Canada Defeated by Australia at Softball Worlds - ISF women

[Al's Fastball News]

Received: 9/4/06 9:44:59 AM 
From:  <fanzone(at)softball.ca> 

 
Subject:  Canada Defeated by Australia at Softball Worlds  
    

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Fan Zone subscription Message
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2006

Canada Defeated by Australia at Softball Worlds

(Beijing, China) Canada was defeated by Australia 7-2 at the
XI ISF World Championships of softball bringing an end to their
podium hunt.

Despite the loss, Canada will still have a chance to qualify
for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games as China has advanced to the
final four. Canada will battle Italy on Tuesday, September 5th,
the winner will earn a berth to the 2008 Olympic Games. The losing
team will host one of three regional Olympic qualifiers in 2007.


Despite pressuring for the early lead, it was Australia who broke
the scoreless tie in the third inning to take a 1-0 lead. Canada
responded in the fourth on a two out rally led by a Kristy Odamura
(Richmond, ON) single to start the attack. Odamura then stole
second followed by a Rachel Schill (Kitchener, ON) double scoring
Odamura to tie the game. Canada continued to press as Melanie
Matthews (Surrey, BC) was walked to put runners at first and
second. Jennifer Salling (Port Coquitlam, BC) capped off the
inning driving in Schill giving Canada the 1 run lead.

After being held to only 1 run through four complete innings,
Australia broke out offensively in the fifth posting five runs
putting the game all but out of reach for the Canadians. Australia
would add to their lead in the sixth to eventually take a 7-2
win.

Lauren Bay (Trail, BC) received the start for Canada in the circle
and was solid though four complete innings. Before being relieved,
Bay held Australia to only 3 hits while striking out 7. Robin
Mackin (Newmarket, ON) came to Bay's relief in the fifth inning
however was relieved early after giving up 2 quick runs. Danielle
Lawrie (Langley, BC) closed out the game for Canada.

"I felt that we played four solid innings but in a game as this,
seven are required" stated Lori Sippel, Senior Women's National
Team Head Coach. "We do not have time to stew about this one
as opportunity still knocks in the form of Italy tomorrow. Our
goal of reaching the podium will not be attained; however qualifying
for the 2008 Olympic Games would help to take the edge off for
the journey home."

Of the 7 Australia runs, only 3 were earned. Matthews continued
her dominance at the plate going 2 for 3 with a stolen base.


For complete statistical information, please visit www.softball.ca.
For pictures and video casts, please visit www.2006softball.org.

-SC-

For more information, please contact

Rick Picard
Director, Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
rpicard at softball.ca
(613)-523-3386 ext 3105
(705)-698-7490 (Cell)

 

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