The Canadian women's softball team has earned a berth in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Lauren Bay of Trail, B.C., and Robin Mackin of Newmarket, Ont., combined on a no-hitter as Canada defeated Italy 3-0 at the world championship Tuesday to qualify for the Summer Games for the fourth straight time.
Erin Cumpstone of Saskatoon and Jennifer Salling of Port Coquitlam, B.C., each were 2-for-3 at the plate for Canada, which scored in the third, fourth and fifth innings.
The key fourth-inning run in the game to decide fifth place was scored after Alison Bradley of Pinkerton, Ont., tripled to right field. Bradley raced home when the outfielder's throw eluded her teammate at third base.
The United States beat Japan 3-0 to retain the championship. Jessica Mendoza and Crystl Bustos hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the sixth.
The 15-country tournament was held at the new softball venue built for the 2008 Olympics.
