Softball: White Sox knocked out after strong beginning

The New Zealand women's softball team were knocked out of contention at the Canada Cup tournament in Vancouver after a 2-4 loss to the Phoenix Storm last night.

The White Sox made it to the final five after an 11-7 win over California A earlier yesterday.

Phoenix upset world No 2 Australia in round-robin play. Those two sides are joined by China and Japan in the final four.

The White Sox made a good start, with Rhonda Hira hitting United States junior representative pitcher Jenny Finch out of the park in the fourth innings.

Phoenix replied with a three-run homer in the next innings to take a 3-1 lead, with New Zealand's only further run coming from Lisa Kersten.

The White Sox were out-hit 5-11, with their only safe hits coming from Hira, Kersten, Kiri Shaw, Kim Dermott and Fiona Timu.

They suffered a further blow to their pitching stocks, with Ruta Lealamanua suffering an injured hand to join captain Gina Weber on the sidelines.

Weber suffered a neck injury on Saturday.

Earlier, the game against California A lasted nine innings and almost four hours, with the lead changing several times.

New Zealand used three pitchers, with Timu starting on the mound and facing 24 batters for two strikeouts and eight hits.

She was relieved by Lealamanua, who pitched to 16 batters for one strikeout and five hits.

Then Jaye Bailey came in to finish the game, facing two batters for one strikeout.

Kersten, Hira and Char Pouaka all had two safe hits, while Shaw, Togi Lote and Cindy Potae had one safe hit apiece.

The White Sox lost their first life in the playoffs when they were beaten by China 2-6 on Saturday night.

They qualified for the playoffs in third place in their pool with three wins and three losses in section play.

The Kiwis are using the Canada Cup tournament as part of their build-up for September's Sydney Olympics.

- NZPA