Liberty Belles Shining with Silver

The North American Liberty Belles were very strong in our performances at the 2009 Hong Kong Phoenix Cup International Women's Baseball Tournament in Kowloon, Hong Kong, China from February 14-17, and thus, we were undefeated in all of our games leading up to the championship match. We had a very solid team, and everyone fit very well into their spot in the lineup. Strong team chemistry played a very important role in our success, along with a lot of talent and skill and very strong coaching and training from our manager, Philipe Yan.

We topped the solid Korean team in our first game by a score of 10-5. We then defeated the Hong Kong contingent, 18-5, later that same day. Those 2 victories gave us the 1st place seed in our pool, sending our team to a playoff game vs. a very tough, solid hitting, and improved Taiwanese team. This playoff game would determine who would advance to play for the gold medal and who would battle it our for the bronze the next day. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to play our great and jovial friends, the Aussies, at all in this tourney.

In a weird array of events, we were only able to play 1/2 inning in the playoff game vs. Taiwan. We had a very solid pitching and defensive 1st inning to find that we wouldn't be allowed to bat in the 2nd half of the inning. I was the starting pitcher for this game, and my performance was very solid. 3 of my 4 pitches were working beautifully (I hadn't tried the 4th one yet), and my command and control were top-notch. Things were falling into place wonderfully for us, and we got out of the 1st inning easily.

Then, it all was ripped away. A Taiwanese coach was questioning some of the home plate umpire's calls, to which the umpire responded unhappily. After the Belles sent Taiwan down in the 1st inning, a disagreement occurred between the coach and the umpire, the coach was ejected from the game, and then the coach pulled his team off the field in protest. What would've been a very exciting and competitive game turned into a jaw-dropping event. Nonetheless, the North American team respects Taiwan's decision and continues to have a close and friendly relationship with it and looks forward to seeing the team again next year.

It's very hard for a pitcher who's on top of their game and who's helping their team advance to the gold medal match have that ripped out of their hands, especially when they're playing in an international competition of this magnitude. Also, we wanted to play the game out and not have it given to us in a protest. Even though I'm frustrated about it, I have to let it go and respect Taiwan's decision.

By default, the Belles won the protested game by a score of 7-0, sending us to the gold medal match vs. a very tough Japan. Even though North America played a good game against the Far East Bloomers, we failed to score a single run in the game. Nervousness, no doubt, played a role in our loss, but we make no excuses and know we can improve and give Japan more of a run for its money next year!

So, the North American Liberty Belles walked away with silver medals and a 2nd place trophy at the 2009 Hong Kong Phoenix Cup International Women's Baseball Tournament (Oh... and we also had a terrific time). Not too shabby!

On a personal note, I received the win vs. Taiwan, and I went 2 for 4 with a BB, 1 run scored, and an RBI at the dish.

In addition to this wonderful playing experience and meeting new friends and reuniting with old ones, we were able to do some great sight seeing in the Hong Kong Region. Many of us made it to see the Big Buddha (the largest Buddha in the world) on beautiful Lantau Island. I also went to Stanley Market (very cool place) on Hong Kong Island, up to Victoria's Peak at night (incredibly awesome train ride up the mountainside and the most breathtaking view I've ever experienced) to see the whole cityscape and beyond, and to Bride's Pool waterfall out in the New Territories countryside with Kat, my Detroit Danger and Liberty Belles teammate. The Hong Kong countryside is absolutely gorgeous, peaceful, and inspiring. I can't wait to spend more time there next year!

All of us did plenty of touring through the City of Kowloon and Hong Kong City in addition to the sight seeing... visiting the famous markets, trying several traditional Chinese restaurants, and taking in many of the sights and sounds of this highly active place.