The White Sox's world championship campaign ended with a 4-0 win over Korea in their final pool match in Beijing.
The New Zealand women's softball team were effectively eliminated from the championship after they were upset 2-1 by Britain, which cost them a place in the championship round.
The White
Sox struggled to score in the tournament, finishing with three wins and four defeats.
The top four teams automatically qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which will be the last Olympics to include softball.
New Zealand still have a long shot at qualifying in an Asia/Oceania competition.
In their final match against Korea, White Sox skipper Fiona Timu led the way with three runners batted in as the team picked up nine hits in the game.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the first inning when with the bases loaded, Timu was hit by the pitch, allowing Sheree Cartwright to score.
The White Sox went further ahead in the third inning when Timu picked up a double and scored two runners from base.
They scored their final run in the fourth inning when Tianna Areai'iti came home on a double by Kalala Gabriel.
Korea struggled against the accuracy of Ali Arnold who pitched the full game, picking up five strikeouts while giving up three hits and four walks.
Team USA head into the playoffs as firm favourites having won all seven of their round robin matches.
