USSSA Pride Take Lead in Series versus Venezuela National Team

The Florida team takes the second game of the series 3-0

After the first game of the USSSA Florida Pride vs. Venezuela series ended in a suspension at the top of the fifth on a count of rain, the two teams were ready to take to the field again and demonstrate what they had come to do. The Pride did just that, racking up six hits across seven innings, including a home-run scored by hometown girl and UCF assistant softball coach, Stephanie Best. Beyond the strength at the plate, pitcher Desiree Serrano also played an integral role in the team’s win, allowing only one hit and walking only one batter at the top of the first.

The game began with Venezuela’s Maria Soto at bat who made it to first on a walk. After a sacrifice bunt from center fielder Yaicey Sojo and a quick ground out to first by short-stop Yuruby Alicart, the inning ended when DH Denisse Fuenmayor struck-out looking. Caitlin Lowe led off for the Pride, making it to base on a walk. Two singles from Lauren Lappin and Melissa Roth left the bases loaded when Kelly Kretschman took to the plate. A walk to first from Kretschman brought Lowe home, earning the first run of the game for the Pride. A sacrifice fly to center field from Tonya Callahan sent Lauren Lappin to the plate, marking run number two for the team. After two outs from Nicole Trimboli and Stephanie Best, the first inning came to close with the Pride leading 2-0.

The bottom of the fourth saw Best leading off the inning, hitting a home-run on the first pitch. The first of the season for both Best and the Pride, the big fly was a clear highlight of the night. “Tonight was a great game and I expect nothing but greatness from this team,” said Best. “It was a good feeling to be able to contribute to such a strong team as this.”The top of the fifth saw Venezuela’s lone hit of the night from left fielder Rubilena Rojas, but quickly ended with no runs scored. The remainder of the game completed with no additional hits or runs from either team.

The Pride celebrated their first win of the season with a final score of 3-0. Assistant coach Beth McClendon weighed in on the victory post-game.“It’s always a positive when the team earns their first win of the season,” she said. “It was a strong win for the whole team tonight. The offense is really starting to come around and in terms of pitching, we had a very strong performance on the mound. The team is certainly getting back into the swing of things and we can expect some great performances all season.”

The Pride next takes to the field tomorrow night at 7:05 pm for the third game of the series against the Venezuela National Team. In order to give Central Florida softball fans a unique opportunity to witness the Pride as they prepare for their 2010 NPF regular season, the Pride has extended a special offer for this exhibition series only. For the remainder of the games vs. Venezuela, the first 200 guests to the UCF Softball Complex will be offered free admission with the presentation of a discount flier which can be found both on www.dev.usssapride.com as well as the Pride’s facebook page.

The Pride’s 2010 NPF season will kick off June 9 in Lubbock, Texas when the team faces the Chicago Bandits at Rocky Johnson Field, home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The opening game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. local time. For more information on the Pride, visit www.dev.usssapride.com.