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DIVISION 1 - WOMENS MATCH REPORTS.

Round 11 - Berwick/Springvale 21 def. Werribee 4

Struggling for numbers, struggling for wins, and overall suffering some kind of mid season ‘rut/break down' – the Big Cat Cougars bounced back in a big way last night out at Altona, knocking off Werribee 21 – 4. With Wearnie running warm up on one leg, and then throwing signals on crutches from the dugout, the mood was a good one from the get go, and the girls really kept the momentum going all night. Barky took to the hill for her second midweek stint in as many weeks, and she showed why she is a current starter on the National Team. Working with a Yankee Stadium style strike zone, Barks got herself out of a couple of jams, throwing some great pitches in the process. The hitting was in one word – awesome. We scored a minimum of 5 runs in each of the four innings, and jumped on any decent pitches to hit, ending the game with a total of 17 hits. I've said it before, and I'll no doubt say it again, but Shae Lillywhite was again the star. Moving back to her ‘favoured' position as lead off, ‘Shazza' ended the game going 3 for 3, including 2 doubles, 3 RBI's and 4 runs. Her Japanese housemate wasn't willing to give up bragging rights as the hitter of the day though – also racking up 3 from 3, including a triple, 3 RBI's, 4 runs and 2 stolen bases. Other hitters were Houghy 2 from 2, Jess with 3 and Janine with 2. Steph and Gill both picked up 1 hit. The best thing about this game was the form of the lower order. Making some solid contact, and moving runners over. Missing a number of ones players again, and calling on some of the less experienced two's to step up, and they really delivered. Would have to say though, the highlight of the night was the Division One ‘debut' of our favourite, Gabby Kovess. Though initially hesitant, Gab stepped up in the nine hole when we only had eight players, getting on base on 3 occasions, scoring 3 runs and coming up with a big RBI. You did a great job Gab, we are all so proud of you!! With a number of ones players missing over the past few weeks, and this coming Saturday, the girls will be looking to pull a rabbit out of their hats one last time, attempting to knock off the dangerous Malvern at home. A win in this one will surely set us up for a real crack at the top two teams in 2010. A great night for baseball, and a great game was had by all. Thanks to ‘Aunty Pam' for taking over scoring duties in Gabby's absence, and a huge thanks to Kei and Shirlie, our Springy mates, for making the trek out to Altona to support the girls. We really appreciate it!!

Next game: Saturday 19 th December

@ HOME v Malvern

3.30pm.

Round 8 - Berwick/Springvale 6 def. Waverley 5.

Hmmmm……where to start. Let's start with the fact that this game is certainly one that we sure as hell didn't deserve to win. Waverlely were outstanding, and outplayed us for all but about 10 minutes of this game. This game just proved how competitive all Division One teams are this year, and that any team can win on any given day.

Barky struggled early, giving up walks and hits in the first that converted into 5 runs for the Wildcats. But as the game went on, Barks settled in, not giving up another run in the final 6 innings. It was a great job on her behalf to get herself back into this game – and to give us a shot at coming from behind and winning it.

For the third straight week, Shae Lillywhite was the star with the bat, ending the game with 2 big hits – one being a stand up double in the seventh inning, and she would be the tying run. Other great hitters were Risa and Jess with 2, and Barks and Houghy with one each.

A big well done to Jess Lees, coming up with a clutch hit with loaded bases, one out in the seventh when the scores were tied 5 a piece. And a special mention to Janine Cavanagh who led off the seventh with a hard fought walk, and ended up scoring an important run.

The team has been struggling of late to put in 7 innings of solid baseball, so hopefully we can put in a good performance this week against Port Melbourne and get ourselves back on track.

Keep working hard girls.

Round 6 - Berwick/Springvale 3 drew with Doncaster 3.

On Saturday, the girls took on ladder leaders Doncaster, in what we all hoped would be a tight contest. And the game didn't dissapoint, with it ending in a 3 all draw.

