June 17, 2004

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Three UNC players got an up-close look at the world's best softball team Wednesday night at Renaissance Park in Charlotte. Pitcher Crystal Cox, catcher Theresa Nicholas and infielder Anna Evans played for the Carolina Cardinals in an exhibition game against the U.S. National Team, which won 10-0 in five innings.

Cox, a rising junior pitcher, and Nicholas, a rising sophomore catcher, formed their team's battery for the first four innings of the game, which was played before a crowd of 2,700 fans. Evans played the final inning at second base.

The U.S. team, winner of the last two Olympic gold medals, is now 38-0 in its "Aiming for Athens" tour leading up to the Summer Games.

"It was a privilege to play against them," Cox said. "We got to play against the best team in the world and that's amazing. We saw what they do and we'll keep working hard to one day be as good as they are."

Laura Berg and Lovie Jung led the U.S. offense, going 6-for-6 with six RBI. Lisa Fernandez was the starting pitcher for the National Team and also scored the first run on a solo homer in the second. She allowed one Cardinal hit and struck out six in five innings.

The U.S. team's winning streak on its pre-Olympic tour is now 152-games, dating back to May 3, 1996. For more information on the U.S. tour, go to www.usasoftball.com.