ACOG - News - IBM

(23 July 1996; Day 4)

Lori SIPPELL: Canada's Softball Leader

Every team searches for a player to take charge and lead their team to victory. For Canada, Lori SIPPEL is that player. The veteran pitcher has logged vast international experience and has emerged as the leader of a team that Sports Illustrated calls the favorite to win the Olympic gold medal in softball.

In Canada's opener, SIPPEL entered the game in the sixth inning trailing 1-0. The right-hander held Chinese Taipei to just one hit in five innings to help Canada win 2-1. She and her Canadian pitching counterparts have been stingy in their first three games, allowing only three runs, none of which were earned.

SIPPEL returned to the pitching circle for a start against the People's Republic of China on 23 July. The right-hander battled with China's WANG Lihong, who was named Asia's Best Pitcher in 1990. The two veterans matched each other pitch for pitch. China grabbed an early lead scoring two unearned runs in the first inning, but Canada battled back and cut the score to 2-1 in the third inning. The pitching duel came down to the final out as WANG struck out Carmelina VAIRO to end the game.

On the field, SIPPEL shows the poise that allows her to lead the Canadians. Off the field, although she is an amateur she acts and speaks as a professional. SIPPEL shows her leadership through her confidence and intelligence.

Instead of acting indignant when asked if the United States was far superior to the rest of the Olympic field, SIPPEL replied confidently, "It's the Olympics. Everybody on the field deserves to be here. We all had the dreams to be Olympians. We all have the same dream to capture the gold. We all expect to win the gold. The proof will come 30 July."

SIPPEL, born in Stratford, Ontario, took part in her first major championship when Canada captured the Gold Medal in the 1983 Pan American Games. The hurler continued to play for Canada, playing in the 1987 and 1991 Pan American Games.

The right-hander also participated in the International Softball Federation World Championships (ISF). SIPPEL displayed her dominance in the 1990 World Championships, fanning 37 batters in 24 innings and by posting a 0.73 ERA in 1986. She helped Canada place fourth in 1994, posting a 2-0 record with a 0.00 ERA and 21 strikeouts.

"There is no difference for me between the Olympic Games or any other competition," said SIPPEL. "I go out and pitch to a uniform. It doesn't matter to me what country I'm facing."

SIPPEL developed her talent as a collegian in the United States at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Her success as a Canadian followed her as she was named to four Big Eight All-Conference teams and two Big Eight All-Tournament squads. SIPPEL set 10 season and career marks at Nebraska. The University recently honored her by making her the first Nebraska softball player to have her number retired.

Though SIPPEL is a crafty, experienced veteran, she still has the dreams and the enthusiasm of a rookie. After the Canadian victory over Puerto Rico, she displayed that enthusiasm.

"It is a little to early to start thinking about a medal," said SIPPEL. "That will come tonight when my head hits the pillow."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Thad Dohrn.


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