Locals to take on Olympic squad
An eclectic mix of collegiate and high school players make up the Spokane Area All-Stars who face the USA Olympians in a nine-inning exhibition softball game Thursday at Franklin Park.
The team includes three players from the University of Washington – leading hitter and catcher Alicia Blake, reserve shortstop Jessica Ventoza and outfielder Ashley Tuiasosopo – and features an age range from 26-year-old former Central Washington University hurler Stephanie Hogan of Richland to 16-year-old infielder Alexa Morales who will be a senior this fall at Central Valley.
“Since I was little my two goals in life were to play Division I softball and be a part of the Olympic team,” said Morales. “Being able to play against them (the Olympians) is just as good and a dream come true.”
Morales is one of several who played this year in the Greater Spokane League. The others are Shadle Park’s China Frost, Samantha Skillingstad and Danielle Lynn, North Central’s Kelsie Vallies and University’s Alisha Warren.
Four members played for All-Stars coach Fuzzy Buckenberger at Whitworth: leading hitter Halley Cey, Heather Case, Lacey Parry and Lacey Kerr.
Among the pitchers is University of Oregon’s Melissa Rice who prepped at Colville. There are players from Montana, Idaho and such small Washington cities as Touchet and Kittitas.
“We had 50-some kids turn out,” said Buckenberger, who pared the roster down to 24. “I hate doing that (making cuts) because I love kids.”
As he did four years ago, Buckenberger said that somehow, some way the Area All-Stars will score against the Olympians. They were shut out twice in five-inning games back then.
“Last time we gave up runs because of defense our kids were so nervous,” he said. “The key is for them to have confidence in themselves, realize who they are playing and then the nerves have got to disappear.”
The All-Stars are practicing today and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Franklin Park in preparation for the 7:30 p.m. game against the reigning World and Olympic championship team.
Franklin Park’s game field will be fitted with bleachers to accommodate an anticipated crowd in excess of 3,000. Tickets are available at TicketsWest outlets on on-line at ticketswest.com.