The New Zealand White Sox are on track for the top eight playoffs after their first two games at the world women's softball championships in Canada.
The White Sox, including Hawke's Bay catcher Melanie Gettins and Auckland-based former Bay pitcher Michal Tangaroa, opened their campaign with a 7-3 win against Mexico on Saturday and yesterday were beaten 7-0 by Japan. Before Gettins left the Bay with the national team she said the White Sox had targeted Mexico, Great Britain, who they play today, Italy and Chinese Taipei as section play opponents they must beat to reach the top eight.
Japan, silver medallists at the 2010 world championships in Venezuela where New Zealand finished 12th, scored four runs in the first inning yesterday and three in the fourth. When the match ended in the fifth inning the Japanese had out-hit the Kiwis 8-2.
Gettins produced three assists and 11 pick offs and took two catches in the loss.
Gettins was also the starting catcher against Mexico, a game in which the Kiwis collected 13 safe hits, three of them to Hutt Valley's Lara Andrews. Lead off batter Krysta Hoani, who had two RBIs, pitcher-outfielder Taylor Paige-Stewart and Australia-based infielder Brook McManus had two safe hits each.