Castions di Strada, Italy - July 15, 2024 - The excitement is palpable as the Australian Women’s Spirit Team prepares to kick off their campaign at the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2024 in Castions di Strada, Italy. The tournament commences today, Monday 15^th July, with a thrilling match-up between Japan and Australia scheduled at 11:00am CEST (7pm AEST/6.30pm ACST/ 5pm AWST). Following this opener, fans can look forward to intense clashes between the Netherlands V Puerto Rico, USA V Canada, and host nation Italy taking on China.

The tournament unfolds over six action-packed days, beginning with the preliminary rounds from Monday to Wednesday. The competition intensifies with a Super Round on Thursday and Friday, leading to the highly anticipated Bronze Medal and Gold Medal Games on Saturday the 21^st July. For the complete schedule and live play-by-play updates, fans are encouraged to visit the official WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup page HERE.

All 22 games of the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, will be available to watch via live stream on GameTime, the premier platform for WBSC Baseball, Softball, and Baseball5 World Cups.

Australia, ranked No. 10 in the world, and the Netherlands, ranked No. 8, are poised to challenge expectations in Group B. "Our immediate goal is to advance to the Super Round," stated Australia's Coach Laing Harrow, emphasising the team’s strategic approach.

Fresh from their successful campaign in the Canada Cup, the Aussie Spirit’s first match up will be against world No.3 ranked, Japan tonight at 7pm AEST.

The Aussie Spirit Team is renowned for its competitive attitude and commitment to excellence in international Softball. Representing Australia with pride, the team has consistently demonstrated skill and determination on the global stage and is eager to make an early statement with a potential upset victory over Japan and progression to the Super Round.

Fans worldwide can follow the Spirit’s journey and catch every moment of the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals on GameTime.

For media inquiries, please contact: taylah.perry@softball.org.au - Softball Australia, Marketing & Executive Manager