U.S. players jump for joy

Press, 28 January 1986, Page 38

U.S. players jump for joy

From TIM DUNBAR

The United States players were still leaping up and down in delight on the diamond and hugging each other emotionally some minutes after winning the Mazda women’s world softball championships in Mangere yesterday.

They took the world title in convincing fashion, beating China, 2-0, and remaining unbeaten in 13 games over the 10 games of the championships. China, playing in a world series for the first time, had the near impossible task of beating the United States twice to take the gold medal and even the euphoria of its dashing win against New Zealand was not enough to carry it through. The Chinese players had top four play-off matches against Canada and New Zealand in quick succession yesterday morning and any energy left possibly faded when their coach had them har-

ing round the outfield catching fly-balls before the final.

The Americans outbatted the Chinese by six hits to two. Both the runs came in the top of the fourth when the designated hitter, Jackie Gaw, whacked a pitch over second base to score Leanne Jarvis and Allyson Rioux.

The United States’ strength at the tournament was in the depth of its pitching staff. While most teams had only three, the United States had four to rotate — all of top quality.

First semi-final: United States 1, New Zealand 0; China 4, Canada 2.

Second semi-final: China 9, New Zealand 1.

Final: United States 2, China 0.

Final platings: United States 1, China 2, New Zealand 3, Canada 4, Puerto Rico 5, Chinese Taipei 6, Holland 7, Australia 8, Japan 9, Italy 10, Indonesia 11, Zimbabwe 12.