Heading into the final round-robin game, the Australian women’s softball team needed to overcome a Mexican line-up determined to make the most of their Olympic debut.

And while Mexico’s bats fired, recording 11 hits in seven innings work, Australia’s woes with converting scoring plays continued.

Stranded runners on bases again proved to be the Spirit’s undoing who had five hits against Mexican pitcher Dallas Escobedo.

Australia started hot once again and threatened with runners on second and third in the first inning, but it was Mexico who took advantage of their opportunities when they came, scoring twice in the second and fourth innings.

Gabbie Plain was subbed in for Kaia Parnaby to stem the tide for the Aussie Spirit, before Ellen Roberts took to the mound, both changes coming in the fourth.

Roberts regained control defensively for the Spirit to keep Mexico scoreless, however with Australia struggling to convert runs, time was against them.

Queenslander Jade Wall provided the spark for a comeback belting a solo shot over centre field fence in the sixth inning, but it was too little, too late as Mexico tightened up and kept the Spirit in check.

The game also signalled the final Australian appearance for Aussie Spirit captain Stacey Porter, a veteran of three Olympic Games, including a Silver in Athens and Bronze in Beijing and 446 caps for Australia.

A shattered Porter confirmed as such in the press conference following the game.

“That's it for me, it's a disappointing day for a few reasons. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Aussie Spirit, I’m sad not to get the result and sad I won't lace up with them again,” said Porter.

“We've had such a long preparation, we qualified in 2019, and we've been training hard as a group since then, hoping to win a medal at the Olympics.

“I'm super proud of all the team, a lot of us have been together for 12, 13 years, and we've created a great bond."

Porter says those remaining in the program will have some areas to work on after gaining valuable lessons against the best competition in the world.

“Performing at the top level is a step up, playing the best five countries in the world. There're things we've learnt in our defence, our pitching staff, and our offence too.

"There's a bunch of girls there who have gained great experience at the Olympic level and that will only benefit the Aussie Spirit."

Head Coach Laing Harrow echoed Porter’s sentiments, saying how proud he was of a group that has been in Japan since the beginning of June, away from their friends and family and living under intense Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.

"I just really feel for them, we wanted to be playing tomorrow and have that opportunity,” said Harrow.

“We've got quite a few girls who this is the last opportunity not just to play with each other, but to play for Australia. We want to thank them for everything they've done over the years."

Mexico will take on Canada for the Bronze Medal game Tuesday 1:00pm (2:00pm AEST) with Japan and the USA going toe-to-toe for Gold at 8:00pm (9:00pm AEST).

Box Score available here.

Jack Lucas