The “Countdown to Capetown” Junior White Sox squad for 2010 has been narrowed to 22, with a few new names added to the list combined with a solid number of squad members from the previous year. A team has been selected from the squad to compete in the Waverley Easter Softball Tournament in Melbourne. Head Coach Venita Hokai says “the opportunity to attend the Waverley tournament allows us to build on previous year’s performance at the Friendship Series as well as providing an exciting opportunity to test new players at an international level”.

New players include Faalele Tuala (Auckland), Kaysi Rawiri (Canterbury), Keely Wells (North Harbour), Micah Ropata (Melbourne) and Tania Puketapu (Brisbane).

Of particular note is Keely Wells who has been a consistent performer for her club team Hibiscus Coast and was outstanding at the Under 17’s National Tournament last week in Hamilton. Additionally pitcher Tania Puketapu was a shining star at the Under 17s taking Top Pitcher and Most Valuable Player. Puketapu was instrumental in the success of Hutt Valley taking out the national title against a determined combined North Harbour / Counties side in the 13 innings nail biter.

At approximately 12 months out from naming the Junior Women’s World Series Team, Hokai wants all current, past and aspiring squad members to work hard over the next year as selection to the final team is still an open book.

[Anita Leeuw Auckland, Kaysi Rawiri Canterbury, Arahia Fowell Hutt Valley, Keely Wells North Harbour, Arnora Hesp Canterbury, Kingsley Avery Auckland, Beth Stavert Auckland, Kuraroa Ratu-James Hutt Valley, Chance Warbrick Hutt Valley, Micah Ropata Melbourne, Danielle Tanoa Wellington, Rita Hokianga Hawkes Bay, Faalele Tuala Auckland, Robyn Hall Canterbury, Jardene Tipa Wellington, Santana Harris Auckland, Jordan Leigh Koni Counties Manukau, Taina Wilson Hutt Valley, Jordan Mumu Hutt Valley, Tania Puketapu Brisbane, Kataraina Hiku North Harbour, Te Reo Powhiri Matautia Auckland].

The team, selected from the squad to attend the Waverley Easter Tournament in Melbourne is: Tania Puketapu, Beth Stavert, Rita Hokianga, Santana Harris, Arahia Fowell, Anita Leeuw, Kuraroa Ratu-James, Jardene Tipa, Kingsley Avery, Faalele Tuala, Keely Wells, Kaysi Rawiri, Kataraina Hiku, Te Reo Powhiri Matautia Micah Ropata, and Robyn Hall.

All other squad members are named as non-travelling reserves.