January 09, 2003
The Texas A&M softball team will return to the states tomorrow after two offensive explosions and stellar pitching performances lead the Aggies to 20-0 and 17-0 wins over the Italian All-Stars in Palermo, Sicily on Wednseday and Thursday.
In Wednesday's game the Aggies were led from the plate be senior All-American Selena Collins and sophomore Adrian Gregory as they each sent two homeruns out of the park. Junior Jessica Slataper shut down the Italian team with her pitching by posting six strikeouts, no hits and one walk in five innings of work before being relieved by senior Lindsey Rippee.
The Aggies' 17 runs in Thursday's match were squeezed into five innings as the game was called due to rain. Junior right-hander Lindsay Wilhelmson got the start for the Aggies and allowed one walk and no hits over three innings of work. Sophomore Adrian Gregory picked up were she left off the previous day by hitting another two homeruns, giving her four RBI's on the day.
Coach Jo Evans considers the trip a complete success with great experiences on and off the field.
"The trip has given us a great opportunity to experience a new culture and get some internationl playing experience. It was really good to finally get on the field and play after having the first game cancelled due to rain."
The Aggies finished their tour of Italy today with an afternoon trip to a nearby fishing village before returning to Palermo and having a going away dinner.
The Aggies open their season February 3 when they play Stephen F. Austin at the Aggie Softball Complex.