The Australian Open Women’s softball team has made it through to the bronze medal match at the 2006 US World Cup in Oklahoma despite losing a third straight game.

The five day tournament has seen Australia finish equal third with Canada with a two win-three loss ratio. The USA has won five from five, finishing in first place, followed by Japan with one loss.

After early wins against China and Great Britain, Australia ended the round-robin stage of the tournament with a 2-3 win-loss record following defeats against the United States, Japan and Canada.

In this morning’s game, Canada scored three runs in the opening innings after Australia’s pitcher Kelly Gentle walked three batters with one scoring. With two on base, Kate Quigley’s fielding error helped push Canada’s lead to 3-0.

Gentle was relieved by Catherine Bishop in the bottom of the first inning and gave five hits in her four innings pitched with Canada converting a run in the bottom of the fourth.

Australia had five hits but was unable to convert until the top of the fifth inning after Natalie Ward scored on Sheena Lawrick’s fielding error.

In yesterday’s play, Japan defeated Australia 5-4 with Australia’s Sandra Allen, Stacey Porter, Belinda Wright and Danielle Stewart crossing the plate.

Australia will meet Canada tomorrow at 6.00am (AEST) with defending champions USA meeting Japan in the Championship game.

Softball Australia