South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes provided some of the highlights of this year’s U14 Australian regional softball championships held in Canberra earlier this month.
Nine members of the academy’s The Mac softball program – representing NSW – delivered intense performances, demonstrating impressive teamwork, and leaving a lasting impact on the competition.
The magnificent nine were Michael Daamen, Tyrese Saunders, and Lyell Walker, who represented NSW Sky, while Harry Dougherty, Jack Dougherty, Denzel Paratainga, Ziggy Paratainga, Nicholas Picone and Harry White wore the colours of NSW Navy.
Both NSW teams put on bravura performances to also set the stage for an all-Blue grand final.
Throughout the seven-game round robin series, NSW Sky set the benchmark for excellence, securing the top spot.
NSW Navy followed closely behind in second place.
Adding to the squad’s achievements was Ray Gavin, a respected member of the Academy’s coaching staff, who had the honour of serving as assistant coach for NSW Sky. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in guiding the team through the rigorous tournament.
The championship match between the two Blues sides – packed with the rising stars of the South West Sydney academy – exceeded expectations, culminating in a gruelling thriller that lasted well over three hours.
From the very first inning the game was a relentless back-and-forth contest, with neither team willing to concede an inch, both setting an incredible runs tally after the allocated seven innings.
Deadlocked at 17-all, the decider went into a tiebreaker innings.
In the end it was the NSW Navy side, who featured six of the nine Academy athletes, that ultimately emerged victorious by one run, to claim the title of U14 National Champions with a 19-18 run win.
“The experience gained from competing in such a high-intensity championship will undoubtedly shape the future careers of these young athletes. This level of competition not only enhances their technical abilities but also builds confidence, adaptability, and a deeper passion for the sport,” said academy head coach Marsheal Walker.
Following their impressive performances at the U14 regional championships, the future looks bright for the academy softballers.
They will definitely be the team to watch at the NSW regional academy games in Tamworth during April 11-13.
“The academy is definitely excited to see softball return to the Games, and with our athletes recent success, are targeting this event to finish well up the podium,” says academy sport programs manager Catarina Julius.
Athletes from the academy’s The Mac softball program will join fellow South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes in basketball, golf, hockey, triathlon, netball and volleyball at the three day event, contested against the other 10 regional academies of sport across NSW.
