Brisbane, QLD – December 8, 2024 – Softball Australia is thrilled to announce the success of the Aussie Spirit, who triumphed over China 3-2 in an exciting final to secure victory on home soil during the five-game tournament held from December 5-8, 2024, at Redlands Softball Association in Ormiston, Queensland.

Both countries are beginning their journey to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where softball will feature for the sixth time. Both countries hold Olympic medals, with China winning silver in Atlanta 1996, while Australia has achieved silver in Athens 2004 and bronze in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008.

In a dramatic finale to the tournament, the Aussie Spirit and China entered the final match tied 2-2, making game five the tournament decider. The scorching weather and a buzzing crowd set the stage for an intense, scoreless contest until the bottom of the 7^th inning. With the game looking like it was heading to an 8^th innings, Taylah Tsitsitikronis’ RBI (Runs Batted In) hit to centre field sent Maddi Scott, who was waiting at second base, racing home to score the tournament-winning run for the Aussies. Following the final match, the ‘Player of the Tournament Award’ was awarded to Aussie Spirit player, Kylie Steemers.

The tournament not only saw the Aussie Spirit rise to the occasion, but it also provided the U18 Women’s team with invaluable international playing experience. As the next generation of Aussie Spirit players, this experience will be instrumental in their development as they look ahead to future international competitions, such as the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. The U18's displayed great resilience throughout the tournament, gaining crucial exposure to high-level competition, a key step in preparing them for the challenges ahead. China took out the junior tournament 5-0 and Chinese player, Li Xintian, successfully took home the ‘U18 Player of the Tournament Award’.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh expressed her delight in hosting China, especially after their victory over Australia in the 2024 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup in July. Loh highlighted the significance of competing against such high-level opposition as the Aussie Spirit prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“The tournament was a crucial opportunity for the Aussie Spirit and our U18’s to challenge themselves against one of the top softball countries in the world. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, this tournament was essential in giving our athletes the competitive experience they need as we look to qualify for the Games,” said Loh.

Softball Australia wishes to extend a sincere thank you to all those who played an integral role in bringing this event to life and ensuring its success, with special thanks to Redland City Council, the Redlands Softball Association Committee, and Softball Queensland for their unwavering support and assistance both in the lead up and throughout the tournament. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Chinese Softball Association for their collaboration and enthusiasm.

Softball Australia are also incredibly grateful to the many volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes made everything run smoothly. Your dedication was vital in delivering a seamless and exciting tournament experience both on and off the diamond.

This tournament against one of the top softball nations in the world has given both the Aussie Spirit and U18 team invaluable experience at the highest level. These opportunities are vital as the Aussie Spirit continues to refine their skills and strengthen their team dynamics in the lead-up to Olympic qualification. Softball Australia is committed to providing continued pathways for our athletes to compete on the global stage, ensuring they are well-prepared to take on the world’s best in 2028. We look forward to more exciting opportunities for the Aussie Spirit and the next generation of players to gain the experience and exposure necessary to achieve international and Olympic success.

Match Summary: Aussie Spirit vs. China – December 5-8, 2024

Day 1:

• Aussie U18's vs. China U18's:
  The U18 teams faced off in a thrilling start to the series. Game 1 ended with a narrow 5-7 loss for the Aussie U18's, followed by a tough 1-8 defeat in Game 2.
• Aussie Spirit vs. China:
  The Aussie Spirit kicked off the tournament with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over China in Game 1, setting a positive tone for the series.

Day 2:

• Aussie U18's vs. China U18's:
  The U18's continued their battle with a close 2-3 loss in Game 2, followed by a challenging 1-8 defeat in Game 3.
• Aussie Spirit vs. China:
  Game 2 saw China bounce back with a 3-5 win over the Aussie Spirit. However, the Aussie Spirit responded in Game 3 with a 4-1 victory, keeping the tournament competitive.

Day 3:

• Aussie U18's vs. China U18's:
  The U18 team came back strong on Day 3 but suffered a late loss in Game 4, 2-3, keeping the series tight but without a win.
• Aussie Spirit vs. China:
  The Aussie Spirit faced a tough challenge in Game 4, falling 0-2 to China, leaving the series tied at 2-2 heading into the final day.

Day 4:

• Aussie U18's vs. China U18's:
  The Aussie U18's fought hard in their final game, but a 4-7 loss sealed their series defeat against China.
• Aussie Spirit vs. China:
  The final match of the series saw an intense battle, but the Aussie Spirit emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, clinching the tournament with a dramatic and hard-earned victory on home soil.

 Relive all the action - full game footage available here thanks to InCamera: https://www.youtube.com/@InCameraLive