MSU Softball - Blog From Team USA
August 20, 2009 | Softball
MSU Softball - Blog From Team USA
Check back here in July and August to get periodic comments and insights from Mississippi State's contingent with Team USA Softball. Bulldog coach Jay Miller is head coach of this year's USA squad and star player Chelsea Bramlett is a member of the team.
The blog will be updated for these events on the following dates:
July 3-12 - Canada Cup (Surrey, British Columbia)
July 13-20 - KFC World Cup (Oklahoma City, OK)
July 31-August 3 - Japan Cup (Yokohama, Japan)
July 3-12 - Canada Cup (Surrey, British Columbia)
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 3):
Chelsea and I are excited to be sharing our USA Softball experience with our Bulldog fans. We have arrived in Canada and are getting ready for the Canada Cup following a good week of practice at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. There are only eight players returning from the 2008 Olympic team, so it has been an adjustment having so many new faces on the team. Despite so many first-year players, we have some outstanding athletes who have worked very hard and are starting to really come together as a team. I am very proud of how well Chelsea (Bramlett) and former Bulldog Courtney Bures have been hitting the ball.
This team has only been practicing for four days, and it is tough to get a team ready to play against some of the best teams in the world in that period of time. This is one of the differences you get with international softball versus the college level. Back in Starkville, we usually have three to four weeks to prepare our Bulldog teams for the season.
We finished practice Thursday afternoon and flew out for Canada Thursday night. We open the Canada Cup Saturday with games against the Netherlands and Australia. These will be two challenging games to open up what should be a great tournament.
Well, time to get some rest and start preparing from two tough games on Saturday. I hope all of you have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Chelsea Bramlett (July 5):
I hope everyone had a good Fourth of July. We played two games yesterday and run-ruled Australia and the Netherlands. July 4th was special for me because it was the first day I got to put on my United States uniform.
There aren't words to describe how great I felt to be standing there with the other girls, proudly supporting our country. Unlike college where your jersey just stands for that college, the U.S. uniform has such a broader and more honorable meaning.
It was a great experience being out there with so many girls that I saw play in the Olympics. Not to mention, the crowds were just amazing. There are other younger travel teams playing at this complex, so most of the families stayed to watch the international games. Also, one thing I found really exciting was in the mall and driving down the streets, you can see signs that advertise the Canada Cup games. Softball is definitely a big deal here, which makes playing even that much more exciting.
Our first day here we had a full out practice. I honestly thought it was just going to be a little bit of infield/outfield and some batting practice, but we actually did a full practice that lasted about 3 1/2 hours. We did everything that we would do in a normal practice at State, but I believe it was a good way to get us up and ready for the game the next day.
So far the experience has been great. It's nice seeing different places and the different cultures. Coming to Canada, I was thinking that things would be a lot like America, but, actually, it is quite different. There are a lot of people from different nationalities here and not as many are fluent English-speaking people. Overall, it has been a nice experience.
In the past month, I have been on more flights than I have been on in my entire life. I have traveled from Memphis to Dallas to San Diego and back twice, and I have flown from San Diego to Los Angeles to Vancover. The flight from L.A. to Vancouver was delayed an hour and a half, so by the time we landed it was almost midnight. Going through customs was the craziest thing I have ever seen. The line looked like a never-ending line of people that was not moving at a very fast pace. We arrived at the hotel around 2 a.m., which is about 4 a.m. back in Starkville. Needless to say, we did not sight-see very much on the way to the hotel.
This is my first time to actually ever go out of the U.S., but, Canada is beautiful. The temperatures are not as cool as I had hoped, but right outside of my hotel window i can see the mountians. It is absolutely beautiful!
The players on the team have been great. The veterans that have been through this experience have been more than happy to help us get into the groove of things. With so many newcomers on the team, it is hard to keep everything the way it was, but overall, they have done a great job leading us and showing us what we need to do. As for the newcomers, it is different being on the same team as so many that I have played against in the last three years, but we know that we are playing together to be the best in the world.
Well, it's time to go get ready for a game against Venezuela.
Chelsea Bramlett (July 6):
Last night we played Venezuela, who beat Canada the night before. We won by the mercy rule for the third time in as many games, so we are right where we want to be. I had the opportunity to catch Jennie Finch for three innings. Stacey Nelson pitched two innings and Monica Abbott came in to finish the game.
