Fresno State Athletics
No. 24/21 Softball Home for Two This Week
3/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 21, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. -
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Fresno State Home For Two
The Fresno State softball team will be home for two doubleheaders this week with non-conference play against No. 23 Northwestern on Tue., March 22, 6:00 p.m., and Dartmouth on Fri., March 25, 6:00 p.m. The Bulldogs will host No. 3 Stanford next Mon., March 28, 6:00 p.m., before opening Western Athletic Conference play at Hawai'i next week.
Ronnie Lott to Visit Fresno State
Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers will be signing autographs and throwing out the first pitch at Fresno State's softball game on Fri., March 25, against Dartmouth. Lott will sign autographs from 5:00 -5:45 p.m. on the main concourse level of Bulldog Diamond. All fans will be limited to one item for autograph purposes.
Diamond Discounts
The Fresno State Athletics Department in conjunction with Ovations is offering ticket/concession discount programs for the remainder of the Bulldogs' softball season. Twin Packs, which are offers that run Mon.-Thu., showcase three different packages ranging from $13 to $25. This package gives the purchaser two seats, two hot dogs and two 22 oz. sodas at special prices. The Family 4-Pack, which runs Fri.-Sun., also showcases three different packages ranging from $26 to $50. This package gives the purchaser four seats, four hot dogs and four 22 oz. sodas at special prices. For more information on these Diamond Discounts, visit the Bulldogs' ticket page on line at gobulldogs.com.
Got Tickets? Get Free Food
Running throughout the season, fans who go on-line at gobulldogs.com can download a 2-for-1 coupon good for outfield general admission for weekday games and have a chance to receive food coupons good for Kentucky Fried Chicken and Wendy's. Fans who redeem the 2-for-1 coupon at the Bulldog ticket trailer will receive a coupon for a two piece meal at KFC as well as a quarter pound classic hamburger from Wendy's.
Bulldog Softball Bus Tour
A bus tour has been set up for Thu., April 7, when the Bulldogs travel to Pacific for a 1:00 p.m. non-conference doubleheader. The bus will leave from Fresno at 8:30 a.m. and stop for lunch in Stockton. After the games, the bus will stop for dinner before returning that night at 8:00 p.m. The cost is $45 per person (includes game ticket). For more information or to make reservations, contact Tim Schiller at (559) 225-3164.
This Week's Opponents
No. 23 Northwestern (15-6): After opening the season at 4-3, Northwestern has been on a roll by winning 11 of its last 14, including four Top 25 victories: No. 23 Long Beach State (2-0), No. 12 Washington (3-2), No. 3 Stanford (6-1) and No. 2 California (2-1) ... The Wildcats participated in the Capital Classic, hosted by Sacramento State, last week ... While going 2-0 in the rain-shortened tournament, NU had games rained out against Kansas, Rhode Island and No. 17 Oregon State ... The 'Cats will make up their game against OSU on Mon., March 21 ... Coming into the new week, Northwestern is hitting .266 with 27 doubles, three triples, 20 home runs and 89 RBI ... The pitching staff owns a 1.25 ERA and has recorded five shutouts, one save and has struck out 173 in 140.0 innings ... Leading the way offensively is sophomore first baseman Garland Cooper, who is batting .397 (23-58) with 14 runs, five doubles, a triple, three home runs, 11 walks and 15 RBI ... In the circle, sophomore right hander Eileen Canney is 9-2 with two shutouts and 78 strikeouts in 70.1 innings for a 0.90 ERA ... In the series between Fresno State and Northwestern, the Bulldogs own a 5-2 advantage ... The two programs last met in 1995 at the New Mexico State Tournament with Fresno State posting a 2-0 victory ... While the 'Dogs opened the series at 0-2, Fresno State has won the last five straight, including two shutouts ... The two schools first met in 1984 and Northwestern prevailed with a 3-0 win at the Women's College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Dartmouth (1-2): A late start for most softball programs, Dartmouth opened its 2005 season on the road last week at the Spartan Classic, hosted by San Jose State ... The Big Green dropped its first two games by losing to Colorado State (7-1) and San Jose State (10-2, 5 inn.) before rebounding back with a 3-2 victory over Saint Mary's ... Dartmouth will stay in San Jose all week before coming to town ... The Big Green will participate in the Spartan Invitational, beginning Tue., March 22, and will play four games ... Darmouth will face UC Riverside and San Jose State Tuesday before playing UCR on Wednesday and San Jose State on Thursday ... In the series, Fresno State owns a 2-0 lead ... The two programs only meeting was in 2001 at Bulldog Diamond and the 'Dogs swept the Big Green (10-2, 8-0).
