BRAKETTES-FORCE DOUBLEHEADER POSTPONED BY RAIN; TEAMS TO TRY AGAIN FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. IN ALLENTOWN

June 8, 2006 - For the sixth straight time, the Connecticut Brakettes' quest to launch their National Pro Fastpitch career was halted by inclement weather. Thursday night at Bicentennial Park in Allentown, PA, the Brakettes almost got to play the Philadelphia Force, but just before leadoff hitter Kelly Kretschman was to stroll into the batter's box, a steady downpour forced the game's postponement.

The Brakettes and Force were hoping to play a doubleheader, with Wednesday night’s rainout set for a 5 p.m. start prior to the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. game. However, the two teams now must settle for a pair of single games Friday and Saturday evenings. The two postponed games will be made up at the end of the season.

"If it weren’t for bad luck we wouldn’t have any luck at all," said Connecticut Brakettes Manager John Stratton. "This is getting ridiculous. I know eventually we will get to play a game."

Prior to the two postponements against the Force, the Brakettes had their opening four-game series with the New England Riptide wiped out by rain and wet grounds.

Stratton once again has designated Sarah Pauly as Friday’s starting pitcher. She was set to pitch the first game Thursday with Nikki Myers going in the nightcap. Pauly was 24-8 last year with 315 strikeouts. She pitched four innings of no-hit softball last Thursday night in the home opener against the Riptide and led 1-0 before rain stopped the game.

Scheduled to pitch for the Force Thursday night was Stephanie VanBrackle, the University of Alabama All-America who played for the Stratford Brakettes in 2004.

The Brakettes have announced a change in the home schedule against Chinese Taipei. The teams will meet in a doubleheader Sunday night at 6 p.m. at Frank DeLuca Field with single games on tap Monday and Tuesday evenings starting at 7 p.m.

While the professional Brakettes are trying to get their NPF career under way Friday, the organization’s amateur club, the Stratford Brakettes, make their season debut with six games on tap in Topton, PA, Friday through Sunday.

Under the tutelage of Rich Roessner and Jay Stratton, son of the Connecticut Brakettes’ manager, the Stratford Brakettes feature an almost entirely rebuilt squad that is loaded with some of the top college talent in the country. The amateur squad will play doubleheaders against the Topton VIPs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lyons Park and 12 noon Sunday against the Allentown Pates, also at Lyons Park.

Returning from last year’s amateur team are second baseman Kim Ovittore of Delaware, shortstop Lovena Chaput of Oregon, catcher Killian Roessner of LSU, pitcher Robyn King and utility player Jill Cimminello.

Handling the pitching chores for the team this weekend will be UMass freshman All-America 6-foot-1 Brandice Balschmiter (32-9, 0.97), who had 296 strikeouts this season, and LSU sophomore Dani Hofer (16-5 with 160 strikeouts in 141 innings). The team also features a pair of Division I All-Americas in sophomore Whitney Mollica of UMass, who hit .394 with 17 doubles, four triples, 12 home runs and 61 RBI, and LSU outfielder Lauren Castle (.358), a three-time selection.

Fordham first baseman Allison Twaroski, Boston College shortstop Jenna Macchi, AIC’s Amber Radomski, Mississippi State outfielder Haylie Guess and Cal-Fulerton’s infielder Candace Baker complete the weekend’s lineup. Joining the team next week, following tryouts for the World University Games team, will be Mississippi state shortstop Courtney Bures and Baylor’s first baseman Chelsea Lake, who hit 18 home runs this year.

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