Softballers headed to Riverland

THE Mt Gambier Softball League is set to be well represented at the Riverland Masters Softball Carnival in Berri over the June Long Weekend.

Last year, it had been 16 years since the Mt Gambier Softball League sent a team to a Masters tournament, and after a lengthy hiatus they were able to return and get a team together. The success that came with returning to a representative carnival has allowed for the MGSL to send two teams this year, competing in the Division One and Two grades respectively.

The carnival will begin Friday evening and will finish with finals on Monday.

All players have been training hard and will be looking to put out their best performances in Berri, to showcase the talent that the Mt Gambier region has to offer.

The Division One side is coached by Leyna Bruggemann, supported by assistant coach Leanne Little; whilst the Division Two side will be coached by Kylie Cook and supported by assistant coach Chantel Macdonald.

DIVISION ONE TEAM:

“The Mount Gambier Softball League is proud to be sending two teams to Berri this year and congratulations to Kylie Cook, Leanne Little and the rest of the league executive for gathering so many veterans willing to challenge themselves in what is likely to be chilly conditions on the June Long Weekend.

“League president Kezia Feast is champing at the bit to plate umpire and has taken advantage of Lily Clifford-Finch’s attendance at the tournament to support her ever consistent mum, Fiona Finch, to have the whippersnapper to base umpire.

“On good authority Lily has been carefully studying the rules in preparation to coolly ward off any Master’s shenanigans who dare challenge her decisions.

“Little has the role of the glue in keeping the team and the playing coach Leyna Bruggemann together while managing her relentless personal standards of play.

“She will probably support Adelaide based Eagle Rachel Bagshaw in the catching role, Bagshaw also more than capable at shortstop and with the bat.

“Bagshaw will be joined by her West Torrens team mates Hayley Franklin and Mount Gambier native Allana Feast.

“Feast will be looked at with Rej Smith as the team’s go to in the pitching circle.

“Smith is just unparallelled with her willingness to pitch, catch, play infield or outfield, hit, bunt and speed round the bases.

“Finchy, although not a fan of the cold, is also one to roam the outfield with spritely zing, maybe too much zing at times, but has been keen to understand when flat out charging of the ball or not is called for.

“Aimee Brooks is another outfielder who is champion of the game face.

“Stealy Brooks’ return to softball has been celebrated as she hits to all parts of the diamond and catches anything that comes near her which is appreciated by those pitching.

“She’s got a pretty decent arm as well. So does Deb Hicks whose crisp and long ball hitting replaces the loss of Dolly to the playing coach of the other MGSL team.

“Hicks’ aggressive approach to the game will keep teams honest on the short play from third base which hopefully will stay in the mind of opposition teams when Jarvo Queale is at third.

“Jarvo and Bruggemann’s leg speed on bunt defence remains at the tortoise rating but both look to hit the ball far enough that speed is not required when on offence.

“Jarvo was one of the main RBI contributors alongside Little at last year’s tournament.

“Underage special inclusion Sez Thomson is more than happy to throw herself around the diamond and will play in the outfield and in the pivot positions.

“Thomson is a humble inclusion who brings fabulous support to the team.

“Sonia Morris is another person who has returned to the game last season after several years off who showcased her linedrive right side hitting, curve spin pitching, and utility fielding.

“The consummate utility is marathon runner Caroline Bradshaw.

“Bradshaw’s quick wit and willingness to catch the pitching of cantankerous Bruggemann is of immeasurable value.

“She will also play at second base and in the outfield.

“Humour, collaborative support, team plays, longball hitting and burning desire to win is what the team is about and these characteristics have been building at Sunday trainings.

“Not that Bruggemann and Jarvo would know as they are hardly ever present, leaving it up to Little.

“Team manager Jasmine Disselbach’s main role will be separating her squabbling Warriors teammates in Bruggemann and Jarvo while ensuring scorers and MGSL life members Di Humphries and Carol Whan are looked after and have the lineup prepped and ready for each and every game.(Leyna Bruggemann)

DIVISION TWO TEAM:

“As the much-anticipated 2025 Riverland Masters Softball tournament approaches, the Mount Gambier division two team is prepared to demonstrate the skill, determination, and, most importantly, teamwork needed to bring home the flag.

“The coaching team, led by last year’s division one team tournament MVP winner Kylie Cook and Chantel Macdonald, who provides solid stability on the mound and in the batting box while being supported by young gun Simone Little as Team Manager, shows that the team is in good hands.

“With the ultimate prize, winning the tournament, Cook and Macdonald’s main objectives for this tournament are to represent the local softball league with pride, team unity, sportsmanship, and a focus on player development.

“Cook and Macdonald want players to feel empowered, take pride in their personal growth and enjoy every moment on and off the diamond, no matter the outcome.

“Over the past couple of months, players have been preparing for the tournament through training that has covered fielding, positioning, and batting, while focusing on consistency.

“The overarching goal of training was to bring players together through positive communication and help them understand each other’s capabilities.

“The coaching team may be biased, as they feel that each player on the team will be the one to watch.

“The dominant force of Toni Waterhouse, Erin Chaplin, and Macdonald on the pitching mound, all very consistent and focused, is ideal for backing each other, while all three are very versatile players, making them all a tremendous asset to the team.

“Likewise, with the youngest member of the team, Julie Beck, Linley Pollard and Kelly Doyle, who at times over the tournament will take on the shared catching role, utilising their ability to communicate with their pitcher and the agility to move around the home plate to make those crucial outs, will help the team outperform the competitors.

“Team veteran Linda Dodds is known for her game-changing batting, speed around the diamond, and the ability to take on those tricky outfield catches.

“Backed up by the experienced ability and duo combination between Kate Altschwager at second base and Cook at shortstop, it will undeniably make the competitors pack their bags.

“While Pauline Long, Natalie Whitehead, Melissa McCracken and Emma McGregor might still be learning the game, each of these girls have skills that won’t be overlooked and, with the backing of their team members, will only develop and shine through.

“Lastly but not least, after nearly 20 years out of the game, Tammy Simpson is back on the diamond. Training has proved that Simpson hasn’t lost that drive, and it won’t take long before Simpson’s mind and body are focused solely on softball.

“As the players step onto the diamond, they are united by a shared purpose—to compete, grow, make personal connections, and create long-lasting memories.

“The journey through this tournament is as important as the outcome, and players are ready to unite, battle it out as one, and have fun.

“Whether it’s the high pressure of a close game or the joy of a well-executed play, they cherish every moment and know that they have given their all. Making this another tournament to remember.”(Kylie Cook)