The Australian Open Women’s softball championship kicks off in Adelaide this Saturday, marking the start of 24 games over four days that will determine the 2022 National Champion.

Barratt Reserve in West Beach will host this year’s tournament, the 10^th time South Australia has held the prestigious event.

• Click here to view the 2022 Open Women’s Championship Program.
• Live streaming will also be available via the Softball Australia Facebook page.

No less than five current Olympians will be competing at the event, with Belinda White (SA), Clare Warwick (ACT), Michelle Cox (NSW), Stacey McManus (NSW), Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW) all representing their respective states.

The Open Women’s Grand Final is scheduled for 2pm on Tuesday May 3, with the winner taking home the Gilley’s Shield as tournament winner.

Softball Australia CEO Rosie Williams OBE said, “It’s fantastic to see Gilley’s Shield return after two years of cancellations due to COVID. This is Australia’s premier softball event and features world-class athletes competing alongside the next generation of Australian softball talent.

“The 2022 tournament also brings a level of excitement not seen at Gilley’s Shield for several years. Many established Australian players and Olympians are retired or have commitments overseas, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament.”

More than 120 players, coaches, umpires, and statisticians will participate at this year’s event, with hosts South Australia joined by teams from New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, and Victoria.

South Australia have been on the cusp of winning the Gilley’s Shield for several years, while Queensland and four-time defending champion NSW are also expected to feature late into Day 4.

Players this week will also be vying for selection in a new-look Aussie Spirit squad, with the World Games and World Cup qualifiers headlining a busy 2022 international schedule.

The Australian Open Women’s Softball Championship has been conducted every year since its inception in 1947, except for 1948 when it was not held and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.