been ruled out due to a leg injury.
Old school campaigners Nic Vause and playing coach Leyna Bruggemann will be relishing the return to Adelaide and both intend to lead the team from the front with discipline, sportsmanship and tactical decision making.
Bruggemann in particular is excited to be re-teamed with Peterson having enjoyed over 10 years in the Adelaide A Grade competition as a pitcher-catcher combination.
All involved will brave some forecasted hot weather in Adelaide, with the opportunity to also watch the Australian Open women’s softball team Aussie Spirit play against Japan’s Denso the icing on the cake for the trip.
The Adelaide Bite baseball team will also be playing and all those from Mount Gambier will hop to get a glimpse of local gun Dylan Ridding.
