Canada takes bronze in women's softball championships

Canada's women's softball team has won bronze at the world championships in Chiba, Japan.

A 3-0 loss to host Japan on Sunday gave Canada its second consecutive bronze at the WBSC tournament. Japanese starter Yukiko Ueno limited the Canadian offence to just four hits, besting a strong performance by the pitching duo of Danielle Lawrie, of Langley, B.C., and Toronto's Jenna Caira, who each surrendered just one earned run.

The U.S. later defeated Japan 7-6 in 10 innings to win the gold to secure a berth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the sport will be played for the first time since the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The tournament was the first of four Olympic qualifiers, with four spots remaining. Japan receives automatic entry as Olympic host.