Softball: Pitcher impresses from distance

Three new caps have been named in the New Zealand team for the women's World Series in Canada in July.

Coach Mike Walsh has promoted American-based pitcher Ali Arnold, Nadia Mauriohooho, of Hutt Valley, and Nic Pouaka, of Canterbury.

Pouaka joins her twin sister Char in the White Sox, after previously playing for the New Zealand A side. Nic Pouaka was one of three catchers named, but Walsh said she was also likely to play in the outfield.

Arnold is the daughter of former New Zealand pitcher Graeme Arnold, who now lives in Illinois.

She impressed the selectors when she played for Wellington at last season's provincial championships and has been in close contact with them since.

She joins a pitching staff which includes Aucklanders Pip McKenzie and Michelle Kingi, and Sheree Cartwright of Canterbury.

Mauriohooho, 21, is the bolter, having come into contention for the national team just this season.

Walsh said the selectors had been impressed with what she had shown them in the past few months.

"She's a left-handed hitter who makes good contact and has good speed. She's fit, she's fast and she's very coachable," he said.

"We see her as a back-up at second base and in the outfield, but also as someone we can train as a specialist pinch-runner."

Walsh believed versatility was one of the strengths of the 17-strong side he named. He expected all three catchers - Pouaka, Cindy Potae and Togi Lote - to spend some time in the outfield, and planned to exploit the batting strength of pitchers Cartwright and Kingi.

"We spent a lot of time looking at the balance of the side and we're pleased with what we've come up with."