Softball: Two new and one old return to White Sox

White Sox coach Mike Walsh today named his 24-woman training squad with an eye to the next year's world softball championships in Beijing and the Olympics in the same city two years later.

Walsh has resisted the urge to make wholesale changes after a disappointing season and named just two newcomers, plus a return for a player who had been on the outer since 2001.

Auckland catcher Tania Misa received her first White Sox call-up along with Canterbury catcher Te Awhina Hewer.

Auckland infielder Casey Roper returns to the fold after last playing for the White Sox in 2001.

Walsh said Misa and Hewer had been in his selection thoughts for a number of seasons and had been rewarded with the chance to force their way into the team and put pressure on the established players.

"The crucial element now is to provide the players with the environment to build a greater belief in their own ability, and being able to use that at game time," Walsh said.

The squad of 24 will assemble in Wellington in November for a three-day training camp.

Full White Sox squad:

Pitchers: Michelle Kingi (Counties), Carina Hale (Auckland), Michal Tangaroa (Hawkes Bay), Jessica Hau (Hutt Valley), Sheree Cartwright (Southland).

Catchers: Tania Misa (Auckland), Kiri Shaw (Hutt Valley), Cindy Potae (Hutt Valley) Te Awhina Hewer (Canterbury).

Infield: Fiona Timu (Auckland), Talilotu Tonu'u (Auckland), Casey Roper (Auckland), Upu Lote (Wellington), Kayo Marui (Hutt Valley), Lisa Kersten (Canterbury).

Outfield: Kalala Faalogo (Auckland), Zavana Aranga (Hutt Valley) Melisa Upu (Hutt Valley), Api Stone-O'Kane (Wellington), Togi Lote (Wellington), Nic Pouaka-Grego (Canterbury), Melanie Hulme (Canterbury).

Utilities: Ngamoko Hiku (North Harbour), Maleme Williams (Auckland).

- NZPA