Brakettes Sweep to 10-0 Start, Prepare for Second Weekend at Home

June 17, 2008 - The Stratford Brakettes won four games at DeLuca HOF Field this past weekend, extending to 10-0 on the young season, but they will have to wait for another day to welcome back one of their stars. U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Danielle Henderson returned to Stratford, attempting to make her first start for the Brakettes in five years. Henderson was scheduled to pitch both Saturday night and Sunday, but both times Mother Nature interfered.

"I’ll just have to wait until next time," said Henderson, who played the last three years for the New England Riptide in the National Pro Fastpitch league. "I couldn’t wait to get back here to Stratford, since it feels like home," added Henderson. The former UMass All-America from Commack, NY, first played for the Brakettes from 1997-99 before she played for Team USA in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. She then returned for the 2002-03 seasons, helping the Brakettes win a pair of National ASA Championships.

"We’re excited to have Danielle back wearing the Brakettes uniform," said Manager John Stratton. "She has been a big part of our recent success and I am certain she will have an excellent season." In addition to her Olympic gold and two ASA titles, Henderson also led the Riptide to the 2006 NPF Championship when they beat the Connecticut Brakettes 2-0 in the finals.

Stratford opened the home schedule Thursday with two wins over the Stratford Seahawks, as Leslie Malerich and Bailey Sanders posted victories. Malerich fired the Brakettes' first no-hitter of the 2008 campaign in the 7-0 first-game win, before the Brakettes captured the nightcap 7-1.

The hometown favorites then hosted the CT High School All-Stars Friday night, in a single nine-inning contest. The All-Stars proved to be just that, as they were within 1-0 until Laura Trout's three-run homer in the sixth. The Brakettes finished off the night with a 7-0 win, but Connecticut's finest young talent represented their state well. Brandice Balschmiter picked up the win with an eight-strikeout performance.

Sanders added her second win of the weekend Saturday night against the New Jersey Elite, with a 5-0 triumph. Torrential rains and thunderstorms rolled in during the late innings, and effectively washed out the rest of the weekend schedule.

The Brakettes return to action with Thursday and Friday night twin-bills against the Connecticut Panthers Gold, both evenings starting at 7 p.m. They will also host the Outten Trailblazers of Blandon, PA, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at DeLuca Field.

To submit a player's name for consideration to be a Brakettes' bat girl, e-mail your request to us at brakettes@hotmail.com.