Montana is in a league of her own in PSSA title battle

This year’s NSW Primary School Girls’ Softball Championships took to the mound at Mudgee in September, showcasing talent from across the state.

For what is one of the highlight events in the PSSA calendar, the three day event was action packed with one local Mudgee girl pulling out all the stops to secure wins.

12 year old Montana Rheinberger has been playing softball for a steady three years, and is a key player in the team make up for the Western side.

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Throughout the three day event, Rheinberger filled almost every position there is in softball, playing pitcher, shortstop, first base, second base, third base, left and right outfield as well as taking a swing at bating.

Although she loves softball in its entirety, she said her favourite positions would have to be where the action is.

“My favourite would have to be shortstop or first base because that’s where the most movement is and you’re closer to the game.”

Western Coach Julie Cox, said Montana played well on the day, being a key player for the team and was not shy to give anything a go.

“She pitched really well, and played as a really strong part of the team.”

“She was willing to learn and do whatever it took and learnt to the best of her ability.”

The comp was host to 13 primary schools from across the state all duking it out for the NSW PSSA title.

The schools who played for the title include Hunter, North Coast, North West, Riverina, South Coast, Sydney East, Sydney North, Sydney South West, Sydney West, Western, Polding, Mackillop and CIS.

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When up against the strong Sydney sides, Montana said she was feeling excitement more than anything else heading into the games.

“I was nervous at the start but I was mostly excited as I had never seen those teams before.”

It is hoped that Rheinberger will continue to showcase her talent in softball as the years go on but when asked if she will become even more of a regular, she hesitantly said “maybe” with a hint of definitely.

“I would love for her to keep playing because she is a real pleasure to have in a team,” Cox said.

“She is a really strong player and key to the team she’s in,” Carnival Manager and local Softball Association President Mick Boller said.

Despite the positivity surrounding Mudgee’s Rheinberger,’s presence during the comp, Boller expressed the disappointing turn out in spectator numbers, with very few aside from the teams entourage making an appearance.

However, he adds that if it weren’t for volunteers manning the canteen and helping out in all kinds of ways for the event, the day would not have run as smoothly as it did.

“There were a number of local volunteers who without, the event wouldn’t been as successful as it was.”

Although he was unable to watch Rheinberger play a full game, from what he saw, she shone on the field especially when put in a variety of positions.

“From what I saw, Montana hit really well.”

“It was good for the coach to put the team in different positions so they get a feel for every one and can determine where they prefer to play. or where they are stronger.”

Throughout matches, it is expected that pitches sit around the 75 to 80 kph mark over a 10.5 metre distance, with runs of bases in 3.5 seconds.

The team makeup for the Western side is made up of players from Orange, Molong, Perthville, Mudgee, and Wellington, with Mudgee’s Montana Rheinberger the town’s only rep.

Boller said the event was a success with all 13 rounds played without any problems.

The Western side prevailed in two matches, claiming the win over Hunter and South Coast, finishing 9 out of 13 overall.

“It felt good to get the wins considering the other teams were tough to go up against.” 

The comp was held at West End Field’s from Tuesday 25 September, and finished on September 27.

Mudgee’s local softball season will begin on October 20 at West End Fields at 9am.

Registration is open and can be completed on the first day of games.

For more information, head to the Mudgee Softball Association Facebook page.