USA Women’s National Softball Team Dominates Australia Series
The United States Women’s National Softball Team kicked off the new year with an impressive four-game series against Australia at Redlands Softball Park in Brisbane. This marked a significant milestone as it was Team USA’s first visit to Australia since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, rekindling fond memories and setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
Striking Victory: Perfect Games
Team USA showcased their power both on the mound and at the plate, overwhelming their Australian opponents. The Eagles delivered a stellar performance, shutting out Australia in all four contests. The final scores were a remarkable 9-0, 14-0, 7-0, and 8-0. This dominant display was led by an impressive pitching lineup that combined their efforts to ensure Australia didn’t score a single run throughout the series.
Pitching Prowess
The pitching staff, which included Megan Faraimo, Montana Fouts, Kelly Maxwell, and Karlyn Pickens, combined for a staggering total of 38 strikeouts and allowed only two hits over the course of 21 innings. Fouts led the charge with 14 strikeouts, followed closely by Maxwell with 9, Pickens with 8, and Faraimo adding 7 to the tally. This remarkable display of skill and precision highlighted the team’s strength as they took command of each game.
Rookie Spotlight: Alyssa Brito
Moreover, amidst this fierce competition, a rookie made a memorable impact. Alyssa Brito, an alum from Oklahoma, shone bright during the series. In her debut for Team USA, she went 5-for-7 at the plate, hammering out two home runs—including a grand slam—and racking up four runs and eight RBIs. Her standout performance earned her the International Series Most Valuable Player honors, a testament to her talent and potential in the sport.
A Strong Team Lineup
The Eagles posted a team batting average of .340, compiling 32 hits and a total of 36 RBIs over the four games. Brito led the tack with a phenomenal batting average of .714, followed closely by teammates Hannah Flippen at .556, Aubrey Leach at .500, and Morgan Zerkle at .375. The team overall demonstrated excellent synergy, blasting five home runs throughout the series, with Brito and Sierra Sacco each contributing two long balls while Flippen added another.
A Blend of Experience and New Talent
Team USA’s roster for this series featured a strategic mix of seasoned professionals and notable collegiate standouts. The squad included two student-athletes: Pickens from Tennessee and catcher Reese Atwood from Texas. In total, the team comprised former athletes from various athletic conferences, notably the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12, representing 11 NCAA Division I universities.
Among these, five players stepped onto the international stage for the first time: Atwood, Brito, Pickens, Sacco, and Ana Gold. This infusion of new talent alongside seasoned players illustrates the promising future of Team USA and the depth of skill within the program.
Japan’s Standout Performance
As Team USA celebrated their dominant performance, it’s noteworthy that they closed out 2025 ranked No. 2 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rankings, despite clinching a gold medal at the World Games and the U-18 Women’s World Cup. This ranking landscape was further enriched by the participation of a record-setting 70 programs, showcasing global growth and interest in women’s softball.
In summary, as the USA Women’s National Softball Team begins the new year with overwhelming success against Australia, the blend of experienced players and emerging stars paves the way for an exciting season ahead. With a strong foundation in place, fans can eagerly anticipate what this talented squad will accomplish in the coming months.