Werribee is relishing the chance to be among the title contenders in the Baseball Victoria summer league women’s division 2.
The Giants were out of their depth last summer against powerhouse division 1 clubs and, mercifully, were relegated at the end of the campaign.
To their credit, the Giants never left the impression they were waving the white flag in division 1, playing out every game to the very end no matter what the odds.
Those fighting qualities will stand them in good stead as they take aim at a premiership in the second tier this season.
Giants coach Tony Culph and the players are confident, and there’s an expectant mood at Werribee.
“We’re a lot more competitive this season; we’ve only lost the one game,” Culph said.
“Last year they showed a lot of character – they all stuck it out and did what they could. It makes a bit of a difference to morale when you’re winning games.”
The Giants made it five wins from six starts when they crushed Melbourne 8-1 at Presidents Park on Saturday.
Pitching ace Emma Pastowski did a stellar job on the mound, throwing a complete game. Danni Edwards picked up two important hits.
The result keeps the Giants on top of the ladder.
“We lost the first game and since then we’ve been good,” Culph said.
With their step down in grade, the Giants are mixing ambition with rebuilding.
Teams in their division are allowed 11 batters, two more than the traditional nine, and Culph intends to make use of every single one of those batters in the line-up.
Ruby Thompson has batted in that No.11 position, and she came through with a double in a recent game.
The Giants rotate their fielders every inning so there is no longer an over-reliance on certain individuals, with all players getting a fair go.
“Having the players there from last year with a few of the newer ones, it’s a good mix and everyone is enjoying it,” Culph said. “I’m trying to rotate everyone around.
“Every inning, two go on and two go off, so it feels like everyone is playing the whole time. They’re all doing their bit.”
Pastowski remains the top Giants pitcher, but she’s getting assistance from Emma Lowe and Phoebe Jakubzic.
Nikki Durovic is again the star with the bat, but the addition of recruit Anna Radnay from the Melbourne Demons has eased some of the pressure.
The Giants will take their five-game winning streak into their clash with Springvale at Presidents Park on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Giants hit the road to take down top-of-the-ladder Berwick City Cougars 4-1 in men’s division 2.
The Giants, who moved into a share of top spot with Moorabbin and Berwick City, return home on Saturday to face Bonbeach at President’s Park.
