Tara Murray
Williamstown Wolves have started the season strongly on and off the field in the Baseball Victoria Summer League.
The Wolves men’s side has won its opening two matches in the division 2 competition, while the club again has four senior men’s sides and a masters side.
They also have four junior sides and a tee ball program. Most excitingly, the club has a women’s side for the first time in a number of years.
Wolves president Michelle Sadler said things were looking good at the club.
“We’re looking strong with our senior teams,” she said. “We’ve got a women’s side for the first time in decades, which we are excited about.
“We’ve got two under-12s teams and two under-16s teams and a rookie ball tee-ball squad which is really good.
“[Off field] we have our annual life members and sponsors day on November 6 which we are excited about.”
Sadler said the formation of the women’s side was about ensuring they had a pathway for their junior girls.
“We have a couple of junior girls and we want to provide a pathway for them,” she said.
“They are both playing juniors and seniors like the boys. For the girls to be able to do this, we don’t lose them to the sport.
“We have quite a few new players that had never played baseball before. We have players from 14 to 45 and they’re having a lot of fun.”
One of the juniors Athena Koulis has taken on the starting pitcher role.
The Wolves lost their opening match in division 3, before Saturday’s match against Essendon was called off due to the ground being unplayable.
Senior men’s player Daniel Chircop is coaching the side. This week they face the Mitchell Majors.
Another exciting moment in the opening round was four members from the DiBlasi family all playing together in the fourths.
Sadler said the men’s squad was similar to last season. She said getting promotion into division 1 was always the aim.
Japanese player Yo Takehara has joined the side as an import.
Six juniors have already made their debuts across the senior sides on the men’s side which is a positive going forward.
On Sunday, the Wolves beat Doncaster, 12-2 to be one of four undefeated teams after two rounds.
The Wolves face St Kilda this Sunday.
Newport Rams also remain undefeated after beating the North Western Titans 7-0 on Sunday.
In the men’s division 3 competition, Footscray beat Port Melbourne, 12-10. It was Footscray’s first win of the season.
In women’s division 1, Springvale beat Footscray 14-2.
In the women’s division 2, Newport had a bye and Footscray beat Springvale Lions, 14-12.
In division 3, Newport lost to Alfredton 12-8.
