On Sunday, June 7, former Virginia Tech All-American softball pitcher Angela Tincher returned to the United States for a tryout with the national team in Chula Vista, Calif.
Tincher has spent the last few months in Japan playing for Leopalace 21 of the Japanese Pro League. They are currently 7-4 and in a tie for fifth place in the league, but only trail first place by two games.
In a recent blog post, Tincher said "I think the experience in Japan has been priceless and definitely prepared me for tough competition. I won't have much time to rest before tryouts begin, but I feel ready. I'm looking forward to getting back to the States and seeing all of the players at the tryout".
Among Tincher's most memorable accomplishments is her no-hitter against the national team while she was still at Tech. The Hokies took on the Americans on their pre-olympic tour in March of 2008.
Tincher was the first person to shut out the Olympic team in 3 years, and it was team USA's first loss in non-international play in 185 games.
41 players in all were selected to attend the tryouts, taking place June 8-12. On June 15, two teams will be created from the pool of players to compete this summer: the USA Softball Women's National Team, and the USA Softball Women's Elite Team.
The USA Softball Women's National team will represent the U.S. at the Canada Cup July 4-12 and the World Cup July 16-20. The rosters for the Japan Cup on July 31- Aug. 2, and the Pan American Qualifier July 31- Aug. 9 will be a combination of athletes from the Women's National team and the Elite team.
The list of players trying out includes superstars such as former University of Tennessee legend Monica Abbott, Jennie Finch, and Vicky Golindo.
Tincher is one of two Virginians competing for a spot on the team, along with Courtney Bures of Haymarket.