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Summary: Open Women

Victoria overcame Queensland in a 1-0 arm-wrestle to advance to the Preliminary Final. The Titans and Heat both left runners in scoring position, as defence set the tone through the first six innings. However, in the top of the 7^th, a Queensland fielding error allowed Polina Galkina to advance to second base, who then scored from third base on a sacrifice fly by Kasey Smith. Victoria held their nerve in the bottom half of the frame to hold on for the win.

New South Wales defeated South Australia 6-5 in an epic Qualifying final to advance to the 2022 Gilley’s Shield Grand Final. NSW pitcher Grace Wrixon was dialled in early, with six strike-outs through the first three innings. The Starz wrestled momentum back in the 4^th inning, with Lana Kaesler and Sarah Tonkin combining for three RBIs. The Firestars immediately answered with three runs in their next at-bat, highlighted by two RBIs on a Stacey McManus single. Johanna Grauer then tied the scores for SA in the 6^th inning with another two RBI single, but the deciding run came in the top of the 7^th, with Tahli Moore scoring on an Starz fielding error.

South Australia was made to earn every inch of their win over Victoria in the Preliminary Final. The Titans scored first in the 2^nd inning courtesy of a Starz fielding error. SA tied the scores in the next frame when a Bel White triple led to an RBI for thehome team. The game remained in a stalemate until the 6^th inning, when Madeline Cameron and Johanna Grauer batted in two runners for SA. Jade Peterson then pitched her team into the Grand Final with three strikeouts in the final inning.

South Australia broke a 66-year drought, winning the 2022 Gilley’s Shield as Open Women’s National Champions in an enthralling 6-5 win over New South Wales. Like heavyweights trading blows, there were no less than seven lead changes between the two teams over the two games they played on the final day. In the Grand Final, three decisive moments turned the game in favour of the Starz. With the scores locked at 5-5 and the Firestars pushing in the 6^th inning, Chelsea Robinson made a critical double play for the home team to halt their momentum. Then in the 7^th, Sarah Tonkin made a spectacular catch in left foul territory to take the most dangerous NSW hitter Taylah Tsitsikronis off the plate. Finally, SA pitcher and Grand Final MVP Millie Fidge joined the game in the 4th inning and her team trailing 5-4, only to keep NSW scoreless the rest of the way. The Firestars fought valiantly, making up extra bases all through the line-up. Rookie of the Year Grace Rixon also hit a double and a triple, while Taylah Tsitsikronis was one hit short of a cycle. An epic contest, deserving of a Grand Final, and well done to all players, coaches, umpires, and officials involved.

Day 4 Results:

1^st vs 2^nd Final: NSW 6 def SA 5

3^rd vs 4^th Final: VIC 1 def QLD 0

Preliminary Final: SA 3 def VIC 1

Grand Final: SA 6 def NSW 5

Midge Nelson Medal, MVP: Clare Warwick (ACT)

Sybil Turner Medal, Best Batter: Clare Warwick (ACT)

Lorraine Woolley Medal, Best Pitcher Nicole Martin (VIC)

Rosemary Adey, Rookie of the Year: Grace Wrixon (NSW)

Player of the Grand Final: Millie Fidge (SA)

For completed game reports, please click here.

For complete standings, please click here.

For the complete schedule, please click here.

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