Softball At The 2004 Summer Olympics

It was one of the three sports at the Athens Olympics that was for women only along with Synchronized Swimming and Rhythmic Gymnastics .

Eight teams competed for the Gold Medal in only the third appearance of the sport at the Summer Olympics .

MEDAL WINNERS

In one of the most dominating runs in softball history, the United States team led by head coach Mike Candrea won the gold medal by defeating Australia 5-1 in the championship game on August 23 . It was the first time in 9 games that an opponent scored a run against Team USA. Crystl Bustos hit two home runs to provide all the run-support that pitcher Lisa Fernandez required. Fernandez pitched all six innings, picking up her second win against Australia in as many days. She also won the semi-final game.

Throughout the tournament Team USA outscored its opponents 51-1. Team USA has won the Olympic gold medal in softball for the third straight time.

Australia's silver medal marks its best result in Olympic softball history. Japan earned the bronze medal after defeating China in the semi-final, and losing to Australia in the Bronze medal game.

PARTICIPANTS

See Also: Softball at the 2004 Summer Olympics - Team squads

RESULTS

Starting August 14 , there were four preliminary games each day until August 20 for a total of 28 games.
Two semi-final games were played August 22 , with the game for third place following later that day. The final game for the gold medal was played on August 23 at 4pm local time.

Standings

Preliminary round

August 14

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