Date: Tuesday, July 9 to Sunday, July 14, 2024 

Location: Blacktown, NSW

Softball Australia is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 Over 35 Men's and Women's Softball National Championships, held from the 9^th – the 14^th of July in Blacktown, NSW. This year’s National Championships showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition from across the country, culminating in memorable victories and outstanding individual performances.

Highlights and Results:

·       NSW Dominance: The NSW O35 Women's team celebrated a historic three-peat, demonstrating their unwavering skill and determination by remaining undefeated National Champions for three consecutive years, they’re currently undefeated in any game over the past three years! Their exemplary performance continues to set a high standard in Australian Softball. 

·      Western Australia Men Triumph: The Men's team from Western Australia went back-to-back and emerged victorious for the second year in a row, securing the Men’s O35 National Championship title. Their impressive win highlighted their strength and resilience throughout the competition.

·      This year's National Championships welcomed a number of new teams, including the WA Women’s Team, the NSW Country Men's Team and the ANZAC (Australian Defence Force & New Zealand Defence Force) Men's Team, exciting additions that enriched the competition and extended participation.

·      Individual Excellence: Several players and umpires were recognised for their outstanding performances and contribution:

 Ø  Sue Fairhurst (NSW) received the Best Pitcher award with an exceptional ERA of 0.000 and a Win/Loss record of 3-0. Her strike rate percentage of .563 underscored her dominance on the mound.

Ø  Leah Bradley (NSW) was named Best Batter, boasting an impressive batting average of .667 and a slugging average of 1.083. Her 8 hits, including a home run, and 8 RBIs were pivotal to her team's success.

Ø  Melanie Thorburn (TAS) was named as the Women’s MVP, with a .667 batting average, .667 sluggi

ng average, and 7 RBIs, having played in at least 60% of the teams' offensive and defensive innings.

Ø  Belinda Summerville (NSW) was celebrated as the Player of the Women’s Grand Final, showcasing outstanding performance and leadership.

Ø  Shane Norman (Western Australia) earned the Best Pitcher accolade among men with an ERA of 2.739 and an impressive 37 strikeouts from 100 batters faced.

Ø  Troy Law (QLD) was named Best Batter, with an impressive batting average of .542 and a slugging average of 1.0. His 13 hits, resulting in 3 home runs and 10 RBIs, were key to his team's success.

Ø  Aaron Cockman (WA) was named as the Men’s MVP, with a .476 batting average, 1.333 slugging average, 6 home runs and 15 RBIs, having played in at least 60% of the teams' offensive and defensive innings.

Ø  Brett Walker (WA) was commemorated as the Player of the Men’s Grand Final, exemplifying outsta

nding sportsmanship and skill.

Ø  Special recognition went to Umpire Greg Rusack, who achieved Level 5 Accreditation, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport.

Ø  Softball Australia’s Hall of Fame is the highest honour sports people can achieve in our sport. Softball Australia congratulates Kyira Cox, who was officially inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame during the National Championships closing ceremony.

Softball Australia wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make the event possible, including Emily Fry (SA National Events Coordinator), Stuart Clarke (Softball NSW CEO) and his team at Softball NSW, the dedicated grounds crew, Umpires, Statisticians, match day volunteers, and the Tournament Management Committee, Tournament Chief Umpire - Kevin Tannebring, Tournament Director - Andrew Dodshon, Tournament Convenor - Donna McGrath, Tournament Chief Statistician - Kaye Greggs, Tournament Statistician -  Lynne Townsend. Despite initial weather challenges, their collective and tireless efforts ensured the successful operation and completion of the 2024 Over 35 National Championships, providing a memorable experience for all participants and spectators alike.

Congratulations to all teams and individuals who competed in the 2024 Over 35 Men's and Women's Softball National Championships. Your passion and sportsmanship continue to inspire and elevate Australian Softball to new heights.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact: Softball Australia – admin@softball.org.au