Phoenix's Harper Brindley is tagged out as she slides into second base. (Photo: Dani Brown.)
Despite just one home run being hit during the three games, round three of Softball SA’s Fully Loaded tournament was arguably the most exciting.
The previously winless Phoenix rose to defeat both the Angels and the Thunder, and the final game of the night would determine the final leaderboard heading into September 23’s grand final.
Game one started with cracking pace from the Phoenix, who brought home a massive seven runs in the first inning.
They backed up their batting performance in the field, with outfielders Gemma Letton and Chloe Zakelj taking some spectacular catches throughout the night.
The Phoenix scored another nine runs in total during the second and third innings, while the stunned Angels only managed six runs all game.
The Phoenix’s momentum continued in game two of the round as they scored a huge seven runs in the first inning against the Thunder.
Chelsea Robinson tried to bring some big batting in to inspire her Thunder teammates but it was not to be.
The Phoenix’s first dig was enough to snag them the win, 9-2.
The final match of the round, between the Angels and the Thunder, would determine who was in the grand final and who would need to fight one more round.
To secure the grand final position, the Thunder needed a five-run win over the Angels.
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Steph Trzcinski and Robinson led the way for the Thunder, being responsible for five runs coming home in the first inning when the Angels only notched up three.
The pressure got to the Angels, who were left scoreless in the second inning while the Thunder added another four to their tally.
But if you’re the Thunder and you have Aussie Spirit squad member Georgia Hood on your side, your team name can never be crossed out completely.
With two out and bases loaded at the top of the third inning, Hood cracked the bat and managed to score a grand slam through a hit just inside the first base foul line.
Trzcinski took a vital catch on the fence to end the Angels’ run, but the Angels’ response was just as quick and Hood struck three Thunder batters out.
While the Thunder won by two runs, the Angels topped the ladder on points and advanced to the grand final, to be played on Thursday, September 23.
They will play the winner of the preliminary final between the Thunder and the Phoenix, which will happen before the grand final, at 6.30pm ACST time.
Georgia Hood was named the winner of the Homerun Competition with her three tournament home runs.
Trzcinski, Amber Hood, and Sophie Roberts are tied in second place on one each and will face off in a home run derby on grand final night to finalise the standings.
FINAL SCORES
Phoenix 16 def Angels 6
Phoenix 9 def Thunder 2
Thunder 9 def Angels 7
HOME RUN TALLY
Georgia Hood (Angels) – 3
Steph Trzcinski (Thunder) – 1
Amber Hood (Thunder) – 1
Sophie Roberts (Angels) – 1
TOURNAMENT STANDINGS
Angels – 14 points
Thunder – 13 points
Phoenix – 10 points
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