Greeks revel in first softball victory

By STEVE RIVERA

Gannett News Service

HELLINIKO, Greece - The Greek softball team changed roles Sunday from Olympic hosts to celebrants.

The Greeks upset Canada 2-0 at Helliniko Stadium to win their first-ever international softball game.

``This is big for us,'' said Kristen Karanzias, a reserve pitcher for the Greeks and a sophomore-to-be the University of Iowa. ``We knew we could do it all along. We've been playing together for two years, and this has been our goal. We knew we could do it. We knew we'd be successful.''

The victory comes a day after a 5-0 loss to China in the opening day of the 2004 Olympic Games here on their homeland.

On Sunday, some players were brought to tears; others were overjoyed by their efforts.

``It's great, and it can't get any better,'' said starting right fielder Jessica Bashor, a former Iowa Hawkeye. ``Everyone is excited. It's the greatest feeling in the world, but we're going to try to keep it contained because we still have games to play.''

A number of fans - including the 15 or so family members of the Bashors - stayed around to congratulate the Greeks well past their victory. ``This is our starting point,'' said Lindsey Bashor, the team's center fielder and Jessica's younger sister. ``We just have to keep going.''

That's what the message was from coach Linda Wells, the Arizona State head coach who has coached the team since it was formed. Wells called the victory a ``heroic effort'' after Saturday's shutout loss.

Starting pitcher Sarah Farnworth, who gave up three hits and struck out five, called it ``a great team win (because) everyone came out and played like we are capable of playing. This is how the Greek softball team has played the last two years. People didn't get a feel for how we play (in Saturday's loss). This is what we are capable of, and I think we're going to surprise a lot of teams.''

Next up is Italy on Monday. But first, they'll enjoy.

``This feels very good,'' said Joanna Bouziou, one of only two Greek natives on the team. ``I feel very excited, and I'm very happy. I think we are making history. I believe softball is going to be the No. 1 sport in Greece from now on.''

When asked if it could only be time before the entire roster is filled with Greek natives, some players bristled.

``We are Greek, and it's important we are out there representing our heritage whether that's our parents or our grandparents or whatever,'' Stacy Farnworth said. ``We're a team and all Greek. We all have that in common. It's such a strong heritage. It gives you chills when you are on the field. We feed off that and each other.''