1 year ago: Mexico, Canada earn Tokyo 2020 tickets as top teams in WBSC Olympic Softball Americas Qualifier

1 year ago: Mexico, Canada earn Tokyo 2020 tickets as top teams in WBSC Olympic Softball Americas Qualifier
01/09/2020
The Americas qualifier was played at Softball City in Surrey, Canada, and was softball’s second Olympic qualifier of the year.

One year ago, the Americas Softball Qualifier came to an end in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, with two new qualified nations for softball's historic upcoming return to the Olympic Games. Mexico and Canada joined Japan (Tokyo 2020 Olympic hosts), USA (World Champions), and Italy (top team across Europe/Africa) in next year’s six-team Olympic softball competition.

In all, 10 teams competed in two groups for two berths into the Tokyo 2020 Games. Canada advanced to the Super Round unbeaten from Group A, along with Puerto Rico and Cuba. Guatemala and Bahamas were eliminated from the competition. In Group B, Mexico finished undefeated, followed by Brazil and Venezuela. Peru and the Dominican Republic completed the standings. USA had already qualified for Tokyo 2020 as world champion and didn’t need to participate in the event.

To open the Super Round, Mexico faced Puerto Rico in a key match for the final standings. Mexican left-handed pitcher Danielle O’Toole was dominant, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts while allowing 7 hits. Mexico won the game, 2-0.

One day later, the two unbeaten teams met at Softball City with a berth in the Olympic Games at stake. Canada and Mexico played a very contested game, with Dallas Escobedo (MEX) and Sara Groenewegen (CAN) as the starters. The host team took the lead in the top of the third, but Mexico came from behind to win the game, 2-1, and clinch the Olympic qualification. It's the first time Mexico has ever qualified for the Olympics in the sport of softball.

The last game of the competition decided the second qualified for Tokyo 2020. Canada needed a win to secure their fifth Olympic participation, while Brazil aimed to win and force a triple-tie with Puerto Rico and Canada. However, Danielle Lawrie led the way pitching a one-hitter, while Kaleigh Rafter hit a walk-off dinger in the fifth inning to send Canada to Tokyo 2020.

Both the Canadian and Mexican softball teams are aiming to win their first-ever Olympic medal.

The Americas qualifier also served as a qualifier for The World Games Birmingham 2022. Canada and Mexico will also represent the Americas in the multi-sport competition.