2008 College World Series Stars Burkhart and Gibson
June 16, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
New England Riptide News Release
June 15, 2008 -Lowell, MA- The Philadelphia roll into town this week for their second and final series with the New England Riptide. Although it is early in the season, these teams should be at or near the top of the pack at the end of the season and this series could determine where the teams will stand.
The Force, who have finished out of playoff contention each of the last two years entered the 2008 college draft with the first two picks through last year's finish and through prior trades. The Force certainly made the most of their picks, choosing Katie Burkhart (Arizona State) and Megan Gibson (Texas A&M). These two pitchers will strengthen the Force pitching staff to go along with their already powerful offense and certainly make them contenders for the championship this year. The Force are currently 6-2, both losses coming from the Riptide in the first series two weeks ago in Philadelphia where the two teams split the four game series.
Both Burkhart and Gibson became nationally known a few weeks ago when each of their teams competed in the College World Series. Both teams made it to the finals of the eight team tournament and were featured in the best two of three game finals which Arizona State and Burkhart won in straight games. Burkhart set numerous records at Arizona State including a 118-40 career record (41-5 in 2008) and 1670 strikeouts. Gibson, who also hits, finished with an 88-18 record at Texas A&M and a .361 career average with 56 home runs.
Tickets to the Riptide-Force series can be purchased online at www.neriptide.com, by calling 866-4-RIPTIDE, or at the gate. Games are on Wednesday June 18, Thursday June 19, Friday June 20, and Saturday June 21. All games start at 7:05pm and are at Martin Softball Field in Lowell.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 16, 2008
- Bandits take down Team Canada, 3-1 - Chicago Bandits
- 2008 College World Series Stars Burkhart and Gibson - New England Riptide
- Glory Hosts Softball Clinics - Washington Glory
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