Yukiko Ueno earns Women's Softball World Cup MVP honours

"I didn't believe I could play until this age," said the 42-year-old two-time Olympic Champion. I want to be on the field until I can." During the Closing Ceremony the WBSC revealed the All World Team and the individual awards

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<p>International Softball legend Yukiko Ueno earned Women's Softball World Cup 2024 MVP honours.</p>

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<p>"I'm very happy," she told the WBSC in English, continuing through an interpreter. I didn't believe I could pitch until this age [42], but I feel well, and I want to continue pitching until my body allows me to take the field."</p>

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<p>The WBSC announced the All-World Team during the event's closing ceremony. Seven of the eight Women's Softball World Cup Finals 2024 participants have at least one player on the All-World Team.</p>

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<p>Japan (4) has the largest representation, followed by the United States (2). Canada, China, Italy, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico each have one player.</p>

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<p>Sara Groenewegen (Canada) was picked as the starting pitcher, with Kelly Maxwell from the USA as the best reliever.</p>

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<p>Japanese star Yume Kiriishi is the starting catcher.</p>

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<p>The infield features Eri Shimoyama (Japan) at first base, Suka Van Gurp (Netherlands) at second, Jessie Warren (USA) at third and Kyoko Ishikawa (Japan) at shortstop.</p>

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<p>Hotaru Tsukamoto (Japan), Tatiamna Roman (Puerto Rico) and Erika Piancastelli (Italy) are the best three outfielders.</p>

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<p>China's Min Ren was voted the best designated player.</p>

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<p>The WBSC also announced the individual awards based on the tournament's statistics.</p>

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<p>Kyoko Ishikawa (Japan) is the leading hitter with a .625 batting average. There were 11 hitters with one home run. Puerto Rico's Camille Ortiz Martinez accomplished the feat with just five at-bats.</p>

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<p>Megan Faraimo (USA) won bot the best Earned Run Average (ERA; she allowed no earned run 9in 12 innings pitched) and the best win-loss average (2-0).</p>

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<p>Jessica Warren had the most Runs Batted In (RBIs), six. </p>

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<p>Italy's Isabella Dayton had the most runs scored, six.</p>

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<p>Jaxin Xie, who started five games at second base for China and didn't commit an error, was named the best defensive player.</p>

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