AUSTRALIA EARNS THIRD TRIP TO OLYMPIC GAMES

2003-03-22
(From Softball Australia)

Aussie Spirit, the Australian women’s softball team have qualified for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games after defeating trans tasman rivals New Zealand in the first two games of the best-of-three playoff series today at Blacktown Olympic Park.

After finishing the preliminary round competition with an impressive undefeated record of four mercy rule wins in four games played, Aussie Spirit went into today’s playoff series intent on qualifying for the Athens Olympic Games by the end of today’s play, and avoiding a one-game “final” on Sunday. In Game One, however, New Zealand took their game right to the home team with four impressive double plays in the field, and 18-year old Michelle Kingi on the mound. Kingi had not thrown against Aussie Spirit in the preliminary rounds and her presence had a profound affect on the lineup that had accumulated over 44 hits leading into the finals series. Aussie Spirit managed just one hit off the teenager, a triple by captain Peta Edebone in the fifth inning. But it proved to be all that was needed, as a sacrifice fly by Simmone Morrow deep into leftfield scored Edebone for the only run of the game.

On the other side of the diamond, New Zealand stood little chance against the power and might of veteran pitcher Melanie Roche. Returning to the green and gold after a two-year absence, Roche threw a big no-hitter and claimed 13 strikeouts off 23 batters faced. With the win under their belt, Aussie Spirit returned to the diamond in the second game with growing confidence, and put two runs on the board in the first inning off Kingi, who backed up after a full seven innings in the first game.

New Zealand responded in their turn at bat however, when Togi Lote hit a two- base hit to leftfield which scored Cindy Potae, on base via wild throw. Aussie Spirit mounted a two-down rally at their next turn at bat when Natalie Ward’s two-base hit to leftfield drove in the third run and a big three-base hit to centerfield by Natalie Hodgskin converted Kerry Wyborn’s safe single.

Although Aussie Spirit failed to score another run in subsequent innings off replacement pitcher Carina Hale, who made her senior international debut during this series, tight defense, led by Tanya Harding, secured the win and gave Aussie Spirit the prize they fought so hard to win – a berth at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Aussie Spirit Head Coach Simon Roskvist admitted his first feeling upon the final Harding pitch was one of relief, but was quick to express his pride and place the credit in the hands of his athletes. “This team expected to win this tournament and they deserve every accolade they get,” an emotional Roskvist said post-game. “We concentrated on the process and not the outcome and we kept it simple.

Saskatoon (2002 World Championship) was a mistake and not a true representation of our capabilities and this was a good opportunity to prove we are still a world leader on the diamond.”

Of his players, Roskvist made a point of including the entire list from the most senior player to the young pinch runners and hitters with his praise, but he did single out his captain, Peta Edebone.

“Peta’s performance during this series was unbelievable. She is a gutsy performer who leads from the front and refuses to lay down under any circumstance.”

The remaining two Olympic qualifiers are Africa/Europe in June in Italy and Americas in July in Puerto Rico.

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