Cousins with confidence

Tori Auvale and Keziah Pauli will be cousins-in-arms at the School Sport Australia Softball Championships in Toowoomba, Queensland. 127445 Picture: JARROD POTTER

By JARROD POTTER

FROM first friends to state team mates, Narre Warren South cousins Keziah Pauli and Tori Auvale are about to embark on their best sport’s journey yet.
The rising-star softballers, both from Heritage College, believe the chance to represent School Sport Victoria in the 12-and-under girl’s softball team is already a thrill, but to do it by each other’s side is phenomenal.
Auvale, 12, was called into the final squad after the initial squad was announced and was excited to get her chance to represent the state alongside her cousin and stand at her preferred first-base position.
“I feel really confident when she’s there and this is our first time in the (state) squad,” Auvale said.
“I was happy that they thought we had a lot of skill to get in the team.”
Pauli, 11, was excited to get into the side and hoped the team could excel at the championships while she was behind the plate as the team catcher.
“It was actually really exciting to know that we were representing Victoria and going to Toowoomba,” Pauli said.
“I think we have a fair chance too.”
The family aspect of their softball brought the girls into the sport in the first place as Keziah’s mother Tanya encouraged the duo to head down and get involved at the Casey Softball Association.
The cousins wanted to thank their parents and family for their support and will head off to represent Victoria together at the School Sport Australia Softball Championships in Toowoomba, Queensland from 9 to 14 November.