As the worldB次元官网网址檚 third-ranked squad heading into the Tokyo Olympics, SaanichB次元官网网址檚 Emma Entzminger and the rest of Canadian softball team will only be satisfied with the top of the podium.
Entzminger told Black Press Media the team going to next monthB次元官网网址檚 Games is the best in Canadian history.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e the best in the world and weB次元官网网址檙e determined to win a gold medal,B次元官网网址� she said.
Softball will make its first Olympic appearance since 2008 after it was dropped in the last two Summer Games.
Entzminger is motivated by those who continued to grow CanadaB次元官网网址檚 softball program amid the 13-year Olympic hiatus, and said theyB次元官网网址檒l be playing for those who paved their path to Tokyo. ItB次元官网网址檚 also not lost on her that sheB次元官网网址檒l be playing for the entire country.
B次元官网网址淏eing proud of who you are and where you come from is something that we cherish,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going to be a pretty special moment to go out there and wear Canada across your chest.B次元官网网址�
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The Canadian teamB次元官网网址檚 tight bond can be felt out on the diamond, Entzminger said. From the leadoff batter to the number-nine hitter, they know any one of their teammates can deliver when the pressure is on.
They play a gritty game and win by stringing hits together, she added. CanadaB次元官网网址檚 rally-fueled style of play will be essential against main rivals Japan and the United States.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e ready to go and IB次元官网网址檓 so confident in this team and our abilities,B次元官网网址� Entzminger said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 going to be fired up and excited when we get out there, because itB次元官网网址檚 what weB次元官网网址檝e been training for for many years.B次元官网网址�
The power-hitting U.S. relies on the long ball, and Entzminger expects to be busier at third base when they face JapanB次元官网网址檚 methodical contact hitters. After mostly catching growing up, the former Victoria Devils player has found a home at third, where she loves the action at the hot corner.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 a very aggressive defender,B次元官网网址� she said, B次元官网网址渋n my mind, no oneB次元官网网址檚 going to beat me so I like to challenge them and play really close.B次元官网网址�
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Entzminger was cut from the national team in 2017. At the time, she got some brutally honest criticism from her coach, who said she had taken her position for granted.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 extremely grateful for that conversation looking back now, I think itB次元官网网址檚 what I needed,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 had a decision to make whether thatB次元官网网址檇 be the end of my career or make a change B次元官网网址� and I decided to make a change and come back in the best shape.B次元官网网址�
She reclaimed her spot on the the national team in 2018.
Entzminger and her teammates are determined to make history as CanadaB次元官网网址檚 first softball team to medal at the Olympics. That quest begins when the team plays its first game against Mexico on July 22.
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