March 29, 2008

Milligan College, Tenn. --- The biggest names in women's softball are coming to Johnson City. 

Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott and the rest of the USA Softball Women's National Team will be coming to Johnson City on April 13, 2008, to play Milligan College in a tune-up for the Beijing Olympic Games. 

The Lady Buffs are scheduled to become the first-ever NAIA school to host an Olympic team. 

"It is a tremendous honor for Milligan," said Lady Buffs head coach Wes Holly. "When I mentioned it to the girls, they thought I was kidding. It will be the biggest game I've ever been a part of at Milligan. We'll have to use the entire season to prepare to play the best girls in the world. This is the pinnacle of softball." 

Johnson City is one of 42 stops across the country for the USA team on its "Bound 4 Beijing" tour. All the other opponents on the tour are either NCAA Division 1 teams like the University of Tennessee and the University of Arizona or all-star squads. Playing the national team is a daunting challenge, but Holly feels his Lady Buffs will be up for the test. 

"I told our team we're not going to go over there and play the USA jersey," said Holly. "Sure, they are the best players in the world, but we want to go over there and compete in the game of fast-pitch softball. If we do that and put forth our best effort, we will be very happy." 

While it's an honor for the whole program, it is particularly satisfying for the local players. The Lady Buffs feature eight local products including former Happy Valley standout Jessica Blevins at first base. 

Blevins, who led the Lady Buffs with a .412 batting average and 55 RBIs last season, talked about facing legends of the game at her hometown venue. 

"I never expected anything like this from any team I've played on," said Blevins. "We've been looking up to these people. I can't believe this is happening to us. It's going to be a great experience for all of us. We have a great team and we're ready for it." 

Holly hopes the exhibition will bring an increased interest in softball throughout the area. 

"I've tried to do a lot for fast-pitch (softball) around here with clinics and all," said Holly. "But, this is an opportunity to see the best players in the world. When you identify the name Monica Abbott, you automatically think of UT. She definitely put fast-pitch softball on the map in Tennessee. Then you have Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Alicia Hollowell on one team, that speaks volumes of the pitching. It should inspire the girls around here to become better softball players."