Thunder prepare to open 2006 season in Arizona
June 1, 2006 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
TUCSON - After a strong finish to the 2005 season, the Texas Thunder couldn't wait to return to action in 2006. The team gets that chance tonight when they take the field in Tucson to take on the Arizona Heat.
Led by league and team veterans Christa Williams (Texas) and Kristen Zaleski expectations are high for the club. Williams, who is in her third year in Texas, will lead a group of five pitchers in the circle for the Thunder. Joining Williams in the circle is current National Team prospect Amanda Freed (UCLA), as well as Lake Jackson native Nicole Neurerburg (Texas State). Newcomers to the staff include Big XII Player of the Year Serena Settlemier (Kansas) and Louisana-Lafayette prouct Krystal Lewallen.
Offensively, Zaleski, who was named the league MVP after a successful 2005 season, will lead the team again. Zaleski, who will bat most likely leadoff and patrol centerfield for the Thunder, will lead a offense that will be much improved from a season ago. Rookies Raquel "Rocky" Spencer (Texas A&M) and Ashley Brenan (Southern Miss), as well as veteran players Lindsay Gardner (Texas) and Denise Dahlberg (Hawaii) should provide plenty of punch for the Thunder.
The Thunder, who opens the season in Tucson, will return home to play 12 of their next 16 games, including a four-game series with the expansion Philadelphia Force.
All four game broadcasts with the Heat can be heard live over the internet by visiting www.azstarnet.com. Game time is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. CST.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 1, 2006
- Thunder Prepare to Open 2006 Season in Arizona - Rockford Thunder
- Thunder prepare to open 2006 season in Arizona - Rockford Thunder
- NPF Launches Internet Talk Show - NPF
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