STRATFORD BRAKETTES FACE CT. STARS THURSDAY NIGHT; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC COMES IN FOR SIX GAMES

June 20, 2007 - The Stratford Brakettes' unbeaten record will be severely tested this weekend when the Dominican Republic National softball team visits Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field for three doubleheaders Friday through Sunday evenings. Before the Dominican Republic team arrives, the 16-0 Brakettes will face the Connecticut Stars of Bristol Thursday night in a 7 o'clock doubleheader.

“We’re looking forward to this weekend’s six-game series with the Dominican Republic,” said Manager John Stratton. “They came here last year and they managed to beat our pro team in an exhibition. They also won one of three against our amateur squad.”

The Dominican Republic is led by Stanford University pitcher Melissa Penna, who won the game last year against the Connecticut Brakettes. Head Coach Ubaldo Alvarez has several tested veterans of international competition and a group of talented newcomers, including catcher Yaritza Rodriguez and infielder Melissa Perez of Nova University, outfielder Karina de los Santos and infielder Josefina Mercedes, a switch-hitter, both from Florida Community College champion Miami Dade College.

Following the trip to Stratford, the Dominican Republic departs for Vancouver and the Canada Cup before battling for a berth in the Olympics in the Central America qualifier in July.

In tonight’s action against the Stars, Stratton will send Brandice Balschmiter (8-0) and Candice Freel (8-0) in action. Balschmiter is working on two straight no-hitters and she is averaging 11 strikeouts per game.

The Brakettes are loaded with hitting, power and speed at the top of the order, led by leadoff Chelsea Bramlett of Mississippi State, who is hitting .594 (22-for-37), Sari-Jane Jenkins (.575) of Oregon, Mandie Fishback (.511, 18 RBI) of Florida Atlantic, and Courtney Bures (.485) of Mississippi State.

The Stars feature a lineup of New England collegiate players and scholastic standouts. University of New Haven’s Breanne Gleason and Bristol Eastern’s Sara Plourde will handle the pitching, while UMass recruit and shortstop Andre Boutin is one of the top hitters.

All youth league softball players wearing their team jersey are admitted free of charge for all Stratford Brakettes home contests. Both games will be webcast on the Brakettes Softball Network at www.Brakettes.com.