FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9^th, 2009

 

 

(Maracay, Venezuela) – The Canadian Senior Women’s NationalSoftball Team continued its winning ways in Maracay, Venezuela as they defeatedthe host country 8-0 in five innings in the battle of the two undefeated teamsin the playoff round. Canada received a strong pitching performance from JennaCaira (Toronto, ON) as she threw a no-hitter with nine strikeouts. Canada poundedout 10 hits over the five innings to rack up the win.

 

The red and white opened the scoring in the first inning asMelanie Matthews (Surrey, BC) hit a solo homerun to put Canada up 1-0. Canada added to that lead the following inning as Kaleigh Rafter (Guelph, ON)singled and Sheena Lawrick (Calgary, AB) drove a two-run homerun to centerfield giving Canada a 3-0 after two innings. In inning number three, CaitlinLever (Buffalo, New York) walked and Jenn Salling (Port Coquitlam, BC) droveher in with a solid double. Jennifer Yee (North Delta, BC) followed that upwith a solid single to score Salling from second base, putting Canada ahead bya score of 5-0. Another single by Rafter was followed by a three-run homerun bySheena Lawrick that cleared the white monster in right field making the scoreCanada 8, Venezuela 0 after three innings.

 

Lawrick ended the day with two homeruns and five runs battedin to her credit. That was all the offence Canada would need as they playedsolid defense to support a marvelous pitching performance by Jenna Caira, whodid not allow a hit over her five innings pitched.

 

The win gives Canada a direct berth in the Gold medal gameat 1:00pm EDT on Sunday in Maracay. Venezuela will take on the USA at 10:30amEDT on Sunday and the winner will advance to Championship game against Canada.

 

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For more information, please contact:

 

Gilles LeBlanc

Manager – Marketing and Communications

Softball Canada

(613) 523-3386 x3105