Chamberlain and Martinez Claim Gold at Junior Worlds

Dec. 17, 2011

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Oklahoma's Lauren Chamberlain and Destinee Martinez helped to lead the U.S. Junior Women's National Team to a gold medal at the 2011 International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women's World Championship with a 4-1 win over Japan. After a semifinal loss to Japan on Friday, the Americans topped Chinese Taipei 12-3 in the six-inning bronze medal game and then topped Japan to secure the gold medal.

The two added the latest gold to Oklahoma's international trophy case as Oklahoma players have now won five gold medals in international play in 2011. Keilani Ricketts and Jessica Shults were members of the U.S. National Team who won the World Cup of Softball in July while Ricketts went on to lead the U.S. to victory at the Pan American Games in October.

The U.S. needed just a Cheyenne Tarango grand slam to claim Saturday's win and its second consecutive title. Team USA has played in each of the six previous Championship Games held, defeating China for the inaugural title in 1987, losing to Japan in 1991, defeating Japan in 1995 and losing to Japan in 1999 and 2003 before reclaiming the top spot from Japan in 2007.

Both Chamberlain and Martinez played in 10 of the Americans' 11 games with Chamberlain tying for the team lead with two home runs in Cape Town and leading the team the fielding percentage.

The American squad was one of two at the event with an OU player on the roster as Oklahoma freshman Georgia Casey helped Australia to a fourth-place finish.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Chamberlain and Martinez Claim Gold at Junior Worlds

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