STRIKE TWO: Monique back to help NSW defend title

MONIQUE Faul has been there and done that and now she plans to do it again.

The Orange softball star has been selected in the NSW open women’s side to play in the Gilley’s Shield, the national competition which brings together all the state teams.

She was part of the NSW side which took out the shield in the 2011-12 season.

Now she’s hoping the NSW Firestars can go back-to-back.

The pitcher was selected in the NSW side almost three weeks ago but it has been a long process.

“I was in the squad from mid-August,” Faul explained.

“The open championships were at the start of August. Then I’ve been playing State League in Sydney and they look at you in that too.

“I’ve been training weekly with the squad on Tuesday nights. I play State League on Sunday so I’m down there twice a week.”

Faul was one of four pitchers in the squad so thought she was a reasonable chance of earning a place in the NSW side.

NSW and the 23-year-old start their Gilley’s Shield campaign this week with the opening round in Perth.

Teams will play over three days from Friday to Saturday with two games each day.

The second round will be held in Adelaide from November 23-25 and the last round and finals will be held in Sydney from January 2-6.

Faul is no stranger to state presentation having played at the national championships, at various age divisions, six times before.

Last year she had plenty of time on the mound for NSW and expects them to use similar tactics this season.

“We share it around,” Faul explained.

“The pitchers face the batting line up once so the opposition don’t get to know you. I was happy with how I played.”

Faul has also been playing women’s State League with the Northern Storm and they finished runners-up to the Sharks in Sunday’s grand final.

Now the State League season is over, Faul will continue to play in the Orange and District Softball Association open competition.

Faul flies out to Perth on Thursday and the Gilley’s Shield starts on Friday.