No. 3 Stanford (19-3): Hosting its own round robin tournament, Stanford is coming off a split at home by dropping a 2-0 decision to Princeton before rebounding back with a 6-0 victory over Utah ... Opening the year by winning 17 of its first 18 games, the Cardinal is 2-2 in the last four games ... Having started a seven game home stand last week, Stanford will host Hawai'i, Saint Mary's, Northwestern, Illinois and UNLV, Thu.-Sat., in another home tournament ... Going into its weekend games against Princeton and Utah, senior catcher Leah Nelson is batting a team-best .436 (24-55) with 19 runs, five doubles, two triples, three home runs, 19 RBI and 42 total bases for a .764 slugging percentage ... 2004 Olympic softball alternate and All-America shortstop Lauren Lappin is next and is hitting .414 (24-58) with 25 runs, three doubles, a triple, three home runs, nine walks and 15 RBI ... In the circle, junior right hander Laura Severson is 9-2 with two shutouts and 53 strikeouts in 60.0 innings for a 1.40 ERA ... In the all-time series, Fresno State holds a 12-8 advantage ... Last year, the Bulldogs were swept (3-2 in 8 inn., 7-0) in Palo Alto ... Fresno State has lost three of the last four contests and is 2-7 against the Cardinal in the last nine meetings ... In the last 11 match ups, Stanford has collected six shutouts while outscoring the 'Dogs, 24-7 ... The Bulldogs opened the series by winning 10 of the first 11 games ... While there has been 15 shutouts recorded in the series, Fresno State has posted nine of them.
Southern Named WAC Pitcher of the Week
Senior All-America pitcher Jamie Southern (Clovis, Calif.) picked up her second WAC Pitcher of the Week honors today after going undefeated in the circle last week. With a 3-0 mark, she notched two shutouts, a save and struck out 36 in 20.0 innings for a 1.05 ERA. With six shutouts in nine victories this season, Southern now has thrown 66 shutouts to move up to No. 11 all-time in NCAA Division I history. Recording 100-plus strikeouts for the fourth consecutive year, she moved her career total in strikeouts to 1,146 to rank No. 19 all-time among Division I leaders. Southern also moved into the NCAA Top 25 for complete games as she ranks No.22 (121). Ranked in five NCAA Division I career pitching categories, Southern threw a pair of one-hitters last week against Rhode Island and CS Fullerton to push her career total to 17 one-hitters. Also tallying a pair of 10-strikeout games (14 vs. Rhode Island and 11 vs. No. 14 Washington), she has collected 47 10-plus career strikeout performances. Honored with her 16th career WAC Pitcher of the Week accolade, Southern is standing on 99 career wins and will look to become the 40th NCAA Division I pitcher and just the second WAC hurler to amass 100 career victories this week.
Week in Review
Fresno State went 5-2 last week after sweeping Rhode Island (7-1, 7-2) before reaching the semifinals of the Kia Klassic and posting a 3-2 mark ... In the victories over Rhode Island, junior pitcher Laura Ferreira (El Sobrante, Calif.) recorded both wins in relief ... She allowed two hits and struck out eight in 5.1 innings of work to improve to 4-1 overall ... Sophomore catcher Nichole Willis (Clovis, Calif.) batted .714 (5-7) with three runs, two doubles, a walk, two RBI and was 2-3 in stolen bases against the Rams ... Southern recorded her first save of the year and ninth of her career in the night cap against Rhode Island ... Reaching the semifinals of the Kia Klassic for the first time since 1999, the Bulldogs opened tournament play with an 8-0 (6 inn.) win over North Carolina ... Southern one-hit the Tar Heels and struck out 14 of the 20 batters faced ... While tying her season-high mark in strikeouts, she also fanned eight straight batters over 2.2 innings -- one consecutive strikeout shy of the school's single-game mark ... Southern posted her 16th career one-hitter, her 65th career shutout and 46th career 10-strikeout game ... Facing No. 5 Michigan, Fresno State's defense betrayed itself ... Committing four errors, the Wolverines, who went on to be the eventual Kia Klassic champions, pinned a 6-0 loss on the Bulldogs ... The 'Dogs bounced back the next day by handing host CS Fullerton its third worst loss in school history with a 12-0 (5 inn.) win ... Showcasing its power, Fresno State hit four doubles and a home run to finished second in its own pool to advanced to