Received: 9/2/06 8:23:08 AM From: "Holly Krivokapich" <hollyk(at)softball.org>
Subject: USA advances to playoffs with perfect 7-0 record USA advances to playoffs with perfect 7-0record Beijing, China---The USA SoftballWomens National Team defeated South Africa, 10-0, in five innings toadvance into the playoff rounds of the XI ISF Womens World Championshipswith a perfect 7-0 record and as the top seed from Pool A. The USA will continue its quest for a sixthconsecutive World Championship on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. CT against No. 2 seed Australia. Caitlin Lowe (TustinCalif.) was superb offensively for the U.S.going 3-for-4 at the plate with three stolen bases, two runs scored and an RBI.She got things started in the first inning with an infield single and thenswiped second. A single by Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.scored Lowe for the first run of the game. With one out, Crystl Bustos (CanyonCountry, Calif.) doubled to left field to plate Watley and a 2-0 lead. It was Lowe again who got things startedin the second inning. With two outs, Lowe reached on a bunt single and thenstole second once again. Watley came through with a single to center field thatscored Lowe for a 3-0 advantage. Bustos led off the third inning with hersecond double of the game, moved to third on a groundout by Jenny Topping (Whittier, Calif.) andscored on a fielders choice by Andrea Duran (Salem, Calif.).A single by Tairia Flowers (Tucson, Ariz.) moved Duran to second and a single to left fieldby Vicky Galindo (Union City Calif.) brought her home. Lowedrove in the final run of the inning with a single to right field to increasethe U.S.lead to 6-0. Alicia Hollowell (Suisin, Calif.), makingher first start in a World Championship, kept South Africa hitless until thefourth when shortstop Candice Stephens singled to right center. Two consecutiveground outs kept the shutout intact and Hollowell ended the game with sixstrikeouts. The U.S. picked up the runs it neededin the bottom of the fourth to end the game in five innings due to the runrule. Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) and Bustosreached on back-to-back errors by the South African defense that had beenperfect in the game. Topping followed with a double to left field that scored Mendoza and moved Bustosto third. A sacrifice fly by Duran plated Bustos anda double by Amanda Freed (Cypress Calif.) scored Topping. Galindofinished things off with a double of her own to score Freed and give the U.S. a10-0 win. The U.S. offense exploded for 12 hitsin the game including four doubles. Bustos, Watley and Galindo put up two hits,following Lowes three. Watley and Galindo joined Duran in the RBIcategory with two apiece. With pool play complete the U.S. now turns its focus to the playoffs whereit will face Australia, theonly team to beat the U.S.in World Championship competition since 1982. Australiabeat the U.S. 2-1 in 12innings during the second round of the playoffs at the 1998 World Championshipsin Fujinomiya, Japan. Holly Krivokapich Assistant Director of Communications ASA/USA Softball 405-425-3431 www.asasoftball.com www.usasoftball.com Al's Fastball News *Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] NEWS-1: http://www.AlsFastball.com/ NEWS-2: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball VIA http://www.webbox.com
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