It’s here to stay.
The Softball Victoria Masters Championships took place at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve at the weekend, with the event being seen as a home run by Greater Shepparton City Council.
The 26th edition of the championships featured about 700 players across 42 teams from across the state.
This year was the eighth time the Greater Shepparton region had hosted the championships.
Given the tournament is being viewed as a resounding success by Softball Victoria, the organisation has announced the championships will continue to be held in Greater Shepparton until the end of 2027.
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Amigos' Michelle McLaren mid-innings. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 21
Vicsen's Rosemary Hawkins swings hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 21
Amigos' catcher Jess Wolferston chirping behind the batter. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 21
Vicsen's Joanne Wilson waits to pounce. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 21
Amigos' pitcher Shelley Hull winds up a fastball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 21
Amigos' catcher Jess Wolferston enjoys the match. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 21
Amigos' Ros Hendy waits patiently for an opportunity to take a catch. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 21
Vicsen's Kathy Bedwell runs between bases. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 21
Vicsen's Rosemary Hawkins runs to get on base. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 21
Casey 2 Cans’ Nick Hensen’s hands were safe as houses. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 21
Casey 2 Cans’ Travis Lindorff runs hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 21
Casey 2 Cans’ Darren Alford enjoys his time in the sun. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 13 of 21
Amigos' Jess Wolferston loads up. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 14 of 21
Vicsen's Sue Donaldson directs the outfield. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 15 of 21
Vicsen's Sue Donaldson runs to stop a ball getting through. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 16 of 21
Vicsen's Wenda Donaldson with a pure swing of the bat. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 17 of 21
Casey 2 Cans’ Jeff Wynn runs between second and third base. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 18 of 21
Vicsen's Virginia Wotton-Morris gets ready to throw a curveball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 19 of 21
Casey 2 Cans’ Darren Alford connects with bat and ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 20 of 21
Vicsen's Hiroko Barbaro crouched, ready and waiting. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 21 of 21
Phantoms' Barry Verbunt smokes a ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitSoftball Victoria state of operations manager Jo Schutt said she was excited to see the championships remain in Greater Shepparton for the foreseeable future.
“The 2024 Victorian Softball Masters Championships was yet another bigger and better year of fun, friendly rivalries and fair play,” Schutt said.
“Over 700 participants from around the country were embraced by the warm hospitality of the Goulburn Valley community with the help of local businesses and organisations.
“With the level of support and warm welcome we receive from the Shepparton council and wider community, extending our partnership for a further three years was an easy decision.
“Our softball community love to make the trip each year and we have no doubt the Victorian Softball Masters Championships will continue to go from strength to strength.”