BRAKETTES OPEN 8-GAME WEEKEND SERIES AGAINST PANTHERS

June 24, 2009 - The Stratford Brakettes are hoping the third time is really a charm as they host the Connecticut Panthers in a 7 o'clock doubleheader Thursday night at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field to begin an eight-game weekend home stand. The Brakettes and Panthers have been postponed because of rain twice this year.

Undefeated entering the week's action, the Brakettes are 10-7 overall. That is, 10 wins and seven rainouts. "It's been the worst start to a season I can ever remember," said Brakettes' Manager John Stratton. Following Thursday night's action the Brakettes host the 2008 PONY National Champion Tradition U-18 Friday at 7 p.m. before long-time rival Topton, PA, VIPs come to DeLuca for Saturday night and Sunday noon twin-bills.

Masuk High School All-America Rachele Fico (1-0) and Bailey Sanders (5-0) will handle the pitching this weekend as Kirsten Allen (4-0) had to return to Oklahoma for school commitments. The pitching staff has yet to allow an earned run this year.

Newcomer Carly Normandin of UMass, an All-America centerfielder, leads the Brakettes in hitting with a .474 average. Right fielder Denise Denis (.414) is the home run leader with three and RBI pace-setter with 13. Lindsey Kay Bright (.385), Amber Radomski (.375), Jessica Mouse (.367), Jessica Serio (.364) and Ashley Waters (.355) are also stinging the ball. Waters (11) and Mouse (9) trail Normandin for the RBI leadership.