Baseball NSW congratulates the Barky Ball-Hers for snagging the bronze medal at the 2025 Barclay Cup in Adelaide. In an all-NSW showdown for the bronze, the Ball-Hers defeated the Cinda Spirit 7-4 thanks to a spirited performance on the mound and on the plate.
Both teams gave it their all in their final game.
For the Ball-Hers, pitcher Breearna Zavec was outstanding, striking out eight through four innings. The Ball-Hers’ bats were also working, as Ivy White and Madison Forbes each had two RBIs. Meanwhile, Forbes and Lily Baxter also had two hits each for the Ball-Hers.
On the other hand, Georgia Gately lifted the Cinda Spirit with a triple and a run, while teammate Emily Ninnes had an RBI and went 1-2. Then, Ryleigh Delacour-Batch also stole three bases for the Spirit in a competitive match.
The eventual gold medalists were the South Australia Seahorses (5-2) who defeated the South Australia Axolotls (5-3).
Overall, the Ball-Hers finished with a record of 5-3 while the Spirit ended with a record of 4-3.
The Ball-Hers also scored 65 runs throughout the tournament while allowing 53. On the other hand, the Spirit had 48 runs while allowing 39.
After the games, the Barclay Cup also handed out individual awards to players from all competing teams.
Both the Ball-Hers’ Lily Baxter and the Spirits’ Lucy Glastonbury received a Spirit Award, for exemplifying “what it means to be a great teammate” and for “demonstrating inclusivity and sports-‘woman’ship throughout the tournament.”
You can also relive the action on the Barclay Cup’s Facebook page, where streams of all games have been posted.
Besides showcasing high-level women’s baseball, this year’s tournament was also special because it marked the entry of the first international team to the tourney: the Florida Bolts!
The Bolts joined the tournament thanks to the efforts of BNSW member and dad to two decorated NSW representatives, Scott Cheevers, who linked up with Bolts president Brooke Greene and introduced her to the Barclay Cup.
Throughout the tournament, the Bolts were dominant, finishing on top of Pool C with a record of 7-1.
Besides competing, this tournament is also intended to foster friendships among female baseballers across Australia, continuing the path blazed by iconic sportswoman Jacinda Barclay in developing women’s sports in the country.
Congratulations once again to the Ball-Hers and the Spirit for their representation at this year’s Barclay Cup! Great work to all other teams for upholding the spirit of Jacinda Barclay through sports-woman-ship and tough competition!