Risa Nakashima was outstanding on the hill, going the full 7 innings, striking out 9 and conceding only 1 walk. Starring with the bat was Shae Lillywhite, going 2 for 2 with a double, a triple, 2 walks, 2 runs and 3 stolen bases.

But it was a lack of consistency in the batters box and in the field that cost the Big Cat Cougars the game. Though it ended in a draw, it sure feels like the team let one slip here. Some terrible mental errors in the 6 th inning gifted Doncaster 3 runs, and that was how the game would end.

Although the girls are understandably disappointed with the result, they continue to stay competitive with the top couple of teams – pushing for an end of season finals appearance.

This week will be our third home game in a row, taking on Waverley at 3.30pm.

Round 5 - Berwick/Springvale 13 def. Werribee 3.

A beautiful day down at the field began early on Saturday, with a few of the players heading down to watch some of the Under 12 Berwick girls in action. How awesome to see 8 junior girls enjoying the game and sticking it to the boys! Keep it up girls, not long till you'll be playing senior baseball!

The game began well, with Shaeka leading things off with a huge stand up double over the left fielders head. This would be one of Shae's four hits for the day (4 from 4 - with 2 RBI's), and would also set the tone for our hitters. Facing off against current Australian Squad member Taylor McKay, the girls did well, hitting the ball hard 1 – 9. Though Shae was the most effective, other hitters were Jess, who was outstanding going 3 for 3 with 3RBI's, Risa (4 RBI's) and Cass with 2 each, and Wig (3 RBI's) and Gill with 1 each. Janine and Steph both had some good at bats and contributed In the batters box.

Risa was awesome in the field, making 6 plays at short stop. And Janine did a great job behind the dish in the hot weather. Special mention to Jess Lees who had a day out with the bat after taking over the clean up spot in Houghy's absence. Another mention to Rosa who stuck around and coached third base in the heat – much appreciated mate, and sorry I couldn't get you an AB.

Next week will see us take on Doncaster in a battle for second place. There will be a barbecue available on the day for all supporters and players.

Next week: @ HOME v Doncaster, 3.30pm

Round 4 - Berwick/Springvale 5 def. Malvern 2.

A battle between two of the top four teams always looms as a tight contest, and this game didn't disappoint. In a game of high quality Division One baseball, the Big Cat Cougars came out victorious and bounced back from a disappointing performance last week.

In her second start of the season, Risa started slowly, but eventually found the zone and dominated over the last few innings. Giving up only 5 hits and striking out 7, it was a solid outing for only 2 runs against a very good hitting team.

With the bats it was Houghy, Barks and Wig leading the charge with two a piece, and Shae, Risa, Jess and Hightower with 1 each. In the field, Houghy did a fantastic job behind the plate, throwing out a runner at two and blocking everything all day. A great catch at left field by Hightower and some good plays by Shae and Jacinda in the infield.

Next week we take on Werribee at home, our first home game in our new playing tops.

Next week: @ HOME v Werribee, 3.30pm

Round 4 - Berwick/Springvale 3 lost to Springvale 5.

In the much anticipated Round 4 match up, it was lead off walks that ended up costing the Springvale/Berwick girls their third straight victory of the season. Jacinda was in total control at times, striking out 7 and only giving up 1 hit. But walks and a number of errors cost the team the game. Wig closed out the game giving up no runs and striking out 3 in a solid first up performance for the season. In the batters box, the girls were held well thanks to an excellent performance on the mound by opposing pitcher Ella Holien. However, the team still outhit the Lions, walking away with 6, and stranding a number of baserunners. Best of the hitters were Barks with 2 doubles and a couple of RBI's, Shae, Risa, Houghy and Jess all with 1. In what was a disappointing performance, the team was happy to stay close to last years Premiers. Well done to Tracey McLardy who played her first game in Division One, only her third game of baseball. And a special mention to Houghy who did a fantastic job behind the dish – picking a heap out of the dirt. Next week will see Japanese ace Risa Nakashima wheeled out for her second appearance of the season against the second placed Malvern Braves.

Next Game: Springvale/Berwick @ Malvern, 3.30pm

Round 3 - Bye.