SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - The 12th Annual Canada Cup was conducted at the Softball City Complex in Surrey, British Columbia from July 2nd to 10th, in what is perhaps the finest annual international women’s fastpitch tournament in the world, if not the longest running. During its eleven-year history, the event has made some significant changes, including the addition of the "Futures" division (19 and Under) three years ago and the inclusion of the "Showcase" division (16 and Under) this year. But some of the things that have not changed during this storied event are the gathering of the top women’s teams in the world, the friendly Canadian welcome everyone receives and the large knowledgeable crowds that attend the event.

This year a total of 64 teams participated in the three divisions of play, including 17 in the premiere women’s division. Included were the national teams for China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, Canada and the Netherlands. Other international teams included the USA Elite, Canada Elite and China-Beijing, along with seven American club teams. The teams were broken down into two pools, one with eight teams and the other with nine, with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the championship round.

The USA Elite team found itself in the Red Pool, along with Team Canada, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, China-Beijing, American Pastime, Carbondale Cougars and Triple Crown Colorado. At the end of pool play, the USA found itself atop the standings with the distinction of being the only undefeated team in either pool. But the Elite’s undefeated pool run was not easy, as the team pulled out a harrowing 1-0 win in eight innings over Team Canada, and scored one in the bottom of the seventh to down Triple Crown Colorado 1-0.

The Canada Cup Championship bracket is a standard double elimination without the "if necessary" game. Under this format, the championship game comes down to a once defeated team playing an undefeated team for the Cup championship. The first round pairings pitted Australia against the Carbondale Cougars, Team Canada with China, USA Elite versus Canada Elite and Japan against China-Beijing. In the first championship bracket game, Australia pitcher Catherine Bishop scattered five hits over seven innings and struck out nine as the Aussies downed the Carbondale Cougars 4-0. Australia catcher Natalie Titcume provided all the offense her team needed, with a fifth inning two run home run.

In the much anticipated showdown between the USA Elite and Australia in the winner’s bracket final, the Americans put together a dominating performance, completely out playing the team from down under scoring three in the bottom of the first inning, and after Australia put two on the board in the second, USA responded with seven more in the fourth to take a 10-2 run rule win after five innings. The Americans pounded out eight hits and were aided by four Australian errors.

The Canadian Elite team almost pulled off another stunner in the loser’s bracket final as they took a 2-1 lead over Australia into the bottom of the seventh, courtesy of a Tamra Howren two run single in the top of the fourth inning. But their young defense gave way to the pressure, committing a costly error in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second, and one out. Shortstop Moenie Marin’s throwing error permitted one to score and moved the winning run to third. After Stacey Porter and Natalie Titcume were walked to load the bases, Tracey Mosley singled in Kerry Wyborn for the Aussie win.

Going into the championship game, the question on most people’s minds was whether or not the Aussies could have made it a close contest against the Americans after their earlier run rule defeat. But the Aussies were more than up to the task, thanks in large part to the USA’s dreadful play in all facets of the game, taking the game and championship, 3-0. The Americans only tallied two hits against the Australian’s nine, and also misplayed five balls for errors.

The USA sent three different pitchers to the circle, each pitching two or more innings, and none were especially effective. Dana Sorensen worked two and two thirds innings giving up three hits, but no runs, Jocelyn Forest came on to work two and a third innings, surrendering two hits and one unearned run, while Jennie Ritter threw two and one third innings allowing four hits, and was credited with two earned runs. On offense, only Mackenzie Vandergee and Gina Oaks were able to record hits against the Australian, Melanie Roche.

Although Australia had at least one runner on in every inning, they were not able to put a run across until the top of the fifth inning, thanks to two miscues by the USA Elite squad. Pitcher Jocelyn Forest’s throwing error allowed Kylie Cronk to reach first base to begin the inning. After a sacrifice and a wild pitch moved Cronk to third, third baseman Gina Oaks´ throwing error allowed Cronk to score. The Aussies added another in the sixth when Stacey Porter singled home Belinda Wright. The final Australian run in the seventh was the result of poor pitching, as one single and three walks put the final nail in the American’s coffin.

The USA has now been shut out of the championship at the Canada Cup the last two years, and even failed to make the finals in 2004. While the Americans have been dominating in most Olympic tournaments and recent World Championships, the Canada Cup annually provides for plenty of surprises, upsets, upstarts, but most of all, great women’s fastpitch softball.