Four pitchers, of varying levels of experience, will be the key to Otago's hopes of making the final of the Jubilee Cup women's softball tournament in Christchurch this weekend.
Otago has generally finished third or worse at the event in recent years but experienced coach Kath McGilbert is quietly hopeful of better this time.
"We've got four under-17 girls in our team and two of them have never been to this tournament before, so it will be a big step for them," McGilbert said.
"But we've also got a few who have played at this level for a while and I'd hope they will help us. We'd certainly like to do everything we can to get into the final."
The weekend tournament consists of a round-robin, with Otago playing Canterbury, Canterbury Under-19, Southland, Marlborough and Nelson. The top two teams then play a final.
Southland, which comfortably beat Otago in a pre-tournament game, is expected to be strong, while Canterbury starts as a strong favourite as its side is the same as that which competes in the national league.
McGilbert has plenty of pitching options, with Canterbury ring-in Shannon Downing likely to be given first start on the mound.
Downing has also been recruited for the Southern Pride in the national league.
Experienced Otago and Southern utility Carol Harwood will share the starting pitching duties, with support from youngsters Janna Meek and Krystena Hynes.
Kate Brewerton batted well and played sound defence in centre field against Southland, while Gemma Tuhega is another key batter in the order.
Otago women
For Jubilee Cup
Carol Harwood (captain), Melissa Lawless, Janna Meek, Krystena Hynes, Jess Tuhega, Gemma Tuhega, Jass Adlam, Shannon Downing, Tania Watson, Natalie Smith, Shannon Yorston, Kate Brewerton, Kirsty Currie, Tori Allen, Sam Steele.
