Some good Olympic news...

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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
After a post about a lot of USA players playing for other nations, I thought this might change a little perspective.

Asia Pacific Cup just happened in Australia this week - Australia and Japan did NOT make the final. China defeated Chinese Taipei in the final.

All four team looked strong and some of the other teams had their moments (New Zealand had some decent gamses). The Olympic qualifier is in Shanghai later this year. There is a lot of quality across these teams. They come to the Olympics prepped there should be some outstanding games.

USA is still stacked but the below happened in pool play in 1996 & 2000

[video]https://youtu.be/g3ZgQVSysmY?t=126[/video]
 
Last edited:
Mar 13, 2010
1,758
48
As an Aussie it’s not great! Terrified we won’t make it.

The main issue is that you’re going to have America, and potentially two junior American sides going. (If the unbelievable happens and Puerot Rico AND Mexico happens)

I just can’t believe that after we got booted out for being too American they made it so three North American sides will be there.

I have to say the Jo Brown home run got me into the biggest trouble of my LIFE up till that point. When she hit it I screamed super loud and started celebrating.

It was 4am and I was 13 and had been told not to get up. I thought I could watch it and go back to bed before everyone getting up. Didn’t work that way!

I was also in the crowd for Petas hit in Sydney. Amazing game.
 
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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
As an Aussie it’s not great! Terrified we won’t make it.

Big concern of mine as well. Australia's pitching makes me nervous - Parnaby and Roberts are good but just always seem hittable against the top teams. I would like to see Gabbie Plain included at some point - Gabbie is the one pitcher Australia has who has the potential to be unhittable when she is on.

China and Chinese Taipei have made huge strides the last few years and that 2 teams will be left out is a huge shame as all three continue to improve the game locally. That there will be only 6 teams at the games does not bode well for inclusion beyond 2020.
 
Jul 17, 2012
175
28
Kenmore, WA
Gabbie Plain can be dominant when she is on, which is most of the time. I wonder if Coach Tarr is preparing for her to redshirt next year to train with Australia like Danielle Lawrie did back in 2008.
 
Mar 13, 2010
1,758
48
We won’t be staying past 2020. That’s reality.

Yeah I was baffled when we didn’t take Gabbie Plain to worlds. She’s a gun and the experience would have been good for her.

Ellen Roberts and Kaia Parnaby are great, but hittable like you said. And we have no one if they’re not on.

We didn’t take our other two junior pitchers to the Asia Pacific Cup and just don’t understand it. The bottom state at the recent national championships had the most players. Baffling.

The new coach is Laing Harrow and he’s great. We did beat China 5/0 in the rounds so who knows.

But yeah. The fact Asia/Oceanic is combined for one spot is super disappointing. It should be one spot America’s, two Asia/Ofeanic (because it’s two regions) and one Europe. But three North American teams will be there, confirming the view it’s an American sport.
 

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