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Summary: Open Women

The 2022 Gilley’s Shield kicked off with an exceptionally high-quality game. South Australia challenged New South Wales over the first three innings and Jo Grauer pitched beautifully for the home state all day, but as would become a theme during day 1, the Firestars defence was outstanding. Only an SA fielding error in extra innings proved to be the difference, gifting NSW two runs and a 3-2 win. Shannon Keevers impressed for NSW, involved in all of the Firestars runs.

The ACT Diamonds held with NSW until the top of the 3^rd innings, when a deflected throw to home base let in three NSW runners. With bases loaded and trailing by two at the bottom of the 7^th, ACT had a chance to win the game, but the Firestars ended the game on their seventh double-play for the day, the final score 5-3.

Jade Petersen pitched with a calm ferocity for South Australia as they bounced back with a 2-1 win over Queensland. Pedersen’s methodical game neutralised the athletic strengths of the Heat team, giving up just one hit and one walk in the 2-1 win.

The ACT had no answers for the Victoria offence in their first meeting of the Gilley’s Shield. Six Titans registered hits in the 9-1 win, with Rebecca Schafer and Kylie Steemers arguably the pick of the hitters for the Big V. Nicole Martin and Caitlin Laird also kept it exceptionally tight from the pitching circle, giving up only two hits between them.

Any euphoria Victoria felt after their win was short-lived however, as they were dealt a 14-1 defeat at the hands of the home state. A Madeline Cameron triple kicked SA into gear in the 3^rd inning with three RBIs, but more was to come in the 4^th inning. The Starz piled on nine runs, punctuated by a Lana Kaesler grand slam.

New South Wales finished day one undefeated, with a 5-3 win over Queensland. The Firestars jumped out of the blocks with four runs in the first inning, highlighted by a Grace Wrixon triple. Wrixon then delivered from the pitching circle, giving up just one run in more than four innings pitched. Queensland rallied late, but fielding errors let them down in the 5-3 win.

Day 1 Results:

NSW 3 def SA 2

NSW 5 def ACT 3

SA 2 def QLD 1

VIC 9 def ACT 1

SA 14 def VIC 1

NSW 5 def QLD 3

For completed game reports, please click here.

For complete standings, please click here.

For the complete schedule, please click here.

Games start at 10:00am AEDT with a 15-minute break between each game

Day 2 What to Watch For

New South Wales look primed for this competition. Their defence is exceptional, and they have a number of weapons to call on. South Australia also looks dangerous on their home track, while Victoria showed what they are capable of in their win over ACT. The Diamonds and Queensland Heat remain winless, but something to watch for on Day 2 is the overall standard of softball. The quality of play in all games so far has been crisp, competitive, and entertaining. Bring on Day 2!

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