DeWanna Bonner gave the Phoenix Mercury a lifeline with 24.1 seconds remaining against the New York Liberty, but the Mercury failed to close the deal, losing an important matchup, 94-92, at Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday, Aug. 1.Kahleah Copper had justpoked the balloutfromNew York's SabrinaIonescu andfoundanopen Bonner along the perimeter. Bonner hesitated and looked around for other optionsbeforehitting a 3-pointerto cut the deficit to two points.With ample time left, the Mercury could steal thegame.But Phoenix burned 11 seconds before fouling,and the game started to fall out of their hands.After the Liberty's Breanna Stewart sunk both free throws, the Mercury's Alyssa Thomas hit a layup with four seconds left but New York killed the final four seconds.The Mercury(11-19)squandereda prime opportunityto close the gap on the Liberty, and now are six games out of the final playoff spot with only 14 remaining."Obviously, we're trying topushto make theplayoffsand we got to go on a run, we understandthat," coach Nate Tibbetts said. "Every time we lose, wegotto be willing to bounceback and forget this when that time comes.I'vebeen proud of the waywe'veplayedlately, andweput ourselves in a position to win anothergoodgametoday, but wedidn'tget it done."The Mercurywon'thave another home gameuntil Aug. 16, but by that time, the postseason could be out of reach. Phoenix has five consecutive road games up next, with two againstopponents currently in playoff position.The Mercury looked sluggish at the start and were 0-for-5 on field goals before Bonner's layup at 4:04. By then,the Libertywereup 11-3and kept finding the right shots.But Bonner helped the Phoenix offenseget back into itin the second quarter, supplying five points in a 7-0 run. The Mercury outscored the Liberty by eight points, but New York controlled theglass anddidn'tallow many second-chance looks.The Mercury's 11-0 run midway through the third quarter gave them their first lead of the game, which ballooned to 10 with just more than three minutes remaining in the quarter. The defense locked upthe Liberty, giving up only six points innearly sixminutes of play.However,the Libertydidn'tgo away and flexed their 3-point shooting. New Yorkoutscored the Mercury 14-3 in the next four minutesas the Mercury committed three turnovers."I think the last three quarterswasthe level we needed to get to," Tibbetts said. "I didn't think in the first quarter, the way we came out, we didn't get after it the way we needed to.I thought we had some really good possessions and some deflating possessions.They hit two 3sright at the end of the shot clock. Those are hard to overcome."Bonner had another excellent game for the Mercuryas one of the top options on offense. She led the team with seven rebounds, and, over the past five games, has averaged 16 points andeight rebounds.The 38-year-old has played a lot in the past two gamesagainst bigger lineups and took the most shots against New York, scoring 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Copper also added 25 points."We'reusing me in different ways than in the first half of the season," Bonner said."When I'm aggressive, it opens up things for Kah and space for Alyssa. We're just figuring out where I can get reps, andnowwe're using me in different ways in different situations, and it's kind of keeping teams off balance."Ionescuhad only six points in the fourthquarter, butmadetwo 3-pointers at critical points, including a long 28-footer to boost the Liberty lead to 87-81.Ionescu led New York with 27 points and four 3-pointers.The Liberty proved they had more options from3-point range, including6-foot-11 centerHan Xu, who went 3-of-6 from deep and scored 17 points off the bench.The Mercury now sit behind three other teams for the eighth spot. One of the teams in that race is the Chicago Sky, which will bePhoenix's next opponent on Monday, Aug. 3.Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortizon X.Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newslettersso youdon'tmiss a thing.This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury fumble chance to boost playoff hopes, fall to Liberty

Kevin Gausman addresses Blue Jays ahead of trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Kevin Gausman, if nothing else, went out on a high note.Ahead of Monday's MLB trade deadline, the veteran pitcher has floated in trade rumors. Many thought Gausman's scheduled start Saturday would be scratched to keep the pitcher healthy for his next team.Instead, the 35 year old delivered "an old-fashioned Kev game," as general manager John Schneider said postgame.He pitched 5.2 innings, allowed 1 run, and struck out 4. The Blue Jays won 5-1 over the Cardinals.After he left in the 6th, the home crowd showered Gausman with support.Kevin Gausman exits to a standing ovation in what could be his final game as a Blue Jay pic.twitter.com/KkAldFjjAw Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 1, 2026MORE:ESPN reveals odds Blue Jays trade Kevin Gausman by MLB deadlineAfter that moment and a home win, Gausman was asked about his time in Toronto. The veteran's responses make it seem like the he might have pitched his last game as a Blue Jay.Kevin Gausman addresses Blue Jays ahead of potential tradeAfter the win over St. Louis, Gausman was asked about the reception he got from the Toronto faithful on his walk to the dugout.He said he was emotional and had to gather himself in the tunnel after the ovation.This has been the best decision I ever made to come here," Gausman told reporters.He signed a 5-year, $110 million deal to come to Toronto in 2021. Since then he's been a core piece of the rotation, with the highlight a trip to the 2025 World Series.Gausman