White Sox name extended squad to prepare for worlds

The New Zealand White Sox have taken a different approach in selecting a squad for the 2018 women’s world softball championships in Japan in August.

Head coach Kevin Gettins has opted to name 21 players – with four to be omitted in early June to fill the 17-maximum world tournament roster. He said the rationale was two-fold.

‘‘From our review of our preparation for the last world championships in 2016 and our trip to Japan last year we identified some areas we thought we could improve on and do better.

‘‘One of them was the preparation leading up to the world championships,’’ he said.

‘‘By naming an extended squad we want to keep some tension within the group to keep everyone striving for selection.

‘‘Going back over the years on all world championships I have attended we’ve had to bring in players because someone has pulled out for various reasons. ‘‘This way, we’ll have players who will have been training hard into June if the need arises.’’

Gettins said keeping selection open for another two months White Sox squad:

Pitchers: Taylor-Paige Stewart (University of Wisconsin/California), Rita Hokianga (Flaxmere/ Hawke’s Bay), Courtney Gettins (University of Alabama/Hawke’s Bay), Amy Begg (Morgan State University/Canterbury), Jennifer Feret-Brear (Western Magpies,/Auckland), Nyree White (Mt Albert Ramblers/Oregon).

Catchers: Melanie Gettins (Flaxmere/Hawke’s Bay), Kyla Bromhead (Waitakere Bears/Auckland), Stefanie Smith (Howick/Auckland), Zoe Tolhopf (Howick/Auckland).

Infielders: Pallas Potter (Te Aroha/Hutt Valley), Mikayla Werahiko (University of Maryland/ Canterbury), Ellie Cooper (Florida State University/ Missouri), Lara Andrews (Te Aroha/Hutt Valley), Hailey Breakwell (Wichita State University/California), Danica Ferriso (Dodgers/Hutt Valley). Outfielders: Kingsley Avery (Western Magpies/Auckland), Ancelle van Molendorff (Waitakere Bears/Brisbane), Kelley Renner (University of California San Diego/California), Mereana Makea (Florida South Western State College/Wellington), Krysta Hoani (Otahuhu/Auckland). would allow some players with niggly injuries to recover.

Former White Sox captain Katrina Nukunuku’s name is missing from the 21-member squad after playing at four world championships since 2006.

Gettins said competition had been hot for Nukunuku’s third base role.

‘‘Over the last few years we have developed some depth in key positions.

‘‘Katrina’s been a great servant for the White Sox over the years, but Lara Andrews has had an out- standing season being rewarded as MVP at the interclub tournament and NFC, Lara also led Hutt Valley to win the National Fastpitch Championships.

‘‘Mikayla Werahiko can cover shortstop, third base and outfield and Mereana Makea can play third base, second base or the outfield too.

‘‘It’s no reflection on Katrina, but we just didn’t see her fitting in there this time.’’

The White Sox squad features nine American-based players, including four of the six pitchers.