Japan repeats as World Champions; USA receives Silver, Australia Bronze

On Sunday, August 24, the ISF XIV Women’s World Championship in Haarlem (Netherlands) concluded with the all-deciding Grand Final.

On a bright and sunny day, Japan repeated as world champions by winning the grand final against the United States with a 4-1 score. Earlier in the day, the USA had qualified for the grand final with a convincing 8-1 victory versus Australia, which therefore settled for the Bronze Medal.

In his closing remarks, ISF President Dale McMann complimented the Local Organizing Committee with a job well done, despite the heavy rain that hit the event on several days. “The rain has been a challenge for everyone involved”, Mr. McMann said. “The ISF gives a big compliment to the organization and we surely have to credit the field crew, which did an outstanding job. Sometimes, we looked outside and didn’t think we could play, but they managed time after time after time to make the field playable again. Due to the rain, there were multiple changes in the schedule, adjusting times, changing pick-up times. That’s difficult to do, but they all kept a smile on their face. They did an excellent job in organizing the first women’s senior world championship on European soil.”

During a press meeting earlier in the day, Mr. McMann added that the International Softball Federation keeps on raising the level of softball worldwide and help the growth of the sport, finding ways to support the countries. The ISF also continues to talk to National Olympic Committees. “Softball is a beautiful sport. This tournament again underlined the need for softball to be back on the Olympic Program,” the ISF President stated.

Game C9: United States vs. Australia, 8-1 (6 inn.) (Bronze Medal Game) [Box Score]

Team USA didn’t waste any time in the Bronze Medal Game, taking charge of it right away in the first inning and increasing its lead two innings later en route to a big 8-1 score vs. Australia, which won bronze, just as it did two years ago.

In the first inning, it didn’t take long for the USA to open the score. With Kelsey Stewart on base, a force play grounder by Michelle Moultrie ended in an error and led to runners on first and third base. A single by Samantha Fischer then gave the USA an early 2-0 lead.

In the third, two runs were added. Raven Chavanne and Kelsey Stewart (singled) were on base and moved on a sacrifice bunt, then both scored on a 2-out double by Valerie Arioto.

Australia, which was silenced in the first four innings, got one run back in the top of the fifth inning. Chelsea Forkin then led off with a triple and scored on a force play grounder by Taylah Tsitsikronis, but this was to be Australia’s lone run. Team USA then scored its fifth run in the bottom of the fifth when, with one out, Kelsey Stewart tripled and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Michelle Moultrie.

Leading 5-1, the USA reached the run ahead rule by scoring three runs in the sixth off of Vanessa Stokes, the second Australian pitcher in this game. First, Kellie Fox doubled in a run, then Raven Chavanne added a 2-out, 2-run, walk-off single to make it 8-1.

W-Jackie Traina (3-0), L-Kaia Parnaby (3-1).

Game C10: United States vs. Japan, 1-4 (Grand Final – Gold Medal Game) [Box Score]

Japan prolonged its world title today by winning the Grand Final at the Nol Houtkamp Sportpark in Haarlem with a 4-1 score against the United States. With this, the top-3 is the same as two years ago in Whitehorse (Canada).

Yukiko Ueno again pitched a fine game for Japan. The veteran pitcher struck out six batters, walked three and gave up eight hits. But depite being out hit 8-7, Ueno got the offensive supported she needed in the first inning when her teammates scored three runs.

In the first at-bat, with one out, Rei Nishiyama walked, then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Eri Yamada was then walked intentionally to set up a force play and a walk for Yukiyo Mine loaded the bases. Japan then struck when Haruna Sakamoto followed with a 2-run single and Minami Sato added an RBI-single to give Japan an early 3-0 lead. And that was all, the reigning champions needed.

Japan added a run in the fourth inning, again with two outs. Yu Yamamoto and Rei Nishiyama then both singled and the lead runner scored when Misato Kawamo connected for the third consecutive single.

Trailing 3-0, the USA appeared to do something back in the second inning when Hallie Wilson walked and Amanda Chidester singled to start the at-bat, but the two stranded. Team USA also left two runners in the third and fourth inning.

In the fifth, the Americans finally were able to score a run. Kelsey Stewart led off with a walk, moved on a single by Michelle Moultrie and a fly out, then scored on a force play grounder by Lauren Gibson.

In the seventh inning, Team USA got a final chance to change the score. Raven Chavanne led off with a single, then Valerie Arioto walked with two outs. But then, Yukiko Ueno ended the game in style with a strike out to seal the win and the championship. Japan remained unbeaten during the event, winning ten games.

W-Yukiko Ueno 5-0, L-Jessica Moore (2-1).