Saturday, March 29, 2008; E02

Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and perhaps softball's signature star for more than a decade, did not make the U.S. team's final 15-player roster for the Beijing Games.

Fernandez, 37, was named a replacement player on the American team, which will attempt to win its fourth straight gold medal. Fernandez was on the mound when the U.S. team won gold in Athens, completing a historic run through the tournament in which the Americans outscored the competition, 51-1.

Fernandez was also the starting pitcher when the United States won it all in Sydney in 2000. Four years earlier, she came in as a reliever when the Americans cinched gold in Atlanta.

She was making a comeback after missing three years of international competition to start a family, and never quite got back to form.

"I was really hoping she would get close to where she was in 2004," U.S. Coach Mike Candrea said. "She is still in my eyes the best player who has ever played this game. I wanted her to go out on top."

Candrea kept only three pitchers: returning gold medalists Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman, as well as first-time Olympian Monica Abbott.

Candrea will change his roster only if there are injuries. He must submit it to the U.S. Olympic Committee by July 1.

Catcher Jenny Topping, another member of the 2004 team, also was left off the roster. Topping was beaten out by Lauren Lappin, a more versatile player who can catch, play middle infield and has good speed.

-- From News Services