Proud Victorian – Ilsa Anstey, is currently in the form of her career.

November last year Anstey was awarded the MVP for the inaugural Women’s Invitational, before dominating at the National Championships in early January.

Now her sights are set on a weeklong softball stint – beginning with Thursday’s Asia Pacific Cup and concluding with Summerslam – Fully Loaded, playing with team Riot.

Anstey spoke highly of the Women’s Invitational and views it as a tournament that could potentially transform softball for years to come and fast track the development of softball in Victoria.  

“The tournament is great, as an invitational it gets players and coaches along who haven’t played for a while or haven’t been involved too heavily in the sport,” Anstey told Softball Victoria Media.

“I think it was a success, it gave opportunities to juniors who were able to work with the senior players and fine tune elements of their game to enhance their skill-set.

“I think it’s important for the older players like myself, to teach the way we were taught. In preparation we focussed on a positive mindset, making sure when an error was made – there isn’t any dwelling on it and focused on the one-percenters.”

It’s been a massive season for the Victorian, who’s been working tirelessly with Coach Mark Rigg on getting her body in the best possible shape to pitch at her best consistently and for long periods.

“Preparation wise, I’ve worked with Head Coach of our open team – Mark Rigg and his daughter Kiara,” Anstey said.

“So I have been really lucky they’ve put in the time to work on my throwing, getting my flow and hitting my spots. I threw last night, which was all about feeling in-sync with my body.

“Now it’s about executing what I was working on, learning how the catcher’s work and growing from there.”

To keep up to date with the Asia Pacific Cup and to read part two of Ilsa’s journey to Blacktown, follow Softball Victoria on Facebook here