News

Spirit regroups, ready to take on USA

Published Sat 24 Jul 2021

The Aussie Spirit is still in the hunt for an Olympic Medal and will be looking for an improved performance against world champions, USA, today in Yokohoma.

 

The disappointment of the Canadian game is behind the Australians as they look to muster their fighting spirit that permeates through the history of the program.

 

Australia’s history against the USA in international competition has been mixed. At the Olympics, they have a two win and five loss record.

 

Some of the most memorable Olympic moments have come from individual heroics from Joanne Brown (1996) and Peta Edebone (2000) lifting lifted the Spirit to win. In total, Australia and the USA have faced off 96 times.

 

The last time Australia played the USA was at the 2018 World Championships, losing 3-1.

 

USA comes into the game with wins over Italy, Mexico and Canada. Led by veterans Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott on the mound, America has not conceded a run so far in the tournament.

 

The Americans have scored five runs across the three games, including a 2-0 win against Mexico on Saturday. Haylie McCleney leads the competition with a batting average of 0.800, Amanda Chidester is another American bat that has been hot in the first three games.

 

For Australia, the bats of Taylah Tsitsikronis and Leigh Godfrey will look to set the tone early. Expect to see a combined pitching effort to limit the scoring opportunities for the USA.

 

Australian Head Coach Laing Harrow will be looking for his hitters to improve on converting runs in the US match up. Expressing his disappointment on the missed opportunities in the Canadian game, Harrow will be hoping the Aussie Spirit convert what opportunities they have against the arms of Abbott and Osterman.

 

The game will be streamed live through 7plus. Check your local guides for 7Mate.

 

Download the 7plus app here

 

Game times:

  • 11am (AEST)
  • 10:30am (ACST)
  • 9am (AWST)

 

Great things happen when you #HaveAGo

 

Find your nearest softball club and begin your journey | https://bit.ly/3v4xek


Gallery