In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the Springvale Women’s 2’s pulled off a stunning upset last Saturday against an undefeated Newport side, claiming the club’s fourth Premier League Reserves Premiership. Against the odds, the team demonstrated skill, heart, and an unwavering belief in themselves to secure a Premiership that will be remembered for years to come. The win marks the 21st women’s program Premiership that the club has won in it’s 31 seasons.
The victory carries special significance for the club, as the Big Cats celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the women’s program. With the Women’s 1’s defeated just a week prior, bringing to an end their 20-year dynasty that included 15 Division One flags, the win was just what the club needed as a reminder of the legacy that continues for the Lions. What was also really cool about the win was that the team included players of a range of ages. Molly Lewis won a Premiership in just her first season as a Big Cat at age 15, with players in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s all contributing. What some might suggest is a weakness, with an ageing list, ultimately was a great strength for the team who leaned on both experience and youth to take out their flag.
“It’s almost the end of one era, and the start of a new one”, said Club Coach Simone Wearne. “It was a tough loss two weeks ago for the 1’s, but the 2’s pushing through and showing that Big Cats spirit to take out a memorable Premiership is a testament to the depth of our program and the belief that our players have. At the core of our program is a culture that everyone is important, every player, every team. That win meant a lot to the 2’s, but it meant a hell of a lot to the club and our program overall.”
For the 2’s, the Premiership win is a story of growth and redemption. Just a season ago, they faced heartbreak at the hands of Newport in their first final, falling short despite taking a lead into the last inning. The year prior they were defeated by Newport in the Grand Final. This year, they flipped the script, learning from past experiences and executing a near-flawless game plan to dethrone the previously undefeated Newport side. Head Coach Gabby Bevan led the charge in her first season at the helm, and she couldn’t be prouder of her players.
When we asked Gab about the win, she had this to say.
“To get the win on the weekend was very special. We knew from the outset that we would need to band together and give it everything we had to beat the powerhouse that was Newport, which got us over the line in the end! I am very proud of all the girls for their hard work throughout the season, and for being able to put it all together at the right time. Most importantly, I’m proud of the way we went about our business – we had fun on the field and enjoyed each other’s company, which proved to be our best brand of baseball throughout the season.”
From the first pitch, Springvale set the tone with Gab pounding the zone and taking control on the hill. However, it was the offense that lit up Melbourne Ballpark and made the real difference, with every hitter disciplined in the box and making a contribution. Clutch at-bats turned opportunities into crucial runs, and a consistent ability to score kept the Big Cats in the hunt and helped them play the game on their terms. The game remained tense until the final out, but as the dust settled, it was the Big Cats celebrating an incredible underdog victory.
The win underscores the continued growth of women’s baseball at Springvale, proving that resilience, teamwork, and belief can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Club stalwart Mandi Avent was part of the victorious 2’s team, and with the victory becomes one of only a handful of Springy women’s players to have won a Premiership in all three divisions. “What a great day for our club. There was a real show of unity and respect, with so many of our women’s program players and supporters in attendance, including some of our men’s players coming out to support the team, and the club. I am always so proud to be a Big Cat.”
As the club reflects on this historic Premiership, there is no doubt that the future remains bright for Springvale’s women’s teams at all levels. “The introduction of a fourth team this year was great for the program and the club, but often made things challenging”, Wearne added. “The club is excited about what comes next and knows that a new phase and a new energy has the potential to really continue the legacy that has been created. A huge congratulations must go to all of the coaches and players this season who ultimately made some kind of contribution that helped the 2’s and the club taste more success. Here’s to 2025.”