July 14, 2005

SURREY, B.C. - The U.S. Elite Team closed out tournament play at the Canada Cup with a 3-0 loss to Australia in the gold medal contest on Sunday, July 10.

The U.S. previously defeated Australia, 10-2, in bracket play. Five U.S. errors and the strong pitching of three-time Olympian Melanie Roche, however, lifted Australia to the gold medal victory.

The U.S. lodged a 10-1 record during Canada Cup competition. For the tournament, the U.S. totaled a .291 team batting average with three home runs (two grand slams) while outscoring opponents 47-18. The pitching staff recorded a 1.12 ERA, holding opponents to a .156 batting average.

Pacific head coach Brian Kolze served as an assistant coach on the U.S. coaching staff at the Canada Cup. He will continue his assistant coaching duties as the U.S. Elite Team takes part in the Inter-Continental Spain Cup July 20-28, at Madrid, Spain. Teresa Wilson (head coach, Texas Tech) will serve as the U.S. head coach at the event, with John Rittman (head coach, Stanford) and Jay Miller (head coach, Mississippi State) joining Kolze as assistants on the staff.