Gilley's Shield: 6 Days of Softball
Jan 26, 2025
From January 7th to 12th, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the National Open Women's Softball Tournament, battling six other states for the prestigious Gilley's Shield in Waverley Victoria. Over six intense days, my team, the Tasmanian Tigers, gave it everything we had, and I couldn't be prouder of what we accomplished.
The participating states (listed by final standings) were South Australia in first place, followed by Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The competition featured exceptional games throughout, with nearly every team boasting one or two professional international players, highlighting the tournament's reputation as Australia's premier softball competition. Without further ado, here's a day-by-day recap of our journey:
Day One
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TAS v WA: 1-0 win |
TAS v NSW: 0-5 loss |
We opened the tournament with a thrilling game against Western Australia, clinching a 1-0 victory. I had the privilege of catching for Megan Faraimo, our international pitcher, who plays professionally for Athletes Unlimited (USA), as well as the Japanese and Mexican leagues. In the afternoon, we faced the formidable New South Wales team. Despite our best efforts, we fell 5-0. Still, starting the tournament with a 1-1 record gave us a solid foundation.
Day Two
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TAS v VIC: 1-5 loss |
TAS v SA: 1-2 loss |
TAS v ACT: 0-3 loss |
Day 2 was gruelling. The prior evening's sun delay had pushed our game against NSW back to a late 8:20pm start, meaning we didn't finish until nearly 10:30pm. By the time we arrived for our 8am warm-up the next morning, fatigue was evident.
Our first game against Victoria was tough, with Georgia Corrick, another brilliant international pitcher, keeping our bats quiet. We followed this with a hard-fought match against South Australia, where despite great plays, they edged ahead. Finally, we faced ACT, whose Japanese pitcher Mana Arai showcased her incredible pitching skills, keeping our hitters at bay. It was a humbling day, as our record shifted from 1-1 to 1-4. Despite the losses, we regrouped and focused on recovering both physically and mentally for the battles ahead.
Day Three
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TAS v QLD: 0-2 loss |
TAS v VIC: 1-5 loss |
By day 3, we learnt that the Softball Gods were not on our side this tournament.
Our match against Queensland saw incredible pitching performances by Meg, Jayme and Mel, who held the powerful Heat hitters at bay. But it only takes one moment to change the game. In the fifth inning, Tamieka Whitefield delivered a clutch double, scoring two runs for Queensland. Despite our relentless efforts, their defence held strong, and the game ended 2-0. We started the second round against Victoria that afternoon, but their strong hitting and defensive plays secured another win over us. While we didn't achieve the results we hoped for, we rediscovered our energy and team spirit, which we carried forward with pride.
Day Four
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TAS v ACT: 1-3 loss |
TAS v SA: 1-2 loss |
TAS v NSW: 6-4 win |
Day 4 brought three tough games.
Against ACT, we rallied to tie the game 1-1 but couldn't maintain momentum as Mana Arai once again shut us down. Moving into our second game against South Australia, we had a spectacular play that briefly turned the tide, but a hit in the bottom of the seventh inning gave SA the win.
Our final game of the day was against the undefeated New South Wales. Determined to leave it all on the field, we scored six runs in the first inning - a tournament-high for us. Our pitchers rotated expertly to hold NSW's powerful lineup to just four runs, earning us a thrilling 6-4 victory and ending their unbeaten streak.
Day Five
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TAS v QLD: 1-5 loss |
TAS v WA: 1-3 loss |
That evening, we gathered with teammates, supporters, and families at the RSL to celebrate the journey. Though we didn't achieve the outcome we dreamed of, we left the tournament with our heads held high, having reignited high-performance softball in Tasmania.
Day Six
Melbourne's weather showcased its unpredictability on finals day, with sun delays, torrential rain, and even fog. South Australia and Queensland emerged as the finalists after thrilling preliminary games, with South Australia ultimately claiming victory in a final dramatic showdown.
Competing in the Gilley's Shield was an unforgettable experience. The Tasmanian Tigers showcased incredible grit, determination, and resilience, truly embodying the spirit of our state. We faced some of the best players in the world, pushed ourselves to the limit, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
For us, softball isn't just about wins and losses; it's about the moments we share, the sisterhood we build, and our unwavering passion for the game. And in every way that truly matters, this tournament was a victory for the Tigers.
The journey to this point hasn't been easy. After a challenging arm injury, I've worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles and prove that nothing can hold me back. Each step of my recovery has been a testament to my resilience and determination. I am incredibly proud of how far I've come, both physically and mentally, and the strength I've built along the way. As I look ahead to this year, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation for what is to come. I am ready to take on new challenges, grow even stronger, and continue making my mark in the sport I love. Here's to the journey ahead - because nothing is impossible if you put in the work.