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Softball Starts 2010 Campaign This Weekend
Feb. 11, 2010
MIAMI- After an exciting 2009 campaign that saw a reinvigorated UIC softball team return to the top of the Horizon League, the Flames are ready to get the 2010 season underway. UIC begins the year this weekend at the Combat Classic Tournament hosted by FIU, beginning on Friday, Feb. 12 against North Florida at 10 a.m. Central at the FIU Softball Complex in Miami, Fla. Games against FIU, Southern Illinois, N.C. State and UMass also await the Flames this weekend. 10 players from the 2009 Horizon League regular-season championship team, including All-League selections in shortstop Brooke Frydendall, pitcher Ashley Hewett and outfielder Melinda Macias, return to steer the 2010 squad to the program's first league tournament championship and NCAA Regional berth since 2004. Five freshmen will make their Flames debut this spring, including Devin Miller and Teresa Aguilar, the nationally-renowned pitcher-catcher duo that led Loyola Academy to the 2009 Illinois state championship. The 2010 slate includes five tournaments in warmer locales featuring ample competition, with invitationals in Las Vegas and San Diego also on tap. The Flames will face eight opponents who made the NCAA tournament last season, including eight-time national champion Arizona. "We are playing an extremely competitive schedule in the spring, with several teams that closed out last season in the top 20," said reigning Horizon League Coach of the Year Michelle Venturella.
Venturella, an Olympic gold medalist from the 2000 Sydney games, looks forward to beginning her second season at the helm of Flames after the dramatic turnaround last season. After finishing a few seasons in the middle of the pack, the Flames claimed the 2009 regular season title with an impressive 16-4 record in league play. "It will be a great experience to put ourselves up against the best so that we know early on what we need to do to continue towards our goal of being a national contender," said Venturella. Flames Field will play host for three league series this spring, including visits from Valparaiso, Green Bay and Wright State. "We are excited about this group of girls and this year's schedule," said Venturella. "I look forward to getting the season underway. We know that we need to trust the journey." Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways: 1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link 2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames." Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page. |
