The United States has been the dominant force in world women s softball for the past two decades. Although the team s aura of invincibility has slipped since 1995, it was still able to win both the 1996 Games in Atlanta and the 1998 World Championships. Led by the pitching of Lisa Fernandez, the US will again be the team to beat in Sydney. Australia has usurped the Chinese as the number one challengers to the US but China will still pose a significant threat in Sydney. The Chinese play an aggressive infield game, making plenty of outs and in the process, restricting their opposition s scoring opportunities.
China also has a strong pitching staff, a most important component of any world-class softball team.
Japan has been the big improver in world softball since the last Games. At an international tournament in Brisbane in March the Japanese remained undefeated, beating two Australian selections during the tournament. Like China, the Japanese are quick and skilful in the infield, forcing outs from batters. But Australian captain Kerry Dienelt says the Japanese may crumble if they are put under pressure. There is also some doubt about the depth of Japan s pitching staff.