Helmet stopped serious injury

Press, 29 January 1986, Page 23

Helmet stopped serious injury

PA Auckland Only a batting helmet saved the New Zealand lead-off batter Karen Mills from serious injury in the world women’s softball championships at Mangere on Monday. Mills was struck on the side of the head by a rising ball from the United States pitcher, Michelle Granger. It was only the second ball of the match between New Zealand and the United States, in the semifinal of the world championships. The New Zealander collapsed, falling on her face, but soon recovered. Mills, replaced by Jane Earnshaw, later had a large lump by her right ear and complained of blurred vision. However, she did not require hospital treatment

Mills’ injury was her second of the tournament. Against Canada she injured an ankle. Monday’s game was her first since last Thursday. New Zealand was further hampered when Debbie Mygind was unable to pitch after four innings against the United States in the first semi-final. “We could not ask Debbie to pitch because she was hurting too much,” said the New Zealand coach, Mr Ed Dolejs. "Her hip was hurting so much.” Mygind had been nursing the hip injury from the first day of the tournament but believed it was Improving. “Like a good team player, Debbie was willing to pitch the first game, but we couldn’t use her after that,” said Mr Dolejs.