Ready to take on the rest of SA

THE Mount Gambier Softball League is excited to once again be competing in the Riverland Masters Softball Carnival in 2026.

For the second year in a row, the league is proud to send two competitive teams that will be participating in the Division 1 and 2 competitions.

The June Long Weekend carnival looks to be an exciting one, with record team entries and multiple divisions.

The Division 1 team will be coached by Leyna Bruggemann, with Deb Hicks and Leanne Little as assistant coaches and the Division 2 team will be coached by Kylie Cook and Kezia Feast.

DIVISION ONE

The Division 1 side is uncharacteristically flush with people who can and want to pitch which provides the coaching brainstrust with options aplenty with nine minor round games listed on the draw.

Newly minted Wanderers life member and MGSL team of the year left fielder Fiona Finch did not list pitching amongst her preferences, but the spritely league legend still shows the rest of the team up for base running speed and ground covered in the field whether it be in the outfield or at shortstop.

She has kept in sweet with the head coach by attending practice in a timely manner which has not gone unnoticed by her club and MGSL team of the year coach who is also one of the playing assistant coaches in Leanne Little.

Little has been keen as mustard to work on her hitting and provides a utility option who can catch and pitch, willing to give 110 per cent wherever she is put.

Having returned to the game last season with Wanderers after several years, and has been working with perseverance is Carissa Richards.

Richards’ offseason pitching training will undoubtedly pay dividends as she has found the strike zone with more control much like another of her Wanderers team mates – Rej Smith.

Smith was a well deserved MGSL MVP in the 2022-23 season and she has continued to consistently pitch strikes, field anything that comes close and run the bases with intensity.

Concordes Aimee Brooks is another who runs the bases with purpose, enjoying the freedom of the outfield where she reads the ball off the bat well and unsurprisingly was acknowledged by opposition coaches as the MGSL team of the year centrefield.

Brooks hits to all areas of the diamond but her club teammate Bec White is renowned for her up the middle zingers, striking fear into the hearts of the pitchers she faces.

White is a welcome return to this year’s team with her energy and team focus uplifting all, a special skill in what could be sub zero riverland weather.

Another of Brooks and White’s teammates who always puts the team first is Sarah Thomson. Thomson clearly loves the game and learning more about it, soaking up any pointers on offer then putting them into practice.

It is a rare game when Thomson hasn’t thrown herself on the deck fielding or scurrying around the bases with her trademark smile.

AJ Jones and Rachel Bagshaw are Concordes at heart although living in the big smoke play for West Torrens – both together a formidable battery combination who can hit genuine long balls while also being reliable on defense in the field.

Millicent Bandits coach and MGSL team of the year third base Deb Hicks had a fabulous season coupled with very handy form in Adelaide over the January Long Weekend for Mount Gambier in the A grade side, showing that some of the older heads of the game can more than ably match it with the younger MGSL stars.

She is the third of the div 1 coaching stooges and has been belting the ball all over the diamond at training.

Hicks is joined by her club teammate Chrystal Lock, who this pseudo- sports writer believes was robbed of the team of the year pitching position.

Lock was ridiculously consistent with her strike throwing, backed her team to the hilt in all positions she played including catcher, and was routinely on base and scoring runs.

Lock’s support of all pitchers is unmatchable when she is behind the plate which will be crucial as the tournament rolls into the third day.

Another new player to the team and Masters is Demons Hayley Burner.

Burner, much like Hicks, will relish facing the quicker pitching amongst sides as the state player rule has been discarded, meaning those who are playing for SA or the visiting ACT team in national competitions as a pitcher or catcher are permitted to play in those positions.

Burner’s ingrained desire to win brings an additional edge which is matched by Warriors old hat, Leyna Bruggemann.

Bruggemann and the side will look to improve on their third place finish from last year’s tournament.

The playing side will be proudly supported by the scoring team of MSGL life members Di Humphries and Carol Whan was well as MGSL’s 2025-26 joint MVP Sarah Polderman who has been practising the house down since passing her level 1 scoring accreditation.

DIVISION TWO

The Mount Gambier Division Two side is shaping up to be a team to watch.

Under the guidance of co-coaches Kylie Cook and Kezia Feast, the squad blends experience, emerging talent, and a strong sense of team unity and connection.

The duo of Cook and Feast offer a compelling mix of coaching styles in the dugout.

Feast leads with a sharp strategic mind and a deep understanding of the game, while Cook sets the tone as a playing coach, leading by example with relentless effort and a strong focus on team morale.

Together, they are pursuing a clear goal: to build confidence across the group and instil a genuine drive to win.

The playing group reflects the same balance.

Sonia Morris stands out as a key contributor, combining excellent game awareness with consistency at the plate and in the field.

Krissie Smith, new to the sport and tournament environment, has already made an impression with her fearless approach in the outfield and her willingness to put her body on the line.

After time away from the game, Sonya Crute is rediscovering her rhythm and proving her value through versatility across multiple positions.

Kelly Doyle remains the quiet achiever, calm under pressure and capable wherever she’s needed, whether behind home plate or in the outfield.

Kate Altschwager returns as a proven performer, known for her competitiveness and ability to execute under pressure.

Pauline Long heads into her third tournament with growing confidence and strength, supported by teammates who know she will always have their backs.

She’ll aim to build on last year’s standout moments.

Linley Pollard’s team-first attitude consistently lifts those around her, and her strength behind the plate and reliability in the outfield make her a key contributor across multiple roles.

Linda Dodds brings a veteran presence, with an eye for the ball in the outfield and quick base running when she finds form with the bat.

Jerri-Lee Cooper, one of the younger members and new to the game, is rapidly developing, absorbing knowledge and showing determination to improve at every training session.

While Chantel Macdonald adds serious firepower, whether in the circle or launching throws from the outfield, her arm strength is a major asset, and she’ll be eager to rediscover her best form at the bat.

Sam Brown’s experience and composure make her invaluable in high-pressure situations, and her versatility allows her to fill any role.

Meg Merrett adds further depth, combining youth with experience, and boasts a formidable throwing arm that will deter even the boldest base runners.

Tara Dowdell rounds out the squad, bringing plenty of energy and laughter, while also delivering focus and reliability when it matters most in the field.

Off the diamond, the team will be well supported by manager Simone Little, whose organisation and contributions at training have already proven invaluable.

As the tournament approaches, Cook and Feast are focused on more than results. They are building a team that plays for one another, embraces the challenge, and carries belief into every innings.

With a well-rounded lineup and a shared hunger to perform, this Division Two side won’t just be making up the numbers in Riverland; they’ll aim to make a strong statement.