Ueno led Japan’s 8-1 5-set victory over Australia in the first round of softball, which was held in Fukushima, while Ostermann led the United States’ 2-0 win over Italy with another icon in this system, Monica Abbott.
Ueno, 38, Ostermann, 38, and Abbott, 35, were in Japan’s 3-1 victory over the United States in Beijing 2008, the last Olympics at which this discipline was recognized.
“I trusted her today. I think Ueno was the reason why we became strong together as a team and dreamed of winning the Olympic gold,” said local manager Rika Otsugi at a press conference.
Ueno blinked his eye at first from throwing it uncontrollably, but he adjusted his sight. He limited his opponents with two hits and ran one in 4 1/3 innings, hitting seven.
“I want to express my gratitude to the fans who supported us. It is definitely sad that they were not there to support us (for the decision to hold these Olympic Games behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic), but as a player, what should we do? It is still the same on the ground I will do my best,” Ueno said.
Then it was Ostermann and Abbott’s turn.
Ostermann, who came out of retirement to become an Olympian again, has run six flawless runs, notching nine. Abbott comforted her and dealt all three blows she faced.
For its part, Canada beat Mexico 4-0 at the conclusion of the date.
In the return of Olympic softball, after being banned in London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016, there are high expectations for a possible rematch between Japan and the United States, and of course Ueno Osterman.
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