Aussies through to Semi Finals after thrilling wins - Canada Cup - women

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Received: 7/8/06 3:55:01 AM 
From:  "DiAnne Lilburn" <dianne.lilburn(at)softball.org.au> 

   
Subject:  Aussies through to Semi Finals after thrilling wins
 
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Media Release
8 July 2006

Aussies through to Semi Finals after thrilling wins

The Aussie Spirit are through to the Semi Finals of the 2006
Canada Cup in Vancouver after defeating Florida Quicksilver 5-2
and Venezuela 5-4 in today's play. 

The undefeated Aussies came from behind to beat Venezuela in
their second game after Venezuela came out firing with a two-run
home run in the top of the first inning. 

Australia was quick to reply with Stacey Porter hitting a home
run. Venezuela answered with another two-run home run, taking
them to a 4-1 lead. 

In the bottom of the fourth, co-captain and Australia's most
capped player, Natalie Ward hit a sacrifice fly to allow Sandra
Allen home, with Australia still trailing by two. 

Australia's Kelly Gentle was able to hold the Venezuela's bats,
and with Belinda Wright scoring in the bottom of the fifth the
Aussies only trailed by one. 

With Australia needing two to win, Simmone Morrow and Allen were
put on base by the fielder's choice. Stacey Porter stepped up
to the plate and chances of victory were in promising hands.
Porter hit a double which allowed Morrow and Allen to score,
taking Australia to the lead and through to the Semi Finals in
a thrilling 5-4 victory. 

In the earlier game, Florida Quicksilver scored a two-run home
run in reply to Stacey Porter's score in the first. 

The Aussie bats were quick to reply and to take the lead in the
top of the second with Wright home and Morrow scoring on a wild
pitch. 

Australia co-captain, Tanya Harding, held the Florida Quicksilver
bats and with Natalie Titcume's home run in the top of the seventh,
Australia secured a 5-2 win. 

Australia will meet the Netherlands in the Semi Final tomorrow
at 11.30am (AEST). 

FOR INTERVIEWS OR MORE INFORMATION
____________________________________
DiAnne Lilburn
National Communications Coordinator
Softball Australia
Suite 4, Ground Floor
38-40 Prospect Street
Box Hill, Victoria 3128

T: +61 3 9890 8200
F: +61 3 9890 8295
M: +61 (0) 405 509 674

For more information visit www.softball.org.au <http://www.softball.org.au/


_____________________________________________________________________________
Did you know that Australia is the world's number one softball
nation? 
World number two - Open Women's team (Aussie Spirit), Silver
Medallist (Athens, 2004), Bronze Medallists (Sydney 2000 and
Atlanta 1996). 
World number one - Under 19 Men's team (Aussie Colts), three
consecutive World Championship titles. 
World number three - Open Men's team (Aussie Steelers) and Under
19 Women's team (Aussie Pride).

 

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