Auckland win New Zealand Men's & Women's National Softball Championships

With many national team players involved in the tournament, Auckland claimed this past weekend the men's and women's National Fastpitch Championship titles in New Zealand. The National Fastpitch Championships were hosted at Rosedale Park by the North Harbour Softball Association, between 15-18 February.

In the men's event, Auckland defeated Canterbury, 6-0, highlighted by a three-run homer from Ben Enoka in the bottom of the first, to give his team a 3-0 lead. North Harbour Pango ended third and completed the podium.

Auckland's pitcher Nik Hayes was named the MVP of the tournament, and also received the best pitcher of the tournament award. The top hitter was Reilly Makea, from Wellington.

Men's tournament final standings

1. Auckland
2. Canterbury
3. North Harbour Pango
4. Wellington
5. Auckland Ma
6. Hutt Valley
7. North Harbour Kokowai
8. Southern Pride

In the women's tournament, Auckland defeated North Harbour, 2-0, in the final. The game remained scoreless until the top of the seventh, when Auckland's shortstop Logan Moreland hit a bases-loaded RBI single to right field to give the blue squad a 1-0 lead. The second run of the game was scored on a passed ball.

Sarahnaruth Pauga, from Auckland, was the MVP of the tournament, with her teammate Tyla Morrison named top pitcher. The best hitter of the competition was Hutt Valley's Lace Tangianau.

Women's tournament final standings

1. Auckland
2. North Harbour 
3. Canterbury
4. Hawkes Bay
5. Counties Manukau
6. Hutt Valley
7. New Zealand Junior White Sox Invitational
8. Southern Pride

New Zealand Softball's National Fastpitch Championships were played at Rosedale Park, venue of the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2022.