Queensland claimed both the Under-19 Men’s and Under-19 Women’s national titles in dramatic fashion, with amazing come-from-behind grand final victories at Blacktown International Sportspark.
In the women’s championship game, Queensland scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead from NSW for the first time in the game, then held on to win 5-4.
The men’s final was even more dramatic. NSW led 5-1 going into the final inning, but Queensland scored five runs in the bottom of the inning to snatch a thrilling victory. Home runs by Sheldon Waller and Michael Ludkin sealed the deal for Queensland 6-5.
Elinor McKenzie Shield
The 45th Under-19 Women’s National Softball Championship featured teams from all Australian states competing for the Elinor McKenzie Shield. This year’s tournament was held at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney.
Queensland, winners of the 2018 Elinor McKenzie Shield.
Day 7 results
NSW 5, SA 1
Queensland 5, NSW 4
2018 U19s Women’s Award Winners
Best Pitcher: Shinai Gibbins (QLD)
Best Batter: Moe Kurihara (QLD)
Player of the Final: Tamieka Whitefield (QLD)
MVP: Georgia Hood (SA)
2018 U19s Women’s All Tournament Team
Pitcher: Shinai Gibbins (QLD)
Catcher: Brielle Karklin (WA)
1st Base: Madisun Graham (QLD)
2nd Base: Tamieka Whitefield (QLD)
3rd Base: Tamar Hutchinson (VIC)
Shortstop: Jenna Trim (NSW)
Outfielders: Sara Riou (WA), Holly Touchell (WA), Hannah Bahn (Vic)
Designated Player: Georgia Hood (SA)
Nox Bailey Shield
The 30th Under-19 Men’s National Softball Championship was held in conjunction with the Under-19 women’s event. Teams competed for the Nox Bailey Shield.
Queensland, winners of the 2018 Nox Bailey Shield.
Day 7 results
NSW 7, ACT 2
Queensland 6, NSW 5
2018 U19s Men’s Award Winners
Best Pitcher: Shaun Lanaghan (NSW)
Best Batter: Jarred Garland (NSW)
Player of the Final: Keenan Smith (QLD)
MVP: Jarred Garland (NSW)
2018 U19s Men’s All Tournament Team
Pitcher: Shaun Lanaghan (NSW)
Catcher: Jacob Donaldson (NSW)
1st Base: Shannon Goffer (QLD)
2nd Base: Thomas Cass (NSW)
3rd Base: Shay Crean (VIC)
Shortstop: Jordan Howell (WA)
Outfielders: Jarred Garland (NSW), Sheldon Waller (QLD), Samuel Reale (VIC)
Designated Player: Jett Wright (WA)
More pictures from the Under-19 Men’s and Women’s Championships are on the Softball NSW Facebook page
