Received: 6/19/06 9:05:14 AM From: "Rick Picard" <rpicard(at)softball.ca>
Subject: Canada defeats Canada Elite in game 1 of Ontario Tour -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 19, 2006 Canada defeats Canada Elite in game 1 of Ontario Tour (Kitchener, ON) - The Canadian National Softball Team defeated the Canadian Elite Team by a score of 6 to 3 in the opening game of the Ontario Tour at Arand Field in Milverton, Ontario. Nearly 500 fans came to see Canada's best softball athletes brave the weather in what turned out to be an exciting game. The Elite Team jumped out to a three run lead after the first inning off of a double from Shannon Rositer (Surrey, BC) that scored Megan Timpf (Port Dover, ON) who singled and Cambria McKay (Brampton, ON) who reached on catcher interference. Team Canada responded in the second inning with two runs on hits from Alison Bradley (Pinkerton, ON), Cindy Eadie(Brantford, ON) and Melanie Matthews (Surrey, BC). Team Canada continued on to take the lead in the sixth inning as Angela Lichty (Guelph, ON) reached on a fielder's choice and was brought home on a double from Erin Cumptsone (Saskatoon, SK). Ashley Lanz (Winnipeg, MB) got the start in the circle for the Elite Team and allowed only two runs and six hits. Lanz was relieved in the fifth by Megan MacKenzie (North Delta, BC) allowed four runs and struck out two. Kaila Holtz(North Vancouver, BC) started the game for Canada and gave up three hits. Robin Mackin (Newmarket, ON) took centre stage in the circle, allowed only one hit and struck out seven picking up the save for Holtz. "It was a great game" admitted Mackin. "Both teams played hard. The game was a good indication of the depth, the heart, the passion and the potential in the national team program." "Tonight's game was a great opportunity for us to get some at-bats and work on improving our game as we head towards the ISF World's in Beijing" stated Bradley. "I think we can all take something away from it that will help us to get better. For me personally, it is always great to play in Ontario and see familiar faces in the stands. I hope we gave all the fans a reason to be excited about Canadian softball!" Bringing the National Team to play in Milverton was particularly special for Head Coach Lori Sippel (Stratford, ON) who played most of her midget and junior career in Milverton. "I remember watching the 1979 Canadian Championships that were hosted in Milverton" recalled Sippel. "I remember looking out onto the field and thinking that everyone on the field was someone that I wanted to be some day. It was important for me to be able to bring the National Team to the place that most influenced my softball career; you never know who's watching and who we've influenced." Lori Sippel is known as an Ambassador and a Hero for women's softball in Canada. She was named as Head Coach of Softball Canada's Women National Team Program in 2005. She was inducted into the International Softball FederationHall of Fame in 2006 and the Softball Canada Hall of Fame in 1993. The Women's National Team Program continue their Ontario Tour with games in Guelph (June 19th), Kitchener (June 22nd, 24th and 25th) and Brampton (June 23rd). For tickets or ticket information, please visit www.softball.ca. -30- For more information, please contact: Rick Picard Director, Marketing and Communications Softball Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 523-3386 ext. 3105 (613) 558-4663 (Cell) Als Fastball List *Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] NEWS-1: http://www.AlsFastball.com/ NEWS-2: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball Visit our New Web Site! http://www.pmihrm.com VIA http://www.webbox.com _______________________________________________ Alsfastball mailing list Alsfastball@fastpitchwest.com http://fastpitchwest.com/mailman/listinfo/alsfastball_fastpitchwest.com