Errors Cost Canada Chance at Upset

The Canadian softball team appeared poised to finish what it had started and snap the United State's 17-game Olympic win streak on Friday before three errors led to four unearned runs in the sixth inning as the Americans rallied for a late 8-1 victory in a battle of the last two unbeaten teams in Beijing.

Team Canada's upset bid started on Thursday, when the Canadians built a 1-0 lead after three innings of play before rain suspended the remainder of the game. Canada maintained the lead until the sixth inning on Friday, when the Americans scored four runs without recording a hit. Canada was its own worst enemy in the decisive frame as all of the runs were unearned. With two outs, the tying run scored on a hit batter with the bases loaded,  the go-ahead run on a wild pitch three pitches later and the final two runs on a throwing error.

The big inning somewhat deflated the Canadians, as Team USA - which had managed only one hit while scoring four times through the first six innings - produced five two-out hits in the seventh inning to tack on four insurance runs.

With the victory, Team USA won for the 18th straight time in Olympic play and took over first place in the preliminary round. The Canadians, who are coached by NU Associate Head Coach Lori Sippel, fell to 3-1 and dropped into a tie for second in the standings. Team Canada is still in excellent position to advance to the medal round for the first time in program history after defeating host China, 1-0, in Friday's earlier game.

Former Husker Sheena Lawrick went 1-for-3 in the loss, recording her first hit in Beijing with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Lawrick's single spoiled what would have been Team USA's third no-hitter in four Olympic games. The Americans have now allowed just two hits in their four games.

Robin Mackin, who will be a junior this season, faced two batters in the seventh, recording one out and allowing a single.

Team Canada next returns to action on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6:30 a.m. (Central) against winless Venezuela. Live video coverage of that game is available by clicking here (link will become available prior to first pitch).