the championship bracket of the Kia Klassic ... With its second run-rule victory of the season, Southern tossed her second straight one-hitter while collecting her sixth shutout win (66th of career) ... The Bulldogs had a season-high four doubles and 12 RBI against the Titans ... Opening quarterfinals action against No. 14 Washington, the Bulldogs waited out a 2:40 rain delay before going on to tally an 8-3 victory over the Huskies ... Junior All-America shortstop Christina Clark (Santa Ana, Calif.) belted her eighth home run of the year, a three-run shot in the sixth ... The home run was No. 46 of her career as she tied the WAC's career home run mark (46, Scia Maumausolo of CS Northridge, 1993-96) ... Southern struck out 11 to record her fifth 10-strikeout performance of the season (47th of career) while moving within one victory of becoming the 40th NCAA Division I pitcher to reach the 100 career win plateau ... In addition, the Bulldogs drew eight walks, the most in a game this season ... In the semifinals against No. 1 Arizona, the Bulldogs could generate no offense as they were no-hit in a 9-0 (5 inn.) loss ... Unable to defend 11 infield base hits, the 'Dogs also complicated matters by allowing mental mishaps ... In the seven games last week, Willis led all Bulldogs by batting .500 (10-20) with seven runs, four doubles, seven RBI, 2-3 in stolen bases and 14 total bases for a .700 slugging percentage ... Sophomore left fielder Rachael Donaldson (Murrieta, Calif.) was next after hitting .318 (7-22) with four runs, a double, two walks and six RBI ... Also hitting above .300 was freshman first baseman Kristin Sylvester (Big Bear City, Calif.) ... After missing the first 10 games of the year (not counting the nine rain outs), she batted .316 (6-19) with four runs, a double, a triple, five walks and six RBI ... While sidelined to start the season, Sylvester has made her last 13 outings memorable ... As the only Bulldog batting better than. 400 in this stretch, the rookie is hitting .412 (14-34) with six runs, four doubles, a triple, eight walks, nine RBI and 20 total bases for a .588 slugging percentage.
Hitting Streaks Halted
Four Bulldogs had hit streaks come to a halt last week ... Sylvester had her eight-game hit streak halted against No. 14 Washington ... In this stretch, she posted four multi hit games while hitting .600 (12-20) with six runs, four doubles, a triple, seven walks, nine RBI and 17 total bases for a .850 slugging percentage ... Also having an eight-game hit streak that came to an end against North Carolina last week was Donaldson ... With three multi hit games, she batted .478 (11-23) with six runs, a double, a triple, two home runs, nine RBI and 21 total bases for a .913 slugging percentage ... Making it eight straight as well was Willis, who saw her hitting streak end against No. 1 Arizona ... In her eight games, Willis had three multi hit performances and hit .541 (13-24) with 10 runs, four doubles, a home run, four walks, 10 RBI, 2-3 in stolen bases and 19 total bases for a .792 slugging percentage ... Southern posted a seven-game hit streak as hers came to an end against No. 5 Michigan ... She hit .375 (9-24) with eight runs, three doubles, a home run, two walks, four RBI and 15 total bases while slugging .625.
Home Cooking
Four Bulldogs have enjoyed hitting at home, starting with Sylvester. She is hitting .444 (12-27) with four runs and a team-best five doubles to go along with a triple, five walks and six RBI. Donaldson is batting .375 (15-40) with eight runs, a double, two triples, three home runs and a team-high 14 RBI. Willis is hitting .372 (16-43) with 12 runs, three doubles, two home runs, four walks and eight RBI. Clark is batting .341 (15-44) with 13 runs, a double, a triple, six walks, a team-best four home runs and 10 RBI. Note: Freshman outfielder Mallory Perkins (Clovis, Calif.) was batting .474 (9-19) with three runs, a double, a walk, three sacrifices, 1-1 in stolen bases and three RBI before being lost for the season in the night cap against Saint Mary's on March 12. While the offense has been enjoyed by several Bulldogs, Fresno State's pitching has been enjoying the friendly confines of Bulldog Diamond. With a staff ERA of 1.01, Southern is 3-1 with two shutouts, a save and 37 strikeouts as opponents are batting .180 against. Ferreira is 4-0 with 17 strikeouts while opponents are hitting .217 against.
