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Stanford grads Jessica Mendoza, Alissa Haber and Lauren Lappin will be joined by Cardinal junior Ashley Hansen as Team USA competes in the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) XII Women’s World Championship, which begins Wednesday, in Caracas, Venezuela.
The Americans, the most decorated in the history of the international game, have participated in 11 previous World championships, winning eight gold medals, including the last six in succession dating to 1982.
Team USA opens against China on Thursday and then continues pool play against New Zealand, Botswana, Australia, the Dominican Republic and Czech Republic. Playoffs begin on June 30.
“Playing USA Softball is an honor,” two-time Olympian Jennie Finch said. “Wearing USA across your chest pushes you to be the best you can be. You want to play well for not only for yourself and your country but your teammates and all the players that have come before you. It’s really special to be a part of this team. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity.”
Team USA owns an all-time world championship mark of 106-10 (.914), and has outscored its opponents, 650-45. Out of the 106 wins, 88 have been by shutout.
The national team ends its at the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City for the World Cup of Softball that runs July 22 through 26, and include teams from Canada and Japan as well as the Women’s Futures National Team.
“The World Cup of Softball gets more exciting each and every year and 2010 is no exception,” Mendoza said. “Where else can you see the best softball in the World and see the U.S. face off on home soil? The fans have always been outstanding and we hope to put on quite a show come July.”