VICTORIAN pitcher Emma Lowe has been stripped of her travelling expenses for the National Women’s Championships in Perth after her house was robbed.
Lowe, who will represent the Victorian Baseball Provincial League at the titles in WA starting on 2 April, returned home with VBPL team-mates Sam Copland and Nikki Durovic on Wednesday night to find her Point Cook residence turned upside down.
Items stolen included a laptop computer, two iPods, jewellery and up to $1500 cash.
The state and Werribee Women’s Baseball Club coach, Tony Culph, said Lowe and her house-mate, Danni Balzer, who was planning to fly to Perth as part of the support staff, were devastated.
“Emma had a lot of money at home that she was saving to go on the trip which was stolen, and it has put her trip in jeopardy,” Culph said.
“She has recently lost her job and crashed her car before Christmas, so she has had a tough run of late.
“She had all her money in a tin and the cost to go to the nationals was about $1800, but that is all gone now.
“We (WWBC) can only do so much to help so we’re really looking for help now.
“Emma has been staying at my place because she just doesn’t want to go home and Danni hasn’t even seen the mess yet because she’s an air hostess and hasn’t been home.”
Culph said he would try everything in his power to ensure both women still got to Perth, but said some fundraising may be needed to help meet the cost.
“There is no way we wouldn’t try and allow Emma to go,” he said.
“We will find the money somewhere, but we just have to work out a way to get it back.
“We might try and run a raffle or some kind of fundraiser when we get back and try and repay the person that puts the money in.
“Whether that is me or somebody else from the club we’ll wait and see, but we’ll certainly be pushing for them to go.
“It is bad timing because we’re off pretty soon and the girls have been looking forward to it.”
Culph urged local businesses to show their support and get behind some of the areas most promising baseballers.
“Any help would be appreciated,” Culph said.
Anyone wishing to donate money or for any further inquires can contact Culph on 0417 500 937.
