Local Athletes Pitch In For Queensland

SOFTBALL

The 2026 National Softball Championships have begun, with the Under-16 girls recently competing in Mirrabooka, Perth. The team fought hard throughout the tournament to reach the Grand Final, where they came up against New South Wales. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure first position, but the girls are to be congratulated on their outstanding effort and determination. Evie Grace pitched strongly throughout the competition, supported by assistant coach Allan James, with the team giving their best right to the final game.

Evie will now have a couple of days’ rest before heading back into action, representing Queensland in the Under-18 Girls side in Blacktown, NSW, from 20 to 25 January. She is expected to return home just in time for the start of the school year.

Meanwhile, Jaxon Maluga will also take to the field in Blacktown, representing Queensland in the Under-18 Men’s team from 20 to 25 January, where he will pitch for the side. After a short break, he will join fellow teammate James Allan to compete in the Under-23 Queensland Men’s team at Redlands, Brisbane, from 3 to 8 February. The players will be supported by scorer and statistician Debbie Carey. The team will be hoping to build on the success of previous campaigns and bring home a strong result.

Adding to the local representation, Riley James will head to Hawker, ACT, to compete with the Queensland Patriots Open Men’s team at the National Championships from 3 to 8 March.

Mackay’s softball community is proud to see so many talented local players representing Queensland on the national stage and wishes them all the best in their upcoming competitions.

Contributed by Cheryl Martin

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Mackay softball stars Evie Grace, Jaxon Maluga, James Allan and Riley James represent Queensland at the 2026 National Championships across multiple age groups. Photos supplied

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