Softball: White Sox look overseas to boost rivalry for places

The New Zealand women's selectors have cast their net overseas in selecting the White Sox squad to tour North America in June.

Included in the team are three North American-based players: pitchers Ali Arnold and Cynthia Fallowfield, who are studying at universities in the United States, and Karlene Louden, an outfielder based in Canada.

White Sox coach Mike Walsh said casting the net wide would increase the strength and quality of the player base.


"We are looking to increase competition for positions and we don't have enough quality athletes here so we have to go offshore."


A large number of the players involved in the two recent home tri-series involving Canada, Japan and China have been selected again. The only addition is experienced international Char Pouaka, who is available again following commitments with her Italian club side.


Walsh said the short tour was a chance for players to impress as they build towards the 2006 world championships.

White Sox squad: Pitchers - Ali Arnold (US-based), Cynthia Fallowfield (US-based), Jessica Hau (Hutt Valley), Amanda Preston (Auckland). Catchers: Kiri Shaw (Wellington), Jorja Bell (Auckland). Infield: Fiona Timu (Auckland), Angela Stubbs (Hutt Valley), Char Pouaka (Canterbury), Talilotu Tonu'u (Wellington), Upu Lote (Wellington). Outfield: Brooke Lockhart (Canterbury), Kalala Faalogo (Auckland), Togi Lote (Wellington), Api Stone O'Kane (Wellington), Karlene Louden (Canada-based).

- NZPA