Jessie Harper stands on first after hitting a single vs. Canada. (YouTube screenshot)
Infielder Jessie Harper and catcher Dejah Mulipola helped the USA Junior Women’s National Team to a doubleheader split on the first day of the World Cup of Softball XII in Oklahoma City.
The junior team is competing against the national teams from seven other countries — Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico and the United States.
Mulipola, pinch-hitting with a runner on first in the bottom of the seventh against Canada in a tie game, singled to center and went to second on the throw. A walk loaded the bases and then a single drove in the winning run in a 5-4 victory.
Earlier, the U.S. junior team lost to Puerto Rico 3-1.
Harper, who mostly played first base for Arizona last season as a freshman during an All-American season, started both games at third base. She went a combined 2-for-6 with a sacrifice. Mulipola, who also will be a sophomore at Arizona next season, started against Puerto Rico, going hitless in three at-bats.
There are five players with Arizona Wildcats connections playing in the World Cup of Softball. Pitcher Danielle O’Toole, who completed her UA eligibility last season, is with Team USA. Former Cats Brigette Del Ponte (Mexico) and Chelsea Suitos (the Philippines) are also competing.
The event runs through Sunday. Most of the Team USA games can be seen on an ESPN network; other games are available to stream at USA Softball’s YouTube page.
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