Women's Softball World Cup Group C - Japan, Canada and Italy win on Day One

World No. 2 Japan, No. 5 Canada and No. 8 Italy are the unanimous favourites of the XVII WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Group C and they demonstrated it during Day 1.

Japan outscored No. 29 New Zealand in the first game, 16-2. The Tokyo 2020 gold medallists went at bat 13 times in a first inning highlighted by a grand slam by Nodoka Harada. Hotaru Tsukamoto and Kanna Kudo also homered on the way to a four-inning winning.

Canada shut out a brave Phillippines side, 5-0. The world No. 26 programme combined five hits and had a chance to score first against Tokyo 2020 star Sara Groenewegen. Canada's power made the difference with home runs by Janet Leung and Emma Entzinger.

"It's not that we are swinging for the fences," said Entzminger. "But if you make good contact, the ball was out. We are playing one game at a time. It was important to start with a win."

Italy broke the score open against No. 22 Venezuela with a three-run fifth inning on their way to a 4-2 win. Starting pitcher Alice Nicolini went the distance for the win.

"This team can hit," commented head coach Federico Pizzolini. "But tonight I want to congratulate Alice [Nicolini]. Throwing a complete game is a great accomplishment."

Italy will play a double header on Sunday, 23 July, facing New Zealand in the first and Canada in the last game of the day. Venezuela play Canada before Japan take on the Philippines.

"We are aware of the importance of the game against Canada," commented Pizzolini, "but we won't underestimate New Zealand. The key is getting some good rest."