continued praising the environment in Canada. He hasn't been traded yet, but by his comments it seems like he's bidding the Blue Jays goodbye.I hope they realize that Ive embraced not just the team, but the country. I really love this city and everything that it stands for," he said postgame."I knew I was going to love it right away. It's a great place to raise a family," Gausman added.It's a heartwarming sentiment ahead of what could be his departure.The Blue Jays are on a winning streak for the first time in what feels like forever. At 52-59, the bottom of the AL East, prospects are bleak for the defending American League champs.Toronto could be sellers. They could sell off Gausman. And if they do, the veteran went out on his sword.More MLB news:Mets have no plan to offer contract extension to Freddy Peralta amid trade rumorsAstros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webbs trade availabilityYankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swapDiamondbacks linked to NationalsLuis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fitRed Sox predicted to trade for TigersGleyber Torres at deadline

The Detroit Lions are adding a proven veteran to a linebacker room that suddenly needed another body.Detroit is signing former All-Pro linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The deal had not yet appeared on the Lions official transaction page as of Saturday evening, but multiple reports indicated the move was being finalized.White arrives in Allen Park after one of the most productive statistical seasons of his career. He started all 17 games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 and finished with 174 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. His tackle total ranked third in the NFL and set a Raiders single-season franchise record.For a Lions defense trying to survive the early bumps of training camp, this is not a minor depth signing.Devin White Gives Lions Immediate ExperienceWhite has already played 100 regular-season games during his NFL career, bringing a level of experience Detroit did not have sitting on the street elsewhere in the linebacker market.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected White with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He quickly developed into one of the leagues most recognizable young linebackers, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, making the Pro Bowl and helping Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV.His career has not followed a perfectly straight line since those early years.Whites play became less consistent late in his Tampa Bay tenure. He later signed with Philadelphia, was released without appearing in a regular-season game and spent time with Houston before landing in Las Vegas.Then came the 2025 season.White stayed healthy, played nearly every defensive snap for the Raiders and showed he could still chase the football at a high level. He finished second on Las Vegas in run stops and added 17 run stuffs, according to the Raiders.That kind of availability matters almost as much as the tackle total.Jimmy Rolder Injury May Have Accelerated the MoveThe timing is difficult to ignore.Promising rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder left Fridays practice with a leg injury. Rolder is not believed to have suffered a severe injury, but he is expected to miss time.Detroit had already added veteran Troy Reeder shortly before training camp. White now gives defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard another experienced option while the Lions sort through their health and depth concerns.The Lions are not bringing White in to replace Jack Campbell.Campbell remains the anchor of the linebacker room, while Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez are established pieces when healthy. Whites arrival is better viewed as insurance, competition and a possible situational weapon.Could he earn a meaningful defensive role? Absolutely.A player does not record 174 tackles by accident.Whites Production Comes With QuestionsThe tackle number will jump off the page, and it should.It also does not tell the full story.White was targeted 91 times in coverage last season and allowed 70 completions, according to Pro Football References advanced statistics. He also missed 19 tackles.That is the tension surrounding this signing.White remains fast, physical and aggressive. He can run down ball carriers, attack downhill and create pressure as a blitzer. His career includes 25.5 sacks, which is significant production for an off-ball linebacker.He can also overrun plays, lose discipline in coverage and give up space when offenses force him to diagnose instead of attack.Detroit will need to use him intelligently.Sheppard does not need White to become the player he was projected to be when Tampa Bay drafted him fifth overall. The Lions need him to play fast, tackle cleanly and handle a defined role without creating breakdowns around him.That is a much more realistic assignment.Brad Holmes Adds Another Low-Risk VeteranA one-year agreement limits Detroits exposure.White gets another opportunity to prove his 2025 production was more than a one-season rebound. The Lions get a 28-year-old linebacker with playoff experience, starting experience and enough athletic ability to help in several packages.This is the type of move Brad Holmes has made repeatedly.He does not need every veteran signing to become a star. He needs enough of them to create competition, protect the roster against injuries and prevent the defense from being forced into desperation later.White also gives the Lions options.He can compete for snaps on early downs. He can blitz. He can serve as an experienced replacement if