With six-month preparations behind them, the US women's national softball team embarked on their journey to China for the 2008 Olympic Games.
"One thing about this team is that the chemistry is really strong. They have come together quite well," head coach Mike Candrea told the official website of US softball association (www.usasoftball.com).
As the Olympic triple gold medalist, the "Grand Slam" team recently wrapped up the pre-Olympic tour an overwhelming 59-1 record, which began in February and reached nearly 23 states.
The US put up offensively 11 runs per game in the 60 lopsided exhibition matches with most of their opponents from college teams and some regional clubs.
"They did a phenomenal job during the tour staying strong and they have a great mindset heading into the Games," Candrea added.
Jessica Mendoza was the leading batter for the team in almost all offensive categories. And from the circle, the blonde pinup pitcher Jennie Finch led the team with 19 wins and also suffered the only loss for the tour, when the team was no-hit by Virginia Tech on March 28.
At the 2004 Athens Games, the Americans dominated with a 9-0 record, allowing only one run while breaking 18 individual and team records. However, the coach reminded his girls to be clear-headed for the competitions in Beijing.
"A lot of our team has a very positive database from the 2004 Games where we dominated, but there are also those who have the memory of the 2000 Games where we played with our backs against the wall," Candrea said.
As the coach mentioned, in Sydney, the team suffered three losses in the preliminary round before battling through five extra-inning in the later games to take home their second gold.
"We have to prepare for both of those situations. We have done all we can and now we just need to get over there and start playing," Candrea added.
From Aug. 12-21, the eight Olympic teams that will compete in Beijing are Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, the Netherlands, the United States and Venezuela.
According to the website, the Americans has arrived in San Jose and will head to China on Monday, with a target on their back to defend the title yet maybe the last one, as the sport has been voted out of the 2012 London Olympics.
(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2008)