South Australia Starz take Australia's Women's Softball National championship with walk-off win over Queensland Heat
South Australia Starz defeated Queensland Heat, 2-1, in the final of the Australian Women's Softball National Championship to clinch the title. Olivia Elliot hit a championship-winning RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to give the Starz the Gilley's Shield crown.
A total of seven teams participated in the competition, held at Jells Park in Melbourne, Australia.
It was a pitching duel in the final, with US-born pitchers Lexi Kilfoyl (SA Starz) and Kathryn Sandercock (Queensland Heat) going toe to toe in the circle. Both pitchers gave up only four hits, and combined for 22 strikeouts in the game.
The Heat jumped ahead in the scoreboard with an RBI single by National Team player Jade Wall in the first frame. However, a two out single in the sixth inning from Jessica Rohde tied the ball game.
In the bottom of the seventh, a two out double to centre-right from Millie Fidge kept the South Australian hopes alive before Elliot connected a walk-off single to center field, giving SA Starz their third national title in history.
The Heat had to beat the defending champions New South Wales Firestars, 5-2, in the semi final to get the chance to compete for the Shilley's Shield title.
This is the oldest national championship on the Softball Australia calendar, marking this year the 77th time the event has been held after starting in 1947. NSW Firestars have won the most titles (25) followed by Victoria (22).
Individual awards:
- Player of the Grand Final – Lexi Kilfoyl (SA Starz)
- Best Batter – Michelle Cox (NSW Firestars)
- Best Pitcher - Lexi Kilfoyl (SA Starz)
- Most Valuable Player – Jenna Trim (NSW Firestars)
- Rookie of the Year – Nicole Connacher (Queensland Heat)