The side qualified for the state semi finals in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Softball Knockout Competition.
The TPS girls team travelled to Sydney to compete at the Blacktown International Sportspark - the venue of the 2000 Olympic softball competition.
The team, which had been training all year, had the benefit of some forfeits but also played strongly to win the Riverina regional final in Wagga Wagga in August.
Coach and PTS teacher Beth Hatty said the girls had maintained their enthusiasm training two to three times a week since March, and had improved their skills tremendously.
“Softball is a game that not only requires the physical skills of catching with a glove, throwing, pitching and hitting, but also developing an understanding of the intricacies of the many rules involved,” she said.
“The girls played two games in Sydney.
“The first was the semi final which they lost 16-9, followed immediately by a friendly against the other losing semi finalist.
“It was fabulous to make the journey to Sydney to play the two games in such an amazing venue.
“While we did not come away with a win, the team was very competitive and played in great spirit against schools that drew from student populations that were two to three times larger than our small school.”
Hatty said thanks must go to the TPS P&C who donated $250 per student, as well as Tocumwal IGA who donated food.
“It is an expensive venture taking a team to Sydney, and we could not have managed it without the support of these local organisations.”
Principal Darren White, who accompanied the team to Sydney, drove the bus and acted as assistant manager on the day.
He congratulated the girls on a tremendous year.
“A big thank you must also go to their coach, Mrs Hatty, who has given her time throughout the year to train the team.
“It is a big commitment and sacrifice to give up your lunch breaks for such a long time and we are all appreciative of her willingness to do so.”
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