NCAA Career Leaders
Ranked in five NCAA Division I career pitching categories, Southern currently ranks No. 11 in career shutouts (66), No. 19 in career strikeouts (1,146), No. T22 in complete games (121), No. T27 in career strikeout ratio (8.4) and No. 33 in career innings pitched (950.2). She currently is one win shy of becoming the 40th hurler to reach the 100 career win plateau. NOTE: Entering the week, only 39 pitcher have recorded 100 career victories and only seven have posted 120 or more Division I wins.
Home Run Leader
Hitting the second-highest number of home runs (23) in the nation last spring, it took Clark just four innings into the new year to belt her first of the season. Having set a new school and WAC season long ball mark en route to becoming Fresno State's all-time career home run holder last year, the two-time All-American is tied for No. 1 all-time in WAC history for career home runs (46). As the first Bulldog and WAC player to hit 20 home runs in a season, Clark tied the WAC's career mark against No. 14 Washington on March 19 at the Kia Klassic.
Southern Back as Nation's ERA Leader
Southern, a three-time All-American and an Academic All-American, returns as the nation's top ERA leader, again. She notched a 0.54 ERA to lead the nation last spring after posting a national-best 0.44 as a freshman. In the circle this year, Southern already has thrown a no-hitter (5th of career) as she defeated Utah, 5-0, in the season opener while making her 120th career appearance. She has pitched six shutouts in nine wins while tallying five 10-strikeout games. With 66 career shutouts, Southern also boasts 47 career 10-strikeout performances.
Grand Slam Leader
While three opponents have hit a grand slam at Bulldog Diamond, the Bulldogs' top grand slam leader is Clark. Dating back to 1991, 18 grand slams have been recorded in Bulldog softball history as Clark has four of them. Three of them have been hit at home as Clark, who connected against UC Santa Barbara on March 11, 2005 and Louisiana Tech on May 10, 2003 along with Donaldson, who hit one against UC Santa Barbara on March 11 as well, account for the grand hits at home. Last season, Clark hit two and both came on the road (No. 13 Pacific & UTEP) . The most grand slams hit in a season by a Bulldog team has been three, twice (2004 and 1998). This year, two have been recorded.
Clark Moving Up the Record Books
Entering the 2005 season Clark ranked in three career Fresno State offensive marks: No. 1 home runs and No. 10 in runs and total bases. After 25 games of play, she now has 46 career home runs while seventh in runs (144) and total bases (376) and eighth in RBI (121). In addition, Clark posted a 17-game hit streak that ranks No. 5 all-time in school history. Dating back to April 29, 2004 and running through Feb. 26, 2005, the hitting streak saw Clark bat .422 (27-64) with 23 runs, six doubles, a triple, eight home runs, eight walks, 17 RBI and 59 total bases for a .922 slugging percentage. In the WAC's career annals, she ranks No. 8 in total bases and runs while No. 9 in RBI. Clark sits single digits out of the No. 10 spot in doubles (5 shy) and triples (2 shy).
School of Hard Knocks
In position to surpass three-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Berg's career hit by pitch mark (43, 1994-95, 97-98), senior third baseman Leticia Pacheco (Bloomington, Calif.) has been hit 36 times. Hit by pitch once this season, she was hit 12 times last spring, 10 times as a sophomore and 13 times as a freshman.
Chasing Records
Both Clark and Southern are making their way up the school's and WAC's career record book. As the Bulldogs' top slugger, Clark established new single-season school records in home runs (23) and total bases (178) last season. Her sophomore year also showcased her 100th career run, hit and RBI as she also became just the second Bulldog and seventh WAC player to slug .800 or better in a season. As the WAC's first three-time WAC Pitcher of the Year selection, Southern led the nation in ERA every week except one in 2004. She has pitched five no-hitters (three perfect games) to go along with 17 one-hitters and 18 two-hitters as a Bulldog. In two years of national stats (16 weeks), Clark has been ranked all 16 weeks in home runs per game, nine weeks in slugging percentage, seven weeks in runs per game and six in batting average. Over three years (24 weeks), Southern has been ranked all 24 weeks in ERA, 22 in wins, nine in strikeouts per seven innings and four in saves while leading the nation in ERA in 15 weeks.
Southern Throws Fifth Career No-Hitter to Open Season
As the starting pitcher in the first game of the season against Utah, Southern became the first Bulldog pitcher to open a season with a no-hitter as Fresno State defeated the Utes, 5-0, on Feb. 17. Facing one batter over the minimum, she recorded her fifth career no-hitter and struck out 14 in the season opener against Utah as she made her 120th career appearance in the circle. The 14 strikeout performance was her 43rd career 10-plus strikeout game as she posted her 91st career win en route to her 61st career shutout victory.
