USA Softball’s national team will try to improve to 50-1 on its Bound 4 Beijing Tour when it battles Team Texas - including five players from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor - at 7 p.m. today at Killeen Athletic Complex.
Tickets for the game have sold out.
“We’re excited to be able to travel across the country and showcase our talented team and hopefully get everyone excited for the Olympic Games,” former Texas All-America pitcher Cat Osterman, a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, said in a statement.
“Some of the most talented softball players of the world are in the United States, so it will be good to get out there and face some of the top athletes in the sport. It’s a great way to prepare for the ultimate stage, the Olympic Games.”
The UMHB players on Team Texas are first baseman Charlsie Cope, catcher Kacie Kripner, pitcher Lindsey Liles, shortstop Katina Penter and outfielder Becca Ribera, who as seniors this spring helped lead the Crusaders to their first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Team Texas will be guided by UMHB coach Kasey Blomquist and assistant Denise Lira. The team also includes players from Texas, Baylor, Texas State, Sam Houston State and Texas-Tyler.
Killeen hosted exhibition games involving the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2004 before Team USA went on to win Olympic gold in Sydney and Athens, respectively.
Tonight’s game is the 51st of 60 tour dates for Team USA against Division I schools, regional all-star teams and international opponents in preparation for the Beijing Olympics in August.
Aside from a 1-0 loss to Virginia Tech in March, the national team has thoroughly dominated its competition.
Team USA’s pitchers have a 0.49 earned-run average and have limited foes to a .090 batting average and 11 home runs. Meanwhile, its offense has produced a .430 average and 99 homers, leading to a 12.60 ERA for opponents.
The team’s three-headed pitching monster features Osterman (11-0, 0.58 ERA, 180 strikeouts), Jennie Finch (16-1, 0.44, 170) and Monica Abbott (13-0, 0.63, 176).
Team USA’s leading hitters include Jessica Mendoza (.482, 16 homers, 81 runs batted in), Crystl Bustos (.460, 22, 75), Andrea Duran (.394, 19, 74) and Natasha Watley (.452, 19 stolen bases). Seven players who have appeared in 42 or more games on the tour are batting .439 or better.
Team USA’s head coach is Mike Candrea, who has guided Arizona to eight national championships.
gwille@temple-telegram.com
