Westlake Girls enjoyed a beautiful day at the Auckland Secondary Schools Senior One Day Softball Championship on Tuesday, 25 February, at Rosedale Park, and given the team’s short time together, they work extremely well together, showing great resilience, athleticism, and determination, particularly against the defending Champions, One Tree Hill College.
The young Westlake Girls team began the tournament strongly with a 12-1 win against Mt Albert Grammar before a hard-fought draw with One Tree Hill, 10-all, in pool play. Their next game was decisive; the 12-3 win over Epsom Girls secured them a semifinal spot. However, in the playoff, they met a fiery One Tree Hill College who was unrelenting in their quest for victory. Westlake lost 3-12 but collected the bronze medal for their great effort.
This result was remarkable considering that just three weeks earlier, they were struggling to field a team for the tournament. However, with just one training session, they won bronze.
A special mention to outstanding pitcher Neve Cadness-Aspinall, for her performance throughout the tournament. Neve and Rori Seymour were recently named in the New Zealand Under 15 Developing Softball Sox Squad.
Well done to the team – What an achievement!
Photo: Neve Cadness-Aspinall