CPTV Sports to Broadcast Stratford Brakettes Softball Games This Summer

May 18, 2012 - HARTFORD Conn.
This summer, CPTV Sports -- the state's only 24-hour local sports channel -- will begin airing games of the Stratford Brakettes, one of the most storied franchises in softball history. The broadcast schedule has yet to be determined, but games will be announced shortly. Viewers can log onto the CPTV Sports web site at cptvsports.org for up-to-the-minute information on which games will be covered.

On Friday, June 1, the Brakettes will face the Newtown (Penn.) Rock in their Opening Night match-up at Stratford's DeLuca Field in a 7 p.m. double-header. Newtown is the last team to beat the Brakettes, a game which occurred on June 4, 2010. Since then, the Brakettes have won a team-record 119 consecutive games, including a 63-0 mark last season.

Current LSU pitcher and Masuk (Monroe, Conn.) H.S. All-American Rachele Fico leads the Brakettes' pitching staff, while former pro slugger Denise Denis (UMASS) anchors the team's lineup. The team also includes former pro pitcher and First-Round NPF Draft Pick, Brandice Balschmiter (UMASS) and the Brakettes' single-season home run champ, Steph Call (Florida Atlantic University), who hit 31 HR's for Stratford in 2011. The Brakettes will also see a return of dynamic centerfielder/leadoff hitter Carly Normandin (UMASS) and their veteran double-play combo, shortstop Mandie Fishback (Florida Atlantic University) and second baseman Ashley Waters (Maine).

With two straight Women's Major Softball National Championships (2010 and 2011) and a total of 30 National Championships (28 ASA National titles) dating back to 1958, the Brakettes remain the nation's most successful softball team.

A not-for-profit channel owned and managed by Connecticut Public Television (CPTV), CPTV Sports is the new, expanded version of its previous incarnation, the Connecticut Sports Network (CTSN). Launched in November 2011, CPTV Sports is Connecticut's only 24-hour local sports network broadcasting Connecticut high school, college and professional sports competitions from more than 40 schools and organizations, including the University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, Central Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University and the state university system. CPTV Sports also brings viewers coverage of unique sporting events like auto racing, roller derby and ultimate frisbee.

CPTV Sports is available on Comcast cable channels 185, 187 and 744; Cox Communications cable channel 805; Cablevision channel 139; Charter Northeaster channel 223; Charter Western channel 224 and Thames Valley channel 87.

About Connecticut Public Television (CPTV)
CPTV is a media service of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN). It is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs specials and educational programming. CPTV has built a reputation as a leader in children's programming, including playing an historic role in bringing Barney & Friends™, Bob the Builder™, and Thomas & Friends™ to public television. The station offers 11 hours of positive, nurturing children's programs each weekday, reaching 50,000 to 70,000 households daily. For more information, visit cptv.org.