june2006

Junior White Sox take trip into the unknown

June 26, 2006

off to Vancouver, BC

Junior White Sox take trip into the unknown
Tuesday June 27th 2006

The school holidays may be upon us next week but for the Junior White Soxit will be a case of learning overload over the next two weeks as thesquad fly out for Vancouver to compete in the Canada Cup Futurestournament.

A squad of 15 players will represent New Zealand at the Canada CupFutures tournament for the first time in the sports history. Thetournament sees over 30 club, provincial and national junior teams fromaround the world taking to the diamond.

Junior White Sox coach Lynda O’Cain says the tour will be a huge learningexperience for the team and a great opportunity to get to playinternational softball.

“We need to get some international competition and this is one of thepremier tournaments in women’s world softball. We are looking to use thisas an opportunity to expose as many of our players to the internationalgame as possible while also helping to identify where the gaps are in oursquad ahead of the world champs next year,” said O’Cain.

The Junior White Sox will fly out for the tour on June 30th with theCanada Cup Futures tournament due to start on July 4th (NZ time). At thetournament the Junior White Sox have five games in round robin play wherethey will need to finish in the top three to qualify for the championshipplayoffs.

The tour is something of a trip into the unknown for the Junior White Soxas little is known about the opposition they will play in the Canada Cupand for some in the squad the tour will be their first taste ofinternational travel.

“We don’t know a lot about our opposition but we are expecting it to bevery competitive. The tour is more about focusing on what we are doingand working on combinations,” said O’Cain.

Along with performing on the diamond there will also be a strong elementof learning off the diamond as the players sit back with pencil in handto watch teams compete in the senior Canada Cup tournament.

“This will be a chance for our players to see the best women’s teams inthe world competing against each other. We will be active spectatorswatching how the top teams warm up, see the different styles of play fromthe different countries and look at specific position play for individualplayers,” said O’Cain.
 
The tour is part of the long term planning in place ahead of the JuniorWomen’s World Championships next year.

JUNIOR WHITE SOX TOURING SQUAD

Pitchers: Ashleigh Harmer Horowhenua, Courtney Maihi Waikato, Jessica HauHutt Valley, Elisha Smith Canterbury

Catchers: Melanie Gettins Hawkes Bay, Okawa Priest Hutt Valley,

Infielders: Emma Frost Canterbury, Courtenay O’Donnell Auckland, KatrinaStockford Hutt Valley, Brooke Cutting Wellington, Amber IrvingAuckland,

Outfielders: Liani Samuel Hawkes Bay, Christina Paul Canterbury, LaraAndrews Hutt Valley, Pauline Tahuri Auckland, 

Utility: Carmelle Sorensen Canterbury,

Coach: Lynda O’Cain Auckland
Assistant Coach: Mandy Karatau-Keightley Canterbury
Assistant Coach: Philippa Ward Wellington

Manager: Lyn Lockhart Canterbury
Scorer: Vicky Griffiths Canterbury

Umpire: Lance Brown Wanganui
Canada Cup Round Robin Games
Tuesday July 4th 6.30am
New Zealand v Twin City T-Birds

Wednesday July 5th 4.00am
New Zealand v Surrey Storm


Thursday July 6th 9.00am
New Zealand v Okanagan Wildfire


Thursday July 6th 11.30am
New Zealand v WR Renegades - Desrosiers


Friday July 7th 4.00am
New Zealand v Calahoo Erins
Championship Round – Saturday July 8th – Monday July 10th
After round robin play the top three teams from each pool go through tothe Championship Round. Additionally, the top remaining team based onCanada Cup qualifying criteria, will earn a “Wild Card” entry into theChampionship Round. The Championship Round is double elimination with asudden death championship final. 

Consolation Round – Saturday July 8th - Monday July 10th
The remainder of the teams will proceed to a modified, single eliminationConsolation Round.

* Note the time difference between New Zealand and Surrey, BritishColumbia sees team 20 hours behind us. All times listed in this draw areNew Zealand times.

By SNZ Media Liaison: Kelly Mitchell
* mailto:kelly.mitchell@xtra.co.nz

http://www.softball.org.nz/
*mailto:snz@softball.org.nz


Cheers Vance
Softball New Zealand web master.
* mailto:vanf@ihug.co.nz

OUR SPONSORS

TRENDING NOW
@alsfastball
FRIENDS OF AL'S FASTBALL
AU Sable AFP Fastpitch Fastpitch West International Softball Congress Men’s Fastpitch SA North American Fastpitch Association Ontario Amateur Softball Association

Ontario Masters Fastball sports betting site betway Shooters Fastpitch League Softball Canada Softball New Zealand WBSC