Kretschman stands for softball gold

By STEVE RIVERA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece - Kelly Kretschman won't admit to a tear, but she will say she got emotional when the national anthem started while she was on the podium after Team USA beat Australia, 5-1, to win the gold medal in softball at the 2004 Athens Games.

``It was an unbelievable feeling, just standing up there,'' she said.

``Just unbelievable. There was a happiness (up there).''

With reason. Her USA teammates put on a dominating performance in beating Australia for its third gold medal in as many tries.

Team USA hit three home runs - two by Crystl Bustos - to take command early, getting to Australia pitcher Tanya Harding for all five runs. For the tournament, Team USA beat Australia three times by a combined score of 20-1.

For Kretschman, the team's right fielder, the feeling is so much sweeter being a player compared to an alternate, as was the case in 2000.

On Monday, she went 1 for 3. For the tournament, she went 7 for 21 (.333) with five RBI, three doubles, a triple and a home run.

``I just tried to help my teammates and be part of a very good team,'' she said. ``I did what I could.''

When the game was over, Kretschman, of Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., wrapped herself in an American flag.

``I've always felt (like) having that type of moment and what it would be like,'' she said of winning a gold medal and wearing the flag. ``I've always had an American flag behind my bed.''