Tara Murray
The Werribee Giants women’s top side overcame a slow start to win through to a second straight Baseball Victoria women’s grand final.
The Giants White have been the team to beat all season in the metro north-west competition, but were made to work hard in their semi final win against Geelong.
Geelong took an early lead in the first innings, before the Giants hit six runs in the second innings to take the lead 7-6.
That was extended to two runs after the third innings before Geelong levelled the scores in the fourth innings.
The Giants were able to find that winning run in the last innings to secure an 11-10 win.
Giants coach Bronwyn Gell said the whole group was pretty excited to be back in the grand final.
“We’re stoked,” she said. “Yesterday’s [Saturday’s] game was a close one and we’re all on a high at the moment.
“We’re super excited.”
Gell said there were some nerves early in the semi final with the girls not their usual selves. She said once they settled they were able to play some better baseball.
She said there were a number of standouts in the win.
“Crystal Mollica hit a home run and two triples and she was able to get on in the last innings and get the winning run which was very exciting.
“Lily Kevelham is our star pitcher and threw a really good game and Jess Curnow hit the winning run in, she’s our solid hitter.”
The Giants face Research in the grand final on Saturday after it won its semi final against Alfredton 13-6.
Gell said the whole group was looking forward to the occasion as they aim to go one better than last year.
“We’ve really performed this season,” she said. “We’re going in as the top team this season rather than as the underdog when we didn’t quite get across the line.
“We are the team to beat. It should be a good quality game, they’ve given us some tough games a couple of times during the season.
“They are very aggressive with their game.”
Meanwhile, the Giants men finished their regular season with a 12-2 win against Pakenham.
The Giants had already secured top spot heading into finals.
