The British Softball Federation and USA Softball today announced a women's softball two-game exhibition series to be played at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. World No. 1 USA and No. 13 Great Britain will face off on 29-30 June.
Both national teams had previously announced a series of games against Oklahoma City Spark, a professional softball team from the Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) league. Great Britain will play the second Royal Spark Challenge on 27-28 June, while USA will take on the Spark on 29-30 June.
“We are always looking for opportunities to test ourselves against the best possible competition,” said Great Britain head coach Tara Henry. "Playing the Spark and USA in back-to-back exhibition series gives our players the chance to test themselves against great competition as well as our coaching staff a great opportunity to evaluate and assess our team in live situations."
Great Britain and the United States last faced off during the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Group A playoffs in Balbriggan, Ireland last summer, with a spot in the World Cup Finals on the line. USA defeated Great Britain, 7-0.
Great Britain will use the exhibitions to prepare for the European Softball Championships in Utrecht, the Netherlands from 1-7 September.
USA Softball will select a Women’s Elite Team to face off Great Britain. The same team will travel to Japan for the All-Star Series in July. The USA Softball Women's National Team will play OKC Spark to prepare for the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals in Castions di Strada, Italy, from 15-21 July.
“USA Softball is excited to provide these women with the chance to prove themselves on the international stage as we head into the next Olympic quad,” said USA Softball Chief Sport Development/Performance Officer, Chris Sebren. “Facing off against one of Europe’s top teams in Great Britain as well as Japan will give them the opportunity to gain that international experience.”
