Mobilians Pick Up First Olympic “W”

BEIJING, China—The Venezuelan Olympic Softball Team, which features 5 athletes with University of Mobile connections, picked up its first win of the 2008 Summer Olympics by drubbing the Netherlands 8-0 early Friday in Beijing.

The first three hitters in the Venezuela lineup played college softball at Mobile and went a combined 3-for-7 with 5 runs scored. Maria Soto, team captain, went 1-for-3, Yaicey Sojo, two-time All-American at Mobile, drew a pair of walks and scored twice, and Denissee Fuenmayor picked up a pair of hits.

Jineth Pimentel, who remains on the Lady Rams roster for 2008-09, produced a 3-run double in the contest. University of Mobile Assistant Softball Coach Maribel Riera played right field in the game and went 0-for-2 at the plate.

Venezuela next plays Canada Saturday, August 16th at 7:30 am EST, then battles Japan Sunday, August 17th at 12:00 am EST. The team will finish up play in the preliminaries Monday, August 18th when they battle Australia at 7:30 am EST.

The team had previously lost to the United States, China and Chinese Taipei.