A slightly cooler day here in Chiba but a tough day for Botswana who showed passion and a lot of love for the game.

The Spirit started strong led by Tarni Stepto, the young Aussie pitcher making her debut at Worlds.

The batters equally stepped up, ending the first innings with a 4-0 lead. Melinda Weaver scoring the first run on a fielding error, Chelsea Forkin stealing second and Samantha Poole connecting to get her home.

Poole followed suit and stole second with Clare Warwick at bat to make it 3.

Carmelle Sorrenson added to the scoreboard getting Warwick home to round out the innings. 

The Aussie Spirit outclassing their opponents making it 10-0 after the second innings and finishing the game in the top of the 4th 14-0. 

“The feeling was indescribable, there was so much going through my mind that my very first inning was all a blur", Tarni Stepto said after the game.

"Once I sat back and really acknowledged where I was and who I was representing I felt a warmth in my heart that I only get in certain circumstances.

"Representing my country is a huge privilege and I’m so glad I got to debut with such an amazing team and supporting crew behind me!” 

Onto the next game for the Spirit heading towards the crunch end of the group stage. Great Britain Tuesday August 7th @ 7pm AEST, stream it live here. 


✏️ Nicola Bolger - No softball expert just another female athlete appreciating some green and gold action.

#believeinthespirit