by Scott Ready, Australian Baseball Federation
Australia’s national women’s baseball team leaves for the V Women’s Baseball World Cup in four days and the team is looking fitter than ever in their lead up campaign to Edmonton Canada
Before the tournament begins on 10 August, Team Australia is set to play an exhibition game against the USA to help the team prepare for tough competition in Canada.
Head Coach John Gaynor said the toughest competition will come from Japan, who hasn’t lost a game in six years, and only one in the last eight years. The single loss came from a game won by Team Australia.
“We just need to apply pressure to them. If we can do that and take the same pressure as well, then we’re set. We just have to take it to them. They can make mistakes as well,” Gaynor said.
Just as many coaches stress, Gaynor believes pitching will be the team’s key to success.
“Jacinda Barclay is our ace, but I think that everybody will be surprised by some of our younger girls throwing well,” said Gaynor.
Team chemistry is at an all-time high thanks to the last World Cup in Venezuela. Due to the duress of an accidental shooting, the base of the team bonded firmly together.
With this improved team chemistry and players at their fittest, Team Australia is ready to take on the competition.
“The team is really excited, very, very relaxed, and they’re all looking awesome. I think everyone is very keen to get there, and get with the team, and start bonding,” Gaynor said.
