The Aussie Spirit restored their own self-belief when they took reigning world champions and Gold Medal favourites USA to extra innings, coming achingly close to pulling off the biggest upset of the tournament.

Scores were locked 0-0 through seven innings, with the deadlock finally broken by Australia in the top half of the eighth.

Consistently through the Olympics, the Aussie Spirit have been grinding in the batter’s box for quality at bats against the world’s best pitchers.

Today was arguably their biggest task, facing superstar Monica Abbott on the mound who was yet to leak a single run in the tournament.

OUT!!

White and Warwick team up nicely to catch USA's hot feet! 🇦🇺#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics | @SoftballOz pic.twitter.com/inPEKGuswb

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 25, 2021

However, the Spirit were able to stay in the fight with Abbott, despite her 13 strikeouts, working her over to record two walks in the top of the eighth to bring Australia’s lone scoring play in.

The bottom of the eighth saw America work their way across the plate twice for a walk-off win.

On Australia’s end, Tarni Stepto, the youngest in the team, was outstanding, keeping a stacked United States line-up scoreless in regulation. She was backed up by a hugely improved defensive effort from the Spirit.

USA ❌❌❌

Tarni Stepto steps up 🥎

Still no score after two innings complete#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics pic.twitter.com/BH5m6LPlZG

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 25, 2021

Stepto said she knew was in control, keeping cool, calm and collected in the blistering Yokohama heat.

“Probably in the first inning, as an athlete you can tell if you’re on or off you’re game, I just made sure today I was going to be on,” said Stepto.

“I just made sure every inning, I was on.”

The proud Kamilaroi woman, hailing from Davidson Softball Club out of the Manly Warringah Softball Association, went toe-to-toe with Abbott who was electric as usual.

As Abbott went through her work mowing down the Australian line-up, the 21-year-old refused to blink first in seven innings, ensuring the game went the distance.

Stepto said the strong defensive performance has spirits buoyed ahead of a must-win clash against Mexico Monday night.

AUSSIE SPIRIT STILL ALIVE 🇦🇺

Both sides still scoreless after the 7th 😱

Extra innings coming up at Yokohama Baseball Stadium 🏟️ #Tokyo2020 | #7Olympicsi pic.twitter.com/FwCl4IYqJV

— 7Olympics (@7olympics) July 25, 2021

“To be honest our spirit is still really high, we battled and played the best game we’ve had here.

“We’re excited for tomorrow, we just need to make sure we win that game so we can move forward.

“We played a great team and hopefully we back that up to be in the Bronze Medal game.”

Stepto’s performance under pressure and against the best of the best in the sport should have Australian softball fans excited for the future of the code in Australia.

She says she has no intentions of slowing down, with an eye on a home Olympics in Brisbane 2032.

“I’m only 21 so to be out here and be among the best just gets me ready for my future.

"I've still got a couple more years in college and hopefully maybe play somewhere professionally, just to keep getting that experience, getting better and being world-class one day.

“I’m excited to see what’s to come, hopefully I keep playing until 2032.”

The Aussie Spirit now face a must-win match-up against Mexico in the final round-robin fixture on Monday night at 8:00pm (9:00pm AEST).

Box score available here.

Tournament standings available here.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Schedule available here.

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