Two Badgers to Face Team USA
June 16, 2008 | Softball
Two members of the University of Wisconsin's softball team, Lynn Anderson and Leah Vanevenhoven, have been selected to be members on the Wisconsin ASA Regional All-Star team that will play Team USA on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at McCarty Field on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus in Stevens Point, Wis. This exhibition game is one of 46 stops for the U.S. Olympic team on its Bound 4 Beijing Tour prior to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
'Being a member of the Wisconsin All-Star team is an honor to be recognized for their softball skills,' commented head coach Chandelle Schulte.
The U.S. Team owns a 43-1 record, its only loss was a 1-0 decision against Virginia Tech as Angela Tincher struck out 10 U.S. batters.
'Having the opportunity to be on the same field and play the best team in the world is a dream come true,' said Anderson. The Neenah, Wis. native had the best offensive season of her career in the 2008 season as she hit .266 including a team-best nine home runs.
Vanevenhoven echoed Anderson's thoughts. 'Just being able to play Team USA in person rather than watching them on T.V. is kind of surreal,' commented the Kaukauna, Wis. native. 'I am sure we will all learn something from watching their style of play.'
Competing against the likes of softball greats such as Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Monica Abbot, Crystal Bustos and Laura Berg to list a few players on the Team USA roster, could be downright intimidating. Instead, the two Badger players see Tuesday's game as a great opportunity.
'The most important thing for me to do well in the game is to go out there and be relaxed and confident in my pitches,' said Vanevenhoven. 'I'm sure they will get some good hits off of me, but I have to maintain my confidence in the circle.'
Anderson has been able to see a few of Team USA's exhibition games this summer and has mainly watched to see how the pitchers approach each batter and to watch how shortstop Tasha Whatley plays her position.
'I have been able to watch a few of Team USA's games on ESPN this summer, which has been a great way for me to study the pitchers and see how they approach each batter,' said Anderson. 'Of the games I've seen, Cat Osterman has done most of the pitching. The main thing that I've taken from watching these games is to be aggressive at the plate.'
The Regional All-Star team is comprised of players hailing from the state of Wisconsin. Among those joining Anderson and Vanevenhoven are Laura Van Abel and Korryn Brooks of UW-Stevens Point and Casey Leisgang and Jill Janke from UW-Eau Claire. The Blugolds recently won the NCAA Division III National Championship as Janke hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to claim the title.
Vanevenhoven and Van Abel were teammates at Kaukauna High School. '(Van Abel) is a great softball player and I'm looking forward to playing with her again, ' commented Vanevenhoven.
Samantha Polito, UW's all-time career leader in hits (63)was also a member of the regional all-star team prior to the 2004 Olympic games. Vanevenhoven remembers attending a similar game when she was 10 years old and getting Michelle Smith's autograph. 'This time, I'll be on the field going up against Team USA which will be a great experience.'
