Aug 20, 2008 - 07:45 AM

Brad Kelly

BEIJING -- Canada's bats finally came alive, but the pursuit of a medal is dead.

The women's softball team bowed out of the Olympic Games at the Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field on Wednesday afternoon, dropping a 5-3 decision to Australia.

The game pitted the third (Australia) and fourth (Canada) seeded teams, with the winner advancing to a date with Japan, and at least a bronze medal, later in the afternoon.

For a couple of GTA athletes, third baseman Erin McLean, 22, of Whitby and Newmarket pitcher Robin Mackin, 21, the loss ended a dream of playing for a medal.

"Right now, I'm just sad it's over," said McLean through tears.

The game was knotted at three heading into the top of the sixth, but Australia pushed across a couple of runs with two outs. Danielle Stewart, who hit a solo home run in the fourth with two out, walked, advancing to third on a Belinda Wright single. After an intentional walk to Simmone Morrow to load the bases, Kerry Wyborn lifted a single to left, scoring a pair.

Canada did mange four hits and three runs on the day, something they had struggled with after jumping out to a 3-1 start in the tournament. The offence went dry, dropping the next five games, despite hitting the ball hard today.

"It's funny because as much as we were on their pitchers, they got that extra hop, that extra duck fart as we like to call them," offered McLean. "That's just been the way this tournament has gone for us. For me in particular."

McLean was hitless in three at bats, including grounding out in the second inning with the bases loaded. She finished the tournament with just one hit in 22 at bats.

Though Mackin didn't pitch in the semifinal, she was reliable when called upon. She finished the tournament with a 2.10 ERA in 6.2 innings of work, allowing eight hits and two earned runs, while striking out five.

"I am just so proud of this team," she said of the special bond, "Although we don't have a medal to wear around our necks, when we go home, I don't think anyone has any regrets and that's the only thing you can ask for.

"It's going to be hard because we are all going our separate ways now, but everyone will have a piece of everyone with them for the rest of their lives."

Australia scratched out single runs in the second third and fourth innings off Canadian starter Lauren Bay-Regula, who was brilliant. She allowed just five hits while fanning nine.

Canada scored its three runs in the third inning when Meghan Timpf, who played for a summer in Whitby back in 2003, walked with the bases loaded, followed by a two-run single by Alison Bradley.

With softball not included in the 2012 Games slated for London, it could be at least eight years before McLean and Mackin will get the chance ot experience something like this again.

"Being on the field with these girls the last four years has just been incredible," said McLean. "We didn't get the goal we wanted, but the whole journey has been worthwhile."

Mackin was also sentimental about the experience.

"Coming out to the game everyday and seeing us in the Canada uniform on an Olympic field against an Olympic opponent with an Olympic prize at the end; It's a moment you will cherish forever."

With the win by the U.S. over Japan, they will play for their fourth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics on Thursday.