Diamond days for Far North softball
THE 2021-22 Softball Far North Queensland season gets under way this Friday night, with teams back in action at Edmonton’s Walker Road Sporting Precinct.
It doesn’t seem long since Red Sox lifted the trophy back in March, and the reigning champion will be determined to defend its title when it takes on old and new rivals this summer.
Five teams will contest the senior women’s competition, with Hawks, Hooters and Red Sox, who will again enter two teams, all returning to the top division, while a Far North Queensland under-18 development side will replace Stawkers, which was a combined side made up of players from three clubs.
Here are 17 players tipped to do big things this season.
MIA BENDER
The up-and-coming catcher has represented Queensland on numerous occasions, with a strong work ethic making her hard to overlook.
MILA BENDER
Mila has represented her state and was selected in an Australian youth side in 2019. She helps bring a competitive edge to the Red Sox.
SASHA-MAY FLEGLER
A current Queensland under-16 representative, Flegler is a talented allrounder who can play in the infield or outfield. She is also very strong with the bat.
ISABELLA GRACE
She might lack experience in high-pressure games but Grace is a very talented athlete and a versatile player who has a great future in the game of softball.
JACOB JUILLERAT
Juillerat will aim to keep improving after an impressive campaign at the under-16 state championships in Mackay last month.
HIRARI KURIHARA
A dual state representative at the under-23 and open level, Kurihara is among the best every time she takes the field.
SYREN LETIZIA
Now based in Brisbane, the Queensland under-23 representative is a chance to come up and make a few cameos during the season.
JAMES MINNIECON
An under-18s Queensland
representative, Minniecon is a talented athlete not just in softball, but many other sports. He is known for putting the ball over the fence.
JEORJAH MINNIECON
A quickly developing pitcher and a confident shortstop, Jeorjah was recently selected for the Queensland under-16 squad after a strong state championship campaign.
NGAIRE ROSS
One of the biggest improvers in Softball FNQ’s under-16 representative side, Ross has great enthusiasm.
GEORGETTE SANIA
A rising third base who is always
looking for ways to improve, Sania represented FNQ in the under-16s state championships last month.
SAMSON SANIA
Sania played at the recent under-18s state championships and has been selected to play in the inaugural Softball Queensland Super Series in Brisbane this weekend.
JASMIN SICHTER
A reliable first base/outfielder, Sichter had a strong campaign playing for FNQ at the under-18 state championships earlier this month.
MARVONTAY TOBY
The Red Sox pitcher was last
season’s player of the final and will be looking to get back to her best as she returns from an ankle injury.
KAYLA TURNER
A strong third base or outfielder, Turner was named the A-grade competition’s Most Valuable Player last season.
ZOE WATERS
A fast developing catcher and steady infielder, Waters has shown great progress in her development.
CHELSEA ZONTA
The developing catcher is making a name for herself as a big bomb hitter and looks ready for a breakout season.