Photo by: Softball Canada
'Cuse Alum Caira Set to Compete in World Championship
8/2/2018 1:00:00 PM | Softball
Former Syracuse All-American Jenna Caira and Team Canada are set to play in the 2018 Women's Softball World Championship in Chiba, Japan from August 2-12. Currently ranked number three in the world, Canada opens play Aug. 3 with a pair of games against Great Britain and Venezuela.
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The 2018 World Championships serve as the first qualification opportunity for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  The top finisher at the event, excluding Japan who is already guaranteed a spot as the Olympics host country, will earn softball's first berth in its return to the Olympics.Â
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In addition to Canada, the competition features national teams from Australia, Botswana, China, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, USA and Venezuela. The United States enters the competition as the number one ranked team in hopes of defending its world title from 2016.
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The 16 teams are divided into two groups for pool play based on world rankings before beginning playoff and medal rounds on Aug. 10. Venues include NaSPA Stadium in Narita City, Akitsu Baseball Stadium in Narashina City, Zett A Ball Park in Ichiara City and ZoZo Marine Stadium in Chiba City.
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Caira debuted for Team Canada in 2007 at the Junior Women's World Championships before joining the senior ranks in 2009. She has competed in three World Championships (2010, 2012, and 2014), the 2011 Pan American Games and two Pan American Championships. This will be her first major international event for Team Canada since the 2015 Pan American Games. Caira is an integral part of Canada's pitching staff as Team Canada looks to qualify for its fifth Olympic Games.Â
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Caira holds 16 single season and career pitching records for the Orange including career earned run average, wins and strikeouts. During her four year career at Syracuse (2009-12) she helped the Orange to two consecutive BIG EAST tournament titles and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Caira also picked up BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year, ECAC Pitcher of the Year and BIG EAST Rookie of the Year honors. Following the conclusion of her career she served as an assistant coach for two seasons for Syracuse while playing with Team Canada. Â
Every game of the World Championship will be available live and via replay on FloSoftball.com. Complete coverage and news is available at wswc.wbsc.org
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The 2018 World Championships serve as the first qualification opportunity for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  The top finisher at the event, excluding Japan who is already guaranteed a spot as the Olympics host country, will earn softball's first berth in its return to the Olympics.Â
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In addition to Canada, the competition features national teams from Australia, Botswana, China, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, USA and Venezuela. The United States enters the competition as the number one ranked team in hopes of defending its world title from 2016.
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The 16 teams are divided into two groups for pool play based on world rankings before beginning playoff and medal rounds on Aug. 10. Venues include NaSPA Stadium in Narita City, Akitsu Baseball Stadium in Narashina City, Zett A Ball Park in Ichiara City and ZoZo Marine Stadium in Chiba City.
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Caira debuted for Team Canada in 2007 at the Junior Women's World Championships before joining the senior ranks in 2009. She has competed in three World Championships (2010, 2012, and 2014), the 2011 Pan American Games and two Pan American Championships. This will be her first major international event for Team Canada since the 2015 Pan American Games. Caira is an integral part of Canada's pitching staff as Team Canada looks to qualify for its fifth Olympic Games.Â
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Caira holds 16 single season and career pitching records for the Orange including career earned run average, wins and strikeouts. During her four year career at Syracuse (2009-12) she helped the Orange to two consecutive BIG EAST tournament titles and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Caira also picked up BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year, ECAC Pitcher of the Year and BIG EAST Rookie of the Year honors. Following the conclusion of her career she served as an assistant coach for two seasons for Syracuse while playing with Team Canada. Â
Every game of the World Championship will be available live and via replay on FloSoftball.com. Complete coverage and news is available at wswc.wbsc.org
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