July 31, 2009

YOKOHAMA, Japan – In game one of the Japan Cup, Kentucky senior Molly Johnson contributed to a dominating United States victory over Australia in the opening game of the international tournament.

Johnson did not start, however she delivered on her opportunity. With a single out in the top of the third inning, Valerie Arioto was struck by a pitch to place a runner on first. Lauren Lappin then delivered a single to second base placing two runners on the base paths. Brittany Lastrapes tripled to right field to plate two more scores. With the United States holding an 8-0 lead, head coach Jay Miller selected Molly Johnson to pinch-hit with a runner in scoring position.

Kentucky’s senior drove in Lastrapes with a single into center field to give the United States a 9-0 edge. America’s team would then roll to an 11-3 victory in a five-inning shortened game.

USA Softball will play two games tomorrow to round out pool play at the 2009 Japan Cup before the bracket play begins on Sunday. America will face the Chinese Taipei team and the host Japanese later in the day.

Follow along on UKathletics.com as Johnson blogs from Yokohama daily. Kentucky’s official website will also continue to provide coverage of competition at the Japan Cup.

For complete coverage of the 2009 Women’s National Team log onto www.usasoftball.com.