Canada's bid for women's world softball championship medals ended with a 7-2 loss to Australia on Monday.
The good news is that Canada can still qualify for the 2008 Olympics by defeating Italy on Tuesday.
``We do not have time to stew about this one as opportunity still knocks in the form of Italy,'' head coach Lori Sippel said after the loss to the Aussies. ``Our goal of reaching the podium will not be attained.
``owever, qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games would help to take the edge off for the journey home.''
Australia took a 1-0 lead in the third inning and Canada jumped ahead 2-1 in the fourth. With two out, Kristy Odamura of Richmond, Ont., singled, stole second base and scored when Rachel Schill of Kitchener, Ont., doubled. After Melanie Matthews of Surrey, B.C., walked, Jennifer Salling of Port Coquitlam, B.C., drove in Schill to give Canada a short-lived lead.
Australia went ahead to stay with five runs in the fifth.
Starting pitcher Lauren Bay of Trail, B.C., allowed three hits while striking out seven through four innings. Robin Mackin of Newmarket, Ont., took over in the fifth inning after Australia struck for two runs. Danielle Lawrie of Langley, B.C., closed out the game for Canada.
Matthews went 2-for-3 at the plate. Of the seven Australian runs, only three were earned.
The Canada-Italy loser will be host for one of three regional Olympic qualifiers in 2007.