injuries strike. He may also push the younger linebackers during camp simply by being present.Nobody should hand him a job based on his rsum.Nobody should dismiss a player coming off 174 tackles, either.What Devin White Means for the LionsThe Lions top linebacker roles remain largely intact.Campbell is still the centerpiece. Barnes brings versatility and power. Rodriguez has earned trust through his instincts and physical style.White adds something different.He has the speed to cover ground quickly and the experience to step onto the field without needing months to learn how an NFL defense functions. He has played in championship games, handled high expectations and recovered from a difficult stretch in his career.Detroit is betting that environment matters.The Lions have built a demanding locker room under Dan Campbell. Players are expected to compete, accept coaching and earn every snap. White will not arrive as a former top-five pick being asked to carry the defense.He will arrive as a veteran trying to prove he belongs.That may be exactly the situation he needs.Bottom LineThe Lions are signing Devin White to a one-year deal after the former All-Pro produced 174 tackles for the Raiders last season.His rsum is impressive. His recent career has also included enough inconsistency to keep expectations reasonable.Detroit does not need the 2020 version of White. It needs a healthy, disciplined veteran who can strengthen the linebacker rotation, help cover for injuries and make the defense more difficult to wear down.For one year, that is a gamble worth taking.

Nick Yelloly and Tom Blomqvist put Meyer Shank Racing Acuras on the front row for the first 6-hourIMSA Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix at Road America in Elkhart Lake.Yelloly, who also won the pole in 2025 when the race was a sprint, lapped the 4-mile, 14-turn circuit in 1 minute 49.609 seconds Aug. 1, edging his teammate by .157 seconds on a dry track after a wet morning practice.I'm happy to be at the front. It means you don't get caught up in any of the silliness on cold tires on the first few laps, Yelloly said. I think it's always important to be at the front, to be honest, whether it's a two-hour race or a six-hour race.The race is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. Aug. 2. It will be the tracks first high level sports car endurance race since a 4-hour American Le Mans event in 2012 and the longest since 1956.More: Road America hints IMSA sports car racing after dark could come soonMore: A Superbike winner and his daughter navigate racing sports cars togetherYelloly will share the No. 93 car with Renger van der Zande. Blomqvist will share the No. 60 with Colin Braun. Braun was part of a Road America race-winning pairing in 2018, and he and Blomqvist finished second in 2023.Acura hasnt won at Road America since 2020 when Ricky Taylor and Helio Castroneves did for Team Penske. Honda is ending the Acura IMSA program at the end of the season.Other class pole winners were: LMP2, Daniel Goldburg, No. 22 United Autosports USA ORECA; GTD Pro, Harry King, No. 7 AO Racing Porsche 911; and GTD, Lilou Wadoux, No. 21 Alfa Corse Ferrari 296.This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meyer Shank Racing locks up front row at Road America for Acura

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up before a game Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has made headlines over the past several days as a result of her high-profile stance on transgender athletes. Now, she is receiving some pushback from a high-profile woman in sports media.This week, SiriusXMs Katie Nolan had some strong words for Cunningham as she claimed that the WNBA lacks critical-thinking skills for failing to identify the larger context of her comments.Cunningham Has Spoken OutDuring a recent interview for an ESPN profile, Cunningham was asked about her political beliefs specifically, the MAGA Barbie nickname that has followed her in recent months. In her response, the Fever star spoke out against trans athletes.I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And Im like, I never once said that, she told ESPN. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men.A few days later, Cunningham doubled down on her controversial stance.I said what I said. I think its kind of common sense, Cunningham said earlier this week. And I think Ill always believe in that. I think its really important to protect children, and thats little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.Cunningham addressed the issue for a third time in a post on X while responding to a recent incident involving two teenage girls who alleged they were verbally confronted by a Seattle Storm co-owner, who has since been suspended.I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind, Cunningham wrote in a post on X. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. Youll be hearing from me soon yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner.Cunningham was not made available to the media following the teams win over the Seattle Storm this week, but before Friday nights game against the Portland Fire, Cunningham made it clear that she has no intention of running or hiding from the criticism she has been receiving.You dont really have critical thinking skillsFollowing Cunninghams comments, Nolan offered a scathing criticism of Cunninghams words and actions on her Casualspodcastthis week. In comments addressed to Cunningham directly, Nolan blasted Cunningham for her intentions and motivations as she dissected the political landscape as a whole.One side politically is incredibly invested in this issue, and thats because one side politically doesnt have a lot of other issues that theyve