The Australian softball team, consisting of all AIS scholarship holders, has taken the bronze medal after losing a marathon match against Japan at the Beijing Olympics.

Japan progressed to the gold medal match with a 4-3 win in the 12th inning after the two teams were level at 2-2 after seven innings.

Despite having runners on third base multiple times during the extra innings, Australia could only manage one run at the top of the 11th when Stacey Porter scored following a hit by Captain Natalie Ward.

But the Japanese replied straight away before holding the Australian's scoreless at the top of the 12th and sealing a date with the United States with their next at bat.

The Australians forced the match into extra innings thanks to a last-gasp home run by Kerry Wyborn over centre field when the Spirit were down two outs at the top of the seventh and final innings.

It is the Aussies' fourth minor medal since softball's inception after claiming a bronze in Atlanta, bronze in Sydney and silver in Athens.

It is Australia's last match at an Olympics because softball has been left off the program for the 2012 London Games.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker paid tribute to the Australian team’s persistence and determination throughout their Beijing Olympic campaign.

'This result is an outstanding success for the AIS softball program,' Professor Fricker said

'Head coach Fabian Barlow has done a tremendous job with the Australian team and they should feel proud of their Olympic bronze medal achievements.’

The Australian Institute of Sport was established in 1981, and has consistently contributed to Australia’s outstanding sporting performance on the world stage.

The Australian Olympic team in Beijing consists of 433 athletes. Of these, there are 262 current or former AIS athletes.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), on behalf of the Australian Government, invests in and supports our Olympians and Paralympians in many ways.

In addition to the $18.1 million the ASC provided to the AIS in 2007/08, the ASC also funded the athletes’ sports to the tune of $53.4 million in 2007/08.

Furthermore, the ASC provided direct funding totalling $4.3 million to more than 400 athletes in 2007/08 — vital support for athletes in their preparation for sporting success. This represents a total Australian government investment of $75.8 million in 2007/08 for our Olympians and Paralympians. The ASC is committed to providing all Australians with the best opportunity possible to participate in sport.