The USSSA Pride are kind of nomads in the sports world. They really have no home and are somewhat regional and national team. They tour much of the southeast hitting many of the softball hot spots that have emerged thanks tot he SEC’s dominance in the sport at the collegiate level.
The Pride’s road show will roll into Orlando this week at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports for nine games against the Chicago Bandits this weekend, the Pennsylvania Rebellion later on in the week and the Akron Racers next weekend.
The Pride though have established themselves as the dominant team in National Pro Fastpitch. They are in first place in the six-team league, three games clear of second place Akron.
The Pride have always put together a very strong team. They are typically one of the better teams in the league, having lost to the Chicago Bandits last year in the Cowles Cup Championship after winning the previous two titles. The Pride as an organization have been involved in every Cowles Cup Championship since 2009.
They are an offensive juggernaut with five regular players batting better than .300 led by veteran outfielder Kelly Kretschman. Former national champion from Oklahoma Keilani Ricketts has established herself as the ace of the team.
If anyone has followed the college softball scene, many of these names will be very familiar. There are only so many spots on these precious few teams playing professionally in the U.S.
The games against Chicago will provide a special intrigue for Central Floridians. That is where former UCF pitcher Shelby Turnier plays. Turnier has gone 3-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 10 appearances so far. It is very likely she will pitch at least in relief during one of the games the Bandits play against the Pride this weekend.
The Pride’s quick stop in Central Florida is a chance to see some of the best players in softball. The Pride seem well on their way to competing for and winning a title this year.
Advocare Invitational Brackets Set
Speaking of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, the brackets for the Advocare Invitation college basketball tournament to be held during Thanksgiving week have been set. This year’s tournament will feature Florida, Miami and Gonzaga among some other marquee schools. It is one of the best fields the tournament has had since its inception.
The tournament tips off with Indiana State taking on Iowa State on Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m. Miami will play Stanford after that. Florida will close the opening day against Seton Hall in probably the marquee match of the opening round.
It should be a fun three days for the teams and for fans.
UCF’s opponent set for Gildan Charleston Classic
Similarly, UCF’s opponent for the Gildan Charleston Classic was set too.
The Knights will play Mississippi State on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. on ESPN2. The tournament features defending NCAA champion Villanova in a relatively strong field.
The Knights have not yet announced their full non-conference schedule. This tournament will surely feature their toughest games on the schedule considering the team is still very much rebuilding and starting from scratch.
