It was nothing but smiles all round for Bendigo Baseball Association's representative team after a successful trip to the 2021 Women's Ballarat Challenge.
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Bendigo played two matches at the inaugural tournament, the first was against hosts Alfredton which the visitors won 16-13.
"There was such a great vibe all day," player-team manager Landy Mills said.
"It was both encouraging and exciting to wear the Bendigo colours and for all of the women from the BBA to come together and compete as one team."
Mills said each member of the squad showed determination in achieving both individual and team goals.
"Everyone was incredibly encouraging towards each other which certainly helped us achieve what we'd set out to accomplish," Mill said.
"There were some great hits on the day, including Talia McDonald scoring a home run.
"We all jumped out to the plate to welcome her home."
Mills was pleased to see some of the BBA's younger stars taking great interest in playing baseball.
"Phoebe Martin was first one the mound and gave it a proper go and again in the second game when we combined with Alfedton," Mills said.
"You could see she was really getting into it and best of all she found her rhythm which really allowed her to enjoy the moment."
MIlls said the most important aspect of the tournament was for the players to gain experience and above all, have some fun.
"Afterwards we all had a little giggle as we reflected on all of our mistakes, but more than anything we celebrated what we achieved."
After Bendigo's first game against Alfredton, the two sides then combined for a more relaxed match against Bellarine.
Mills' husband Ken took on the role as head coach and was more than impressed with the commitment and development of the team.
"I am so happy with how the team approached the whole day and also in how quickly they are developing," Ken said.
"They went out there and gave the matches a proper go and even better was to see all three teams on the day enjoy every minute of the experience."
One of the best outcomes was to see junior players garner interest in playing for the BBA's under-16 representative squad that will compete in Geelong next month.
The BBA is currently holding try-outs for both its under-14 and under-16 squads.
Also on the cards is another senior women's representative tournament to be held at Strathfieldsaye in July.
Meanwhile in the BBA Matty34 Memorial Round, Dodgers defeated Bendigo East 11-7 and Falcons flew high over Scots with a 33-3 victory.
"Congratulations and a huge thank-you to all players and volunteers for their work and commitment in making yesterday's Matty34 Memorial Round a massive success," BBA posted on Facebook.
"As a baseball community it's rare that we're able to come together to acknowledge and celebrate the life of one of our members and the ongoing work and contribution made by both Matt's family, Scots Baseball-club, Falcons Baseball Club and all involved to ensure that Matt's legacy lives on."
In division two Dodgers defeated Malmsbury Rangers 19-8, Bendigo East had no trouble securing a 24-2 win against Dodgers Tigers and Falcons edged the Scots 14-8.
In division three Bendigo East made light work of the Dodgers 11-1.
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