ONE ON ONE WITH CANADIAN OLYMPIC SOFTBALL PITCHER LAUREN BAY

[right: Lauren Bay throws a pitch in Canada's game vs. Chinese Taipei on Day 1 of the 2004 Olympic Softball competition (photo by Franco Bagattini)]

On day 3 of the 2004 Olympic Softball competition, China defeated Canada, 4-2, but pitcher Lauren Bay was kind enough to take time to talk to internationalsoftball.com following her team's second loss in less than 24 hours.

QUESTION: When you walk out onto the field, do you get a feeling where you just KNOW that you're at THE highest level, or is it an approach similar to walking out for other tournaments?
LAUREN BAY: I try to take it as similar as I can. You can't make this game any bigger than it is any other time because you practice in a certain situation and that's how you want to play. And, we've been playing this game for 10, 12 years now, so, I'm just trying to go out there and play like I normally can; like I was in the basement of my own house.

Q: How do you and your teammates - especially the first-time Olympians - keep from getting distracted on the field by the fact that you're in the Olympics and all of Canada is watching back home?
LB: Because we're here and I think the time difference and everything, and again, the game is so familiar, ya' know, we get on the bus to go to the park and we've done this thousands and thousands of times, so, I'm sure on the plane ride home is when it'll hit us.

Q: The team has played a lot of international games in 2004, but do you think that the level of play here at the Olympics has been higher than you saw from January-August, or about what you expected?
LB: I think in terms of just us playing we know each other well. I think in the Olympics it's whoever comes out and plays the best ball, whoever plays better that day.

Q: You played a lot of college ball in the USA, how do you think this venue compares? You played in some nice venues in the U.S.
LB: This is gorgeous. I came and I was amazed. This is absolutely gorgeous... gorgeous facility.

Q: Since the team arrived in Athens, have you had a chance to see any sights or has it been all strictly softball?
LB: We've looked around, just very minimal, just because we were here actually quite, quite early, and we looked around just a little bit but we're going to save most of that for when it's over.

Q: What do you like best about the Athletes' Village?
LB: Oh, I can't even pick one. (laughs) The food?

Q: Do you see softball players from other teams there? If so, is it cordial?
LB: Yeah, yeah, most athletes definitely have a respect for each other in any sport, so, definitely.

Q: Is this your first time in Greece?
LB: It is. It's beautiful.

Q: Who's here watching you play in person?
LB: My mom and my dad.

Q: Any message you'd like to send back home to the Canadian readers of our website?
LB: Hmmm ... keep the faith.