“The focus of the DSX programme will be to create as many learning opportunities as possible both on and off the diamond for these young athletes to achieve their softball goals,” said head coach Anthea Stringer.

The list features Genevieve Beacom, the first-ever woman to appear in a professional baseball game Downunder.

"Baseball is coming back stronger than ever," commented head coach Roke Alcantare Jr, who is pictured above during tryouts held in December 2021.

The first girl to play professional baseball in Australia was born in October 2004 and is eligible for the top U-18 competition.

The Giants won the first series in January. Genevieve Beacom, the first woman to play professionally in Australia, made her debut in game two. The ABL cancelled the 2021-2022 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The seven participants are American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and Solomon Islands.

"It seems like the whole baseball world knows me. It's crazy," said the 17-year-old left-hander to host Tyler Maun. On 7 January, she became the first woman to pitch in a pro baseball game in Australia.

The 17-year-old left-hander pitched one scoreless inning for the Melbourne Aces in the Challenge Series against the Adelaide Giants.

The two-time defending champions will face the Adelaide Giants from 7 to 9 January and the Auckland Tuatara from 28 to 30 January.

ABL abandons 2021/22 season due to COVID-19, sets sights on bright future.