Pitcher’s return buoys Springvale

By Stuart Teather
WHEN the 2008/09 Baseball Victoria Women’s season kicks off this weekend, Springvale will be fighting to reclaim its place as the best in the state.
Rival powerhouse Doncaster spectacularly knocked off the three-time reigning premiers in the 2007/08 grand final, the most recent in a series of gripping matches between the two sides.
In the semi-final two weeks before, Springvale got up 10-9, but when the sides last faced each other in the regular season, Doncaster took the honours 18-8.
With the new season starting this weekend, Springvale will be out for revenge.
While the side had an impressive lineup in 2007/08, it will be further boosted by the return of champion pitcher Simone Wearne.
Wearne, Shae Lillywhite and Kellie Manzie-Novotny were all a part of the Australian team at the 2008 Women’s Baseball World Cup.
Wearne missed the 2007/08 season with a knee injury, which she sustained while playing football during the off-season.
But coach and father Mick Wearne said the side would be much stronger upon her return.
“She’s the best pitcher in the country, probably the world, so that makes it a bit easier for us I guess,” he said.
“Hopefully the girls aren’t taking that attitude though — just because Simone’s back we’ll be more competitive — but we’ll certainly have a bit more depth.”
The side has picked up a couple of young recruits, including 17-year-old Hannah Jackson, who will journey from Sale each week to play with the side.
“Obviously we know she’s committed if her parents are willing to drive her up from Sale every game,” Wearne joked.
“She’s a little bit raw, she played a little bit of baseball down in Latrobe Valley… but she has some fantastic tools.
“She’s probably the quickest in the squad, she hits the ball hard and she’s got a solid arm.”
Springvale has one out, with right fielder Emma Jenkinson not able to play due to work commitments.
Wearne nominated Doncaster as the most likely danger to Springvale, but believed the competition would be more even.
“At the moment it looks like there’s only going to be five teams in Division One, and it’s a long hard season when you play each team four times,” he said.
The season begins on Saturday at 3.30pm when Springvale takes on Werribee at home.