got pretty big approval on, Nolan said.And now I am of the belief that the reason they have big approval on this is because people keep saying sentences like, I dont want little girls to have to go against biological men. Because on its face that sounds like something is common sense. Thats not what anybodys asking for. Nobody is saying we should get rid of, for example, the WNBA and the NBA, and everybody should just compete together. Nobodys saying that. And so the people that are packaging it as that are doing so on purpose. And when you are consuming it and going, How could anyone disagree with this statement? You never consider that its because the statement itself does not reflect the actual issue that were discussing.Nolan went as far as to say that Cunningham wasnt applying basic critical-thinking skills to the issue and is being manipulated by those invested in pedaling this issue to people.All youre telling us, Sophie, is that you dont really have critical-thinking skills, or that you arent interested in employing them, Nolan said. Youre taking the message thats being given to you by people who are highly invested in this dividing stuff, and youre helping them sell it by not questioning it at all. Which is extra crazy given the fact that youre surrounded by people you could talk to about this issue to better understand it.Nolan went on to point out that many governing bodies have already banned trans athletes from competing, and the Trump administration has aggressively pursued restrictive policies across all sports, with both the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the NCAA.Youve already won, quote-unquote, in that way. And yet you and others seem unwilling to let this go, Nolan said, again addressing Cunningham. Or to even learn a little bit more about it, consider what the other side is trying to say. You just keep saying, Well, Im against men fighting against women, and I think its crazy that youre not. What if you considered that thats not what other people are arguing? What if you considered youre misunderstanding the issue, and then consider that thats because that was beneficial to whoevers [freaking] playing you?The post You dont really have critical-thinking skills: Sophie Cunningham faces criticism from Katie Nolan appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons continued to invest in their offense on Saturday when they announced they have signed left guard Matthew Bergeron to a four-year contract extension.The signing comes after the team gave new contracts to wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts in the offseason. Running back Bijan Robinson has attended practices at the start of training camp but has not participated in an apparent contract hold-in as he seeks a new deal.Bergeron would have become a free agent following this season without a new deal.Matthew is the type of player you build around, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said in a statement. Hes establishing himself as one of the top young guards in the NFL, and his toughness, consistency and leadership have made him a cornerstone of our offensive line and the culture were building in Atlanta."Bergeron, a second-round pick in 2023, has started 49 games in three seasons. He helped the Falcons' line give up only 26 sacks, the fourth-fewest in the league, last season. The Falcons ranked eighth in the league with 125.8 rushing yards per game.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Brodric Martin is getting another NFL opportunity.The Arizona Cardinals signed Martin on Saturday after placing defensive lineman P.J. Mustipher on injured reserve with a foot injury. The move brings Martin back to the organization that originally traded the No. 96 overall pick to Detroit during the 2023 NFL Draft.Brodric Martin Gets Fresh Start in ArizonaMartin was one of Brad Holmes boldest developmental bets.Detroit surrendered the No. 122, No. 139 and No. 168 selections to move into the third round and select the massive Western Kentucky defensive tackle. Arizona used those three picks on guard Jon Gaines II, quarterback Clayton Tune and linebacker Owen Pappoe.At 6-foot-5 and more than 330 pounds, Martin possessed the rare size Detroit wanted in the middle of its defensive line. He recorded 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups during his final college season, but his physical tools never translated into a steady role with the Lions.Martin appeared in five games for Detroit across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making one start and recording four tackles. The Lions released him before the 2025 season, beginning a winding stretch that included time with Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas.Another Chance to Reward Detroits Initial BeliefArizona is not signing Martin to become the face of its defensive line. This is a training camp opportunity created by an injury.Still, it gives the 27-year-old another chance to prove the Lions were not wrong to believe in his developmental upside.Martins size will continue to earn him looks. The question has always been whether he can play with enough leverage, consistency and quickness to become more than an intriguing physical project.Detroit waited two seasons for that growth. Arizona will now see whether a change of scenery can unlock it.Bottom LineBrodric Martin never became the interior force Brad Holmes envisioned after trading three draft picks to acquire him.His signing with the Cardinals does not erase that disappointment, but it gives the former Lions third-round selection another shot at extending his NFL career. For Detroit fans, it is also a reminder that even a strong front office will occasionally swing big and miss.

