Commentators such as 3AW radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell argued Channel 7's telecast of Australia's semi-final against Japan, which finished late last Wednesday night, should have been replaced by the men's basketball quarter-final between the Boomers and the US.

After an epic game of three hours and five extra tie-break innings, Japan won 4-3 for the right to play the US for a gold medal. Australia won a bronze medal.

When told of the controversy, Titcume said: "I say stuff them.

"People would have been disappointed if they'd stopped the broadcast at the seventh and eighth innings. At that stage, everyone wants to see the result.

"It was great exposure for softball. The men's basketball gets put on all the time. I'm glad Channel 7 stuck by it."

Titcume, 33, said she thought the team had it won when, in the fourth extra innings, teammate Jodie Bowering ran safely to home base, breaking a 2-2 deadlock.

Expectation turned to deflation when Japan quickly responded with a run earned from a "dink hit" - taking the game to a 12th innings.

Titcume was proud of the team's courage and efforts during the tournament, despite her dreams of winning her first gold at her third Olympics being dashed.

"We can't be disappointed.

"Our bronze in Sydney was more of a disappointment because we didn't play to expectations."

She said if the Australians had won the semi-final, a similar performance might have clinched gold. The team regards its hard-earned bronze medals as "dirty gold".

"The team showed so much pride and courage. We left nothing out there.

"We showed how close it is between us and the top three."

With softball off the Olympic schedule for London 2012, it is unlikely Titcume will get another chance for gold.

Within weeks, she'll resume duties with Japanese club side Leo Palace 21 - alongside two teammates who were members of Japan's national side.