The bats are hot from the top of the line-up to the bottom, and the pitchers are throwing great. Last night was thrilling for me because I got my first hit and stolen base for the United States. I went 1-for-2 at the plate, getting my first plate appearances because the mercy rule has been cutting our games short. The way our rotation works, a catcher only plays three to four innings. It was a great experience and a lot of fun. It turned pretty cold at the end of the game, so I got to wear my new heavy USA jacket. Although it got cold, it was a nice break from the hot summer back home.
We have a tough game later tonight against Canada, so it's time to get some rest before we have to get ready to leave for the field.
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 6):
We are off to a great start at the Canada Cup! This is one of the best tournaments held anywhere in the world. The people here in Surrey, British Columbia, are great softball fans who support this tournament. The stands are always packed, and they cheer for every great play for both teams. It is such a great environment for our players to experience.
We have a big game against host Canada tonight. Tonight's game will finish our first round-robin and will mark the half-way point of that portion of the tournament. Overall, we have been getting great pitching and hitting. We made a few mistakes defensively against Venezuela last night that cost us a run, but the team is getting better each time we play. I think we have the potential of being very good down the road.
Chelsea Bramlett got her first start for the Red, White and Blue last night. She did a great job starting off the game with a hit and a stolen base before scoring our first run in the first inning.
The weather is turning cooler, and we might be facing some rain the next couple of days. Hopefully the weather will hold off and allow us to keep things on schedule.
Chelsea Bramlett (July 8):
Yesterday we started our second round of the round robin games, playing Australia.
Tuesday was much like Monday, but worse. Although we did not have a rain delay, it rained all day long and picked up even more right before the game started. It was also colder than it was Monday, with the rain making it worse. Unlike Starkville, the rain here is that annoying rain that you wish would either become a downpour or just stop completely.
We did a nice job of playing through the nasty conditions to pick-up our second win over Australia. Unlike the previous games, we did not score in the first inning, but instead of panicking, we stayed focused and scored seven runs in the third and fourth innings. Stacey Nelson started the game pitching and did really well. Monica Abbott and I came in the fourth inning and finished off the game. I got my second hit for Team USA, driving in a run that put us up 5-0. We added two more runs in the inning to give us the 7-0, mercy rule win.
We played Canada, the host of the tournament, on Monday and won 10-0. We really came out wanting to make a statement, and I believe we did. Like our coaches told us after the game, we hit one through nine in the line-up, and Cat (Osterman) did a great job keeping them off the bases.
Before the game started, we found out that we were in a rain delay. The rain ended up delaying us from a 6:30 game time to an 8 p.m. start. If the rain weren't enough, it became much colder than it has been, but we performed through the weather and came out with a big win.
Well, I hope everyone has a great day. We have games against the Netherlands and Venezuela today, so hopefully we can keep the unbeaten streak going.
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 9):
It has been cold and rainy here in Canada. The rain really makes for a tough time during batting practice. The games are fine, but we hit on grass fields that are tough in the rain. Overall, everyone is doing a great job of learning each other and a new coaching staff. I have been impressed with the teamwork that I have seen so far.
We had a long day at the fields yesterday, finishing our final game after midnight. Despite the rain and cold, it was a good day as we defeated the Netherlands and Venezuela.
During the day we mainly hang around the hotel getting ready for the games. It gives me some time to work on our recruiting for MSU and keep track of everything back in Starkville with Coach Annie Smith and our new assistant, Karen Johns.
The big excitement Tuesday was when one of our rookies, Ashley Hansen, lost her uniform shorts after laundry. This was very traumatic until they were found in Jennie Finch's room. Katie Burkhart came out for the game with darker hair due to her own hairdressing work in the room. I asked her if she thought she could do anything with mine, but I think I am a lost cause.
I saw that Chelsea Bramlett was named one of the "Faces in the Crowd" by Sports Illustrated this week. This is a great accomplishment for her and our softball program at Mississippi State. It brings national attention to our program and will help with our future recruiting. She has played great here in her first international games, and I am looking forward to her having a strong senior season at MSU.
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 11):
Well, we pulled out a tough 2-0 win against Australia Friday night after opening medal-round play with a 10-0 win over the California Gold Rush. I was pleased with the way we battled back Thursday night for a 3-