Academy softballers shine at Nationals

Academy softball athletes competing for NSW in the Australian Softball Championships have come away winners with the NSW U17 Men and Women taking out the national titles along with the NSW U19 Women.

The Academy is proud to boast five athletes in the NSW U17 Women's team who beat Queensland 3 - 1 in the final to become National Champions.  Congratulations to Ally Casey, Michaela McLennan, Jessica Micallef, Emily Read and Bianca Worth.

The U17 Men's team featured four Academy athletes and they came away convincing winners against the ACT 7 - 1 in the final to become National Champions taking home the Arthur Allsopp Shield.  2011 Academy Athlete of the Year and recipient of the Woolworths Scholarship, Hayden Mathews, was named tournament MVP.  Hayden was integral to the NSW win scoring a three run, home run in the 3rd innings of the final.  Congratulations also to Academy athletes Shaylan Elson, Jack Noble and Micahel Robar.

The U19 Women's team won their sixth consecutive National tilte after beating ACT 4 - 0 in the Women's Grand Final.  The team featured 3 former Academy athletes, Alice Donohoe, Rachel Lack and 2011 Athlete of the Year and Woolworth Scholarship recipient Taylah Tsitsikronis.   Rachel Lack was named Best Batter of the tournament.

The U19 Men's team featuring 6 current and former Academy athletes finished second on the ladder after the rounds but lost out to the eventual winners Queensland in the preliminary final 8 - 5.  Well done to Kieran O'Leary, Jason Cronan, Michael Kerr, Tom Noble, Liam O'Leary and Dylan Smith.

The Academy is very proud to have an excellent Softball program with such strong progression and represetnation in both State and National squads.