Canadians Open Olympics with 2-0 Victory

Athens, Greece - The Canadian Olympic softball team, which includes Husker first baseman Sheena Lawrick, defeated Chinese Taipei, 2-0, on Saturday in the opening game of the preliminary round at Olympic Softball Stadium in Athens.

Lawrick, a senior-to-be, did not start for Team Canada. The Calgary, Alberta, native was named to the Canadian Olympic Team in May, despite being injured. Lawrick tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in April, but has made a quick recovery to be ready in time for the Olympics.

Lauren Bay, who played collegiately for Oklahoma State, picked up the win, allowing only four hits in a complete-game shutout.

NU Associate Head Coach and Canada native Lori Sippel is also in Athens with the team. Sippel, who was an All-American in her playing days at Nebraska, is providing color commentary for the Canadian Broadcasting Company.

The Canadian team next faces Greece at 8:30 a.m. (CDT) on Sunday.