SURREY, B.C.— On Sunday, Biola Softball Coach Janie Takeda was part of the world champion USA softball team that defeated Japan for their first world title in six years.
 
The team played in three games in the tournament and had six players batting with a .400 average or better and a team average of .354. They scored 18 runs total on 28 hits and four home runs. The U.S. had defeated Japan a day earlier to advance to the championship game 4-3. Japan then defeated Canada 11-1 to earn a chance to play the U.S. again and defend their world title.
 
The United States took an early lead as they scored four runs including a three-run home run. Later in the inning Japan would score a run on a single making the score 4-1. In the fourth-inning the U.S. would score three more runs off of another three-run home run making it 7-3. The final score ended up being 7-3. This is the first time since 2010 that USA softball has won a world title.
 
Takeda played left field for Team USA when she appeared throughout the tournament. Prior to her time on Team USA Takeda was a standout outfielder for the University of Oregon. She was an All-American, all-region and all- conference student-athlete. Takeda graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications.
 
She led the Ducks to three Pac-12 championships and three appearances in the NCAA Softball World Series.
 
She joined the Biola coaching staff in 2016 because she loves the game and Christ. She has had such a positive impact on the team and it doesn't go unnoticed.
 
"We are so blessed to have Janie return to our coaching staff again for the 2017 season," said Head Coach Lori Coleman. "It has been exciting for all of out players to watch her compete on the highest platform possible."
 
Takeda primarily works with left-handed hitters, outfielders and coaches base-running.