IT'S a workload they're not accustomed to, but Wagga Softball's under-16 girls overcame stifling heat and a gruelling schedule to claim their division title at the annual Australia Day weekend tournament in Canberra.
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After finishing runners-up last year, the side went one better after a thrilling finish where base hits from Charli Hall, Kealey Bettens and Taya Richards allowed Hall to secure the winning run in a 5-4 victory over Manly Maroons in the final.
Sitting in second after the round games, Wagga also edged out Canberra Pride to book their place in the decider.
Wagga also performed well in the lower age divisions with the under-14 boys and under-12 girls both finishing runners-up, the under-12 boys came third and the T-ballers gained valuable experience.
"They came runners-up in the under-16 girls last year so we usually make a grand final or two or finish in the top few teams," Wagga Softball Association representative program manager Sharon Hall said.
"It's a great result this year to come out winners, especially with some young girls in the team."
The players negotiated their way through a busy schedule, which included about 14 games overall and five alone on the opening day on Saturday.
"They played five games alone on the Saturday, in 40 degree temperatures," Hall said.
"We basically played an entire season's worth of Wagga softball across the three days.
"T-ball didn't win a game but it's their first carnival. It's a great tournament, it's great for the development of the sport."
The results continue a busy representative schedule after ten Wagga players won selection in teams to compete in national championships across various cities earlier this month.
Local softball is scheduled to recommence on Saturday, but officials are monitoring weather conditions with some forecasters predicting maximum temperatures of up to 44 degrees.
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