Making It Four In a Row
While Southern garnered All-America honors at utility for the second straight season after being named All-America at pitcher as a freshman, she became the eighth Bulldog to be a three-time All-American and the fourth Bulldog hurler to do so as she joined Terry Carpenter, Carie Dever and Amanda Scott. This season, Southern will look to be just the fourth Bulldog to be a four-time All-American as Laura Berg, Robyn Yorke and Scott are the only 'Dogs on the elite list. In addition, Southern also will look to be the first WAC hurler to be selected as a four-time WAC Pitcher of the Year.
Fresno State Picked to Win WAC; Three Bulldogs Garner Preseason Honors
With seven WAC titles in the last nine years, Fresno State was selected to capture the league title for the ninth time in 10 years. While coaches can not vote for their own team, Fresno State received all possible six first-place votes as it tallied 36 points. The Preseason All-WAC Team had three Bulldogs named to the squad in Clark, Southern and Willis. Southern is the first WAC player to be honored as a four-time Preseason Pitcher of the Year while Clark is the first to be a multiple Preseason Player of the Year.
National Rankings
Fresno State softball has been no stranger to the national polls. Owning the longest streak for consecutive weeks (178) ranked in NCAA Division I softball history, the Bulldogs have been nationally ranked in the Top 25 for 199 of the 211 weeks since the NCAA's first Top 15 poll in 1983. In addition, Fresno State has been in the nation's official Top 25 polls for 23 straight years. Appearing in the Top 10 for 151 weeks, the `Dogs achieved their first No. 1 national ranking on March 14, 1989. They were ranked No. 1 for two straight weeks in 1997 before finishing as the No. 1 team in the final 1998 USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. In 1999, Fresno State opened the year with a No. 1 preseason ranking after winning the national title in 1998. The program's five No. 1 rankings is the most ever by a Bulldogs' athletic team.
Wright: She Can Coach!
Wright is a featured author in the book entitled She Can Coach! An author in various other books, magazines and videos, Wright is showcased for being a coaching legend. Released last December, the book serves as guide for female coaches and a recruiting tool for the next generation of female mentors. Unlike any book before it, this collection speaks directly on the topics that determine success in coaching by using the words and experiences of 20 of the most successful female coaches in 13 different sports. Some other notable coaching legends include Pat Summitt, Mary Wise and Nell Fortner.
Final 24 John Wooden Trophy Candidate
After more than 200 nominations were reviewed, Southern was one of 24 candidates selected for consideration of the inaugural John Wooden Trophy announced last October. The prestigious award singled out athletes of excellence on and off the field and spotlights those who are role models in performance and person. Southern, who led the nation in ERA for the second time of her career last spring, is a three-time All-American on the field and an Academic All-American in the classroom while overcoming a near career-ending injury as a freshman. Her community involvement has been equally recognized as she volunteers with Big Heroes-Little Heroes events, walks in causes such as Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence, participates in Special Olympics, serves as a guest speaker a various community organizations as well as work with young children in readings and sports.
Softball Season Tickets
Fans can get their 2005 Fresno State softball tickets by ordering on-line (gobulldogs.com), by phone (278-DOGS) or by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office (Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Season tickets are: Reserve ($182), GA-Adult ($75), GA- Youth (ages 6-18: $52) and GA-Senior (ages 65+: $52).
Southern Makes WAC History; Sweeps National Player of the Week Awards
For the first time in WAC history, Southern became the first softball player to sweep player and pitcher of the week awards at one time. In addition, she went on to garner USA Softball National Player of the Week as well as Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week honors after aun outstanding performance at the 10th NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga. Guiding Fresno State to a third place finish at the 24-team tournament field, Southern was a juggernaut as she captured the school's first Most Valuable Player honor at the Leadoff Classic. Pitching and playing first base, Southern collected 18 total bases for a 1.500 slugging percentage as she hit four home runs at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. She hit her fourth career multi home run game against No. 10 LSU. She also had three multiple RBI games and two multiple hit games, including a three-hit performance against Texas State and three RBI gamed against the Tigers. With the four long balls hit at the tournament, she became just the fifth Bulldog to post 20 or more career home runs. In the circle, she posted a 2-1 mark with a shutout and 26 strikeouts in 20.0 innings for a 0.70 ERA. Scattering 13 hits and yielding four runs (two earned), she also walked two as opponents batted .176 against her. Southern's sweep of the national player of the week awards made her the second Bulldog to accomplish that feat as Clark swept the same honors last year for the week of April 13/14.