SEATTLE (AP) Randy Arozarena scored in the ninth inning on Cal Raleigh's groundout to first base, and the Seattle Mariners snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Arozarena led off the inning with a double off Andrew Morris (4-3) and advanced to third on a flyout to deep left field from Dominic Canzone. After the Twins intentionally walked Julio Rodrguez, Raleigh hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Royce Lewis, who stepped on first for the out. Arozarena broke for the plate, and Lewis throw home was too late. Arozarena reached base three times and scored three of Seattles four runs. Andrs Muoz (4-4) got the win for Seattle. Gabe Speier pitched two-thirds of an inning before Muoz came in with two outs in the eighth. The Mariners struck early, taking a two-run lead in the first inning. Rodriguez drove one in with a bases-loaded infield single, and Mitch Garver drew a bases-loaded walk off Connor Prielipp to end an 11-pitch at-batMariners starter Logan Gilbert pitched well early, allowing just one baserunner through the first four innings. But Luke Keaschall hit a solo homer in the fifth, and Trevor Larnach hit another in the sixth to cut Seattles lead to 3-2. The Twins tied it in the seventh, when Brooks Lee scored from third on a groundout from Victor Caratini. Gilbert allowed three earned runs on five hits over seven innings, with six strikeouts. Up nextTwins RHP Taj Bradley (9-4, 3.65 ERA) was set to start Sunday int the series finale against Mariners RHP George Kirby (8-9, 3.98). ___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

FC Cincinnati's contest against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Aug. 1 at TQL Stadium has been delayed before its start due to lighting in the area. The game was initially set to begin at 7:30 p.m.The video board at TQL Stadium advised that fans in the Bailey supporters' section and field seats exit the seating bowl "for safety." A new kickoff time has not been revealed.Several other events in Cincinnati have been affected, including the Chris Stapleton concert at nearby Paycor Stadium. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati game delayed at start for inclement weather

It's the U.S. Elite squad vs. Japan in the International Cup softball tournament Saturday night at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.Follow along for live updates:MUSSATTO: How Morgan Zerkle handles life as Marshall coach, aspiring Olympian as USA Softball playerInternational Cup softball live score updates: U.S. Elite vs. Japan1234567-FJAPAN---------USA---------More: Who will make Team USA softball for 2028 Olympics in OKC? We make our predictionsWhat time is U.S. Elite vs Japan today? When is International Cup softball game today?Date:Saturday, Aug. 1Time:7 p.m.The U.S. Elite vs Japan game starts at 7 p.m. Saturday from Devon Park.What channel is U.S. Elite vs Japan on today? Where to watch International Cup softball game on TV, streamingStreaming:ESPN+ (here's how to stream it live)The U.S. Elite vs Japan game will stream on ESPN.More: Get to know OSU, OU softball legends on Team USA rosters for 2026 International CupWhat is the International Cup schedule?July 30-August 3 at Devon Park:Thursday, July 30Game 1: Japan 5, American Samoa 0Game 2: Canada 3, China 1Game 3:U.S. Elite 6, Chinese Taipei 4 (8)Game 4: USWNT 12, Australia 0 (4)Friday, July 31Game 5: Japan 5, Chinese Taipei 3Game 6: China 5, Australia 4Game 7: U.S. Elite vs. American Samoa, 4 p.m. (ESPN+)Game 8: Canada vs. U.S. women's national team, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)Saturday, Aug. 1Game 9:American Samoa 2, Chinese Taipei 1Game 10:Canada 9, Australia 1Game 11:USWNT 10, China 1 (6)Game 12:U.S. Elite vs. Japan, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)Sunday, Aug. 2Game 13: Group A #4 vs. Group B #3, 10 a.m.Game 14: Group B #4 vs. Group A #3, 1 p.m. Game 15: Group B #2 vs. Group A #1, 4 p.m.Game 16: Group A #2 vs. Group B #1, 7 p.m.Monday, Aug. 3Game 17: Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser, 9 a.m.Game 18: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, noonGame 19: Game 15 loser vs. Game 16 loser, 3 p.m.Game 