White Sox dream of Olympics
New Zealand women’s softball coach Kevin Gettins says the short-turnaround format may suit the White Sox as they strive to make a mark at the Olympic Games Asia-Oceania qualifying tournament in Shanghai.
The White Sox will be out to finish in the top two in their pool to secure a place in the Super Round series, which will result in the winner earning the final place in the six-team Tokyo Olympics field.
Gettins is happy to go ‘‘under the radar’’ against Australia, China and Chinese Taipei, who are all ranked above the White Sox.
‘‘The format, with its short turnaround, suits us better than a 10-day tournament,’’ he said.
Teams will carry their pool phase points through to the Super Round, meaning it is vital to start on a good note.
New Zealand (ranked 11th in the world) meet China (9th) on the opening day on Tuesday at Shanghai’s purpose built $25 million stadium. They also play the Philippines (ranked 13th) and Korea (23rd).
Chinese Taipei (6th), Australia (7th), India (27th) Hong Kong (42nd) are in the other section.
The White Sox have appointed infielder Lara Andrews and catcher Melanie Gettins as co-captains. Coach Gettins said the pair had ‘‘100-plus caps between them’’ and have been to five world championships. ‘‘We’ve gone for experience and thought it would be good to share the load.’’
Australia, with world-class lefthander Kaia Parnaby and Gabby Pain, an all-American selection in her first season at the University of Washington, start as tournament favourites.
New Zealand have been to just one New Zealand White Sox squad for the 2019 Olympic Games Asia-Oceania qualifying tournament in Shanghai:
■ Jennifer Feret-Brear, Rita Hokianga, Courtney Gettins.
■ Melanie Gettins (co-captain), Stefanie Smith, Zoe Tolhopf.
■ Pallas Potter, Ashley Johnston, Lara Andrews (co-captain), Mereana Makea, Hailey Breakwell, Mikayla Werahiko.
■ Kingsley Avery, Ancelle van Molendorff, Krysta Hoani.
Pitchers:
Catchers:
Infielders:
Outfielders:
White Sox schedule:
■ Tuesday September 24: v China (7pm NZ time)
■ Wednesday September 25: v Korea (9.30pm)
■ Thursday September 26: v Philippines (4.30pm).
■ Friday September 26: Super Round playoffs.
Olympic tournament – in Sydney in 2000 – but Gettins said the White Sox were excited to get a chance to get to Tokyo after women’s softball’s was sidelined for the 2012 and 2016 Olympiads.
The White Sox complete their training camp in Japan with two games today before flying to Shanghai where they will meet Australia in a pre-tournament friendly tomorrow.