Returning Some of WAC's Best
While returning five all-conference players, Fresno State brings back three of the Top 10 hit and RBI leaders in Clark (88 hits, 56 RBI), Southern (70 hits, 34 RBI) and Willis (60 hits, 28 RBI). While Clark has led the WAC in RBI the past two seasons, she, along with Southern, are back as two of the top home run hitters as well as two of the top three total base leaders.
Southern Top Draft Pick in LPFA Senior Draft
The Ladies Professional Fastpitch Association, a new professional venue for fastpitch players, announced its 2005 College Senior Draft and All-American Jamie Southern was the No. 1 draft choice. Southern is the third Bulldog overall and second softball player to be a top draft choice by a professional organization. Out of the the 27-player draft, four of the top five draft selections were pitchers. Former Bulldogs Laura Berg and Randi Berg have also joined the professional ranks with the LPFA as they both signed contracts in mid-March. The three teams comprising this league will be announced by the end of March. The LPFA will conduct tour stops around the country beginning at the end of May. These three teams will scrimmage each other in a round robin tournament format at designated sites, which will be announced at a later date. LPFA Tour will bring the world's best professional fastpitch softball players together with amateur communities across the United States. During each tour players, coaches and staff will incorporate youth and coach instruction, player mentoring and corporate endorsement into their schedule of games.
Southern First Round Pick in NPF Senior Draft
In the 2005 National Pro Fastpitch Senior Draft, Southern was the fifth overall pick in the senior draft. Selected by the Akron Racers, Southern is the program's third senior first round draft pick (sixth first round draft selection overall) and 20th total draftee chosen from the Fresno State softball program. The other two Bulldogs who were selected in the first round of a senior draft were Amanda Scott (No. 1, Ohio Pride, 2000) and Jamie Maxey (No. 5, Georgia Pride, 1999). With at least one Bulldog drafted since 1996, Fresno State softball had the university's first No. 1 draft pick, regardless of sport or gender, in Amanda Scott. While six Bulldogs have played on the professional ranks, four have been a part of a championship team: Scott (2004 NPF Champion NY/NJ Juggernaut) and Randi Berg, Kim Maher and Nina Lindenberg (2000 WPSL Champion Florida Wahoos).
From Bulldog to Professional Manager
The 2004 World Champion New York/New Jersey Juggernaut announced a new head coach and general manager in Julie Smith, a former Fresno State softball All-American and 1996 USA Olympic Softball gold medalist, last January. Having played professional softball, she was the No. 6 pick in the first round of the 1996 Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) amateur draft. However, she went on to represent the United States in softball and captured gold at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Four years later, Smith was again drafted by the WPSL and was the No. 2 pick in the 2000 Elite/Supplement Draft. Playing for the Ohio Pride, she was named the 2000 WPSL Defensive Player of the Year. On the international level, Smith was a two-time World Champion in addition to being a two-time Pan Am gold medalist. In her two-year career at Fresno State, Smith was a two-time First Team All-American. With the Bulldogs being the NCAA runner up in 1990, she led the NCAA in hits (93), runs (55) and at bats (263) that same year.
WCWS MVP to NPF MVP to Professional Pitching Coach
It was just six years ago that Scott collected a collegiate national championship crown and garnered college world series MVP honors. After a hiatus, Scott stepped onto a softball field once again and added another national title and another MVP honor to her illustrious softball resume last August. In her first season as a professional for the New York/New Jersey, she pitched the Juggernaut to a world championship as the franchise captured the inaugural Cowles Cup as the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch champion. Helping the Juggernaut to a 44-22 overall record, Scott finished the year at 18-7 with two saves and 160 strikeouts in 179.0 innings for a 0.86 ERA. On March 4, Scott retired from professional ball and became the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut pitching coach.
Bulldogs Bring Home Olympic Gold; Berg to Play Professional Ball
Playing in her third straight Olympics last summer, Laura Berg helped the United States collect its third consecutive gold medal in Athens. While former two-year player Lovie Jung (United States) and four-year starter Vanessa Czarnecki (Greece) suited up for the first time as softball Olympians last summer, it was Berg who patrolled center field for Team USA for the third straight Olympics as it captured its third consecutive gold medal. In 2000, Berg had the game-winning hit to lead the USA to a 2-1, 8 inning victory over Japan in Sydney. In 1996, Berg scored the first run in the championship game against China. Berg will make her professional debut again by playing for the LPFA this summer.