20: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner, 7 p.m.More: USA Softball 'really connected' at International Cup even with short turnaroundWho is on U.S. Elite Team roster?Reese Atwood, C: The former Texas slugger and two-time NCAA champion brings an elite combination of power and arm strength, making her one of the nations premier power hitters and a standout catcher with the potential to become a future cornerstone for Team USA.NiJaree Canady, RHP: The former Texas Tech ace has already built one of the most historic legacies in softball, becoming the first million-dollar college softball player through NIL. With elite velocity and movementin the circle, she is emerging as one of the sports most dominant pitchers.Ally Carda, RHP: A veteran and member of the 2020 Olympic silver medalist team, Carda has been a part of Team USA rosters for nearly a decade. Her ability to force ground balls makes her a valuable leader on the pitching staff.Megan Faraimo, RHP: Faraimo is a reliable cornerstone of Team USAs pitching rotation, using a versatile mix of movement and pitches to keep hitters off balance. Since graduating from UCLA in 2023, she has gained extensive international experience on the world championship stage.Aleena Garcia, INF: One of five current college athletes on the roster, Garcia has quickly established herself as one of the most reliable defensive infielders in the game. Coming off her sophomore season at UCLA, she provides stability with her consistent glove and pairs it with clutch hitting.Gabbie Garcia, INF: An incoming junior at OU, Garcia remains home with her quick reflexes and strong defensive instincts that make her an exceptional infielder for this roster.Ana Gold, INF: The 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year is a dependable corner infielder with a powerful bat that Team USA can count on to drive in runs during clutch moments.Savannah Jaquish, C/INF: Jaquish is a highly experienced backstop who has been in international competition for over a decade. Her versatility to play catcher and infield positions makes her an excellent choice that Team USA keeps benefitting from.Teagan Kavan, RHP: Coming off back-to-back NCAA championships at Texas during her sophomore and junior seasons, Kavan has established herself as one of the countrys rising pitching stars. With excellent poise and mechanical consistency, she provides promising depth to Team USAs pitching rotation.Baylee Klingler, INF: The former Washington star and Triple Crown winner has become a steady contributor for Team USA with her consistent offensive production in both power hitting and batting average.Sydney McKinney: A current OKC Spark player, McKinney is a high-average hitter who uses her elite speed to beat out infield singles and create constant pressure on the basepaths.Bubba Nickels-Camarena, OF: The 2026 Olympic silver medalist and current Spark player is a highly dependable outfield leader as well as an experienced power hitter on international stages.Sharlize Palacios, C: Palacios is a defensive anchor who seamlessly handles diverse pitching rotations behind the plate. She also brings a clutch postseason track record, delivering in high-pressure moments.Keilani Ricketts, LHP: The two-time OU national champion is one of the most decorated players in USA Softball history. Her left-hand dominance in the circle continues makes her a reliable asset.Sierra Sacco-Ferrie, OF: Saccos speed makes her an exceptional outfielder and base steeler. She tracks down fly balls effortlessly and provides consistent scoring on the professional stage.Taylor Shumaker, OF: The incoming junior at Florida was added to the pool after a dominant offensive season and a perfect fielding percentage in the outfield, making her a valuable newcomer.Kendall Wells, C: The catcher coming off her freshman season at OU impressed Team USA coaches with her defensive confidence, advanced skills behind the plate and raw power in the batters box.Morgan Zerkle, OF: A veteran on the team, Zerkle has world-class speed and a slap-hitting approach that creates havoc on base paths.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: USA Softball Elite vs Japan live updates: Where to watch International Cup game