Hokianga unlucky as Canada romps in | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Hawke's Bay softball pitcher Rita Hokianga experienced her first taste of defeat at Junior World Series level last night.

The Junior White Sox captain pitched the first four innings of New Zealand's 7-1 loss to fourth seeds Canada in Cape Town. She gave up two hits, including Canada's first home run.

Hokianga's side led 1-0 until the Canadians tied up the game with the homer. Shortly after Hokianga was replaced on the mound the Kiwis conceded a grand slam (home run with bases loaded) which scored four runs and the Canadians went on to score another two runs.

On Saturday night the Junior White Sox lost 7-0 to the top-seeded United States in six innings. The Americans out-hit the Kiwis 9-2. Aucklanders Krysta Hoani and Beth Stavert shared the pitching for the Kiwis.

On Saturday morning the Junior White Sox beat the 16th-seeded Czech Republic 13-3 in five innings. Hawke's Bay's Kevin Gettins, who is the Junior White Sox assistant coach, described the victory as a good all-round performance.

The Kiwis collected 11 hits and nine walks off the Czech pitchers.

California-based Taylor Paige Stewart and Aucklander Jordan Leigh Koni shared the pitching for the Junior White Sox, who scored five runs in the first inning and added further runs in their next four turns at bat.

The Junior White Sox have recorded two wins and two losses to date and will have to rely on either the United States or Canada recording an upset loss to reach the semifinals.

Hokianga's ninth-seeded troops can still achieve their main goal of a top-six finish providing they win their remaining section games against fifth seeds Puerto Rico, 12th seeds South Africa and 13th seeds Botswana.

The Junior World Series continues until December 18.