TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona softball All-American alum
Danielle O'Toole (2016-17) and USA Softball won the WBSC Women's Softball World Championship this weekend in Japan to become the first nation to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
USA Softball completed the perfect 10-0 week with a 7-6, walkoff victory in the gold medal game against Japan in which it scored three runs in the bottom of the 10th inning to win. It was the second extra-inning walkoff for USA over Japan in as many days after a 4-3, eight-inning game the day earlier to punch its ticket to the gold medal game.
O'Toole appeared in three games in the tournament, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings. She threw a two-hit, four-inning shutout against Philippines with five strikeouts in the preliminary round. O'Toole appeared in Sunday's gold medal game, getting one out without allowing a run in UA's victory.
The gold medal marked the second consecutive World Championship for USA Softball and 11th overall. O'Toole and Team USA will have two months off before returning to Japan for the Japan Cup in Takasaki City, Oct. 26-Nov. 5.
Three other Wildcat alums competed in the WBSCÂ World Championships.
Brigette Del Ponte (2010-13) and Mexico finished in sixth place with a 6-3 record. Del Ponte hit .250 with three doubles, a home run and two RBI in the tournament.
Michelle Floyd (2014-17) and Venezuela finished in 12th place with a 2-7 record. Floyd, who was one of seven pitchers in the even to throw more than 30 innings, went 2-2 with a 1.38 ERA over nine appearances. She struck out 31 batters in 30.1 innings.
Chelsea Suitos (2011-15) and Philippines finished in 14th place with a 2-6 record. Suitos went 4-for-19 (.211) and hit one home run, drove in two runs and scored four runs.Â