Mt Gambier Softball Teams Chase State Glory

Mount Gambier’s best softballers are headed to Adelaide this weekend for the Softball SA Country Championships, with two teams representing the Mount Gambier Softball League in A Grade and B1 divisions.

The tournament, held over the Australia Day long weekend, brings together regional talent from across South Australia. The league has acknowledged the support of Four Reasons Why and The Cally Hotel, who have backed the representative squads.

Leading the A Grade side is Tanya Hood, a Warriors life member and returning local legend, with Kelly Millard stepping in as assistant coach. The squad features players from all four clubs and a wide range of experience and skills.

Wanderers’ Lily Clifford-Finch will again bring pressure at the plate, while Demons’ powerhouse Cody Manning returns as reigning MVP and home run champion. Fellow Demon Meg Merrett has been sharp behind the plate and strong with the bat.

Concordes duo Dana Jones and Codie Jackway provide consistency, while Aimee Brooks adds safe hands and smart hitting. Bandits’ Deb Hicks and the Millard sisters, Montanna and Mackenzie, bring form and firepower, with Mackenzie dominating both defensively and offensively this season.

Rounding out the squad, Sarah Polderman, Melissa Chuck and Leyna Bruggemann provide leadership and depth. Hood said the team would be chasing both solid softball and silverware.

The B1 team, coached by Kylie Cook with Chantel Macdonald as assistant, is built on unity, covering players aged 17 to over 60. It’s a close-knit group driven by mentorship, belief and team-first attitudes.

Maddy Bignell leads behind the plate, learning from experienced backstop Chrystal Lock, who also pitches and adds vocal energy. Infield leadership comes from Kate Altschwager, Fiona Finch and Dianne Horbury, while Emily and Leanne Little provide stability on the corners.

Angela Queale, Sarah Thomson and Stephanie Chant round out a strong defensive unit, while Macdonald brings game-changing versatility with the bat and ball. Team manager Jasmine Disselbach also plays an integral role, reinforcing the tight-knit culture.

Both squads have trained hard, focusing on fundamentals, intent and connection as they prepare to represent Mount Gambier on the state stage.