TOKYO, Japan (October 7, 2024) — The 2024 USA Softball of Southern California (USAS SoCal) x Tokyo Exchange Event has concluded with the U-18 SoCal All-Star squad falling to Metro Tokyo in back-to-back matchups. Following the cancelation of Game 1 due to inclement weather, the two teams took advantage of the unfortunate conditions to sharpen their skills during practice, enjoying a fun-filled afternoon of cultural appreciation and camaraderie with the Metro Tokyo team.
On day two, the two squads finally got down to business with the series opener on Saturday, October 6. Despite outhitting their opponents five hits to four, the SoCal All-Stars suffered a narrow 3-4 loss to Metro Tokyo in Game 2. Key offensive performances included Sacha Zalamea, who recorded two hits in the matchup, while Soleil Luna tabbed two RBIs with a 1-for-3 performance at the plate. Cate Medvitz also contributed offensively, showing great discipline at the plate to lead the team with two walks among SoCal’s seven free passes.
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Returning to action on Sunday afternoon for the third and final game of the exchange, the USA Softball of SoCal squad took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning – scoring on a sac-fly from Luna and a single from Janelle Rillo-Figueroa. Despite strong performances at the plate from Luna and Rillo-Figueroa, along with a 2-for-3 performance from Zalamea, the Metro Tokyo team proved unshakable as they tallied eight runs on 10 hits, overcoming their two-run deficit for an 8-2 victory in the final matchup of the series. The USAS SoCal squad walks away from the event with an 0-2 record and will look to bounce back at the 2025 Exchange Event in Los Angeles, Calif.
Although the USA Softball of SoCal All-Stars fell short in the 2024 event, the selected athletes gained a memorable experience while fostering a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and lasting friendships. USAS SoCal will soon be announcing the dates for the 2025 HPP events. These events will include the selection of the 2025 USAS SoCal All-Star team that will host the Metro Tokyo team in LA in the fall of 2025.
To learn more about the HPP or to get involved, visit USASoftball.com.