Softball team counts on pitching depth

By Steve Rivera

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece -- The United States softball team is ready to get on with its business of winning a third consecutive gold medal, beginning with today's game against Italy.

``We're prepared, and we've done everything we can to prepare for this moment,'' said U.S. pitcher Lisa Fernandez. ``That's what confidence is all about. There is a way to play this game physically, but it's the mental part that's going to separate gold from silver and silver from bronze.''

Head coach Mike Candrea hasn't announced a starting pitcher but said all four pitchers will be needed to contribute to the gold-medal effort.

``We have four quality pitchers that will be used according to how I feel they best match up to our competition," Candrea said. "We have a lot of options, and all will be used in a starting role or in relief if necessary."

Team USA, riding a 167-game win streak, is well aware that the competition has improved and become more aggressive in hopes of knocking it off its perch.

``Every country wants to win the gold medal, and every country is doing everything it can to get their athletes to be the very best,'' said first baseman Leah O-Brien-Amico. ``That's why we're seeing this game grow, not only in our country but across the world.''

First up is Italy, a team that has yet to score (11-0) on Team USA in their last three meetings.

``At this stage, any team is a threat,'' Fernandez said. ``I wish the game was played on paper - we'd do pretty good. But the game is played on the field. One pitch can be the difference between a win and a loss.''