AU in Tokyo: Chidester, Stewart come in clutch for Team USA
The weekend was packed with Olympic action, and our Athletes Unlimited Softball and Volleyball players in Tokyo were busy making huge plays. Check out the recap below for all the biggest moments from our athletes:
Team Canada vs. Team Australia
Victoria Hayward helped her team rebound from Thursday’s loss to the United States with a decisive 7-1 win over Team Australia. Hayward scored the first run of the game on a throwing error, starting a rally of six consecutive runs in the first two innings for Team Canada.
Team USA vs. Team Mexico
This was a highly-anticipated game for Athletes Unlimited fans, as fiancées Amanda Chidester and Anissa Urtez finally faced off on the Olympic stage.
Team USA’s Amanda Chidester is playing against her fiancée, Anissa Urtez of Team Mexico, tonight 💕#RelationshipGoals | (via @USASoftball) pic.twitter.com/XeClsg1pNi
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) July 24, 2021
Ali Aguilar was the hero for Team USA, hitting a clutch two-run single off of Danielle O’Toole in the third inning. Cat Osterman allowed just one hit and struck out four through six innings.
.@USASoftball is on the board with a 2-0 lead! 🙌 #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/gTvqtuDWGr
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2021
While Team Mexico couldn’t get it done on offense, Urtez made an outstanding diving catch in the fifth inning.
FLASH THAT LEATHER @nniiiss_ 🤩🇲🇽
We can’t wait to continue watching plays like these in Tokyo and in Season ✌️ next month! #BeUnlimited // 📽️: @NBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/lpaqoKHKEJ
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) July 24, 2021
Team USA vs. Argentina
Women’s volleyball began over the weekend, and Jordan Larson was masterful in Team USA’s 3-0 sweep over Argentina.
Well, THAT is how you start the Olympics! Jordan Thompson scores 20 as the U.S. Women 🇺🇸 defeat Argentina 🇦🇷 in three, 25-20, 25-19, 25-20.
Michelle Bartsch-Hackley added 13 and Jordan Larson had 10. Recap coming soon!@jtomm19 @bartschy @JordanLarson10 pic.twitter.com/r812VPBT0W
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) July 25, 2021
Team USA vs. Australia
Chidester has been on fire throughout the tournament, and this game was no exception. Strong pitching from both sides sent the game into extra innings at 0-0, but Australia took the lead on a bases-loaded walk in the top of the eighth.
With a runner on second to start the bottom of the eighth, Haylie McCleney beat out the throw for an infield single. A perfect sacrifice from Janie Reed moved the runners to second and third, and Chidester stepped up to the plate, knowing that both runs had to score in order for the USA to win it.
Australia quickly learned to never underestimate Chiddy in a clutch situation. On the very first pitch she saw, Chidester rifled a single into right field, bringing in both base runners to walk off the game.
‘@TeamUSA WALKS IT OFF!@chiddy3 with the base hit in extras to drive in two and move @USASoftball to 4-0 at the #TokyoOlympics! pic.twitter.com/CrLAyyFQuT
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 25, 2021
Team USA vs. Team Japan
Walk-off wins became the theme of the weekend for Team USA, as they faced the very talented host country for a preview of the gold medal match. After tying the game at 1-1 in the sixth, the United States needed another big moment in the bottom of the seventh – and that’s exactly what they got. Kelsey Stewart blasted a big fly over the right field wall to win the game, and was met with an ecstatic mosh pit of Team USA teammates at home plate.
A walk-off for @TeamUSA!@USASoftball beats Japan 2-1! They’ll play Japan again Tuesday for GOLD! #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/lXGeo01mch
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 26, 2021
Team USA will meet Team Japan once again for the gold medal game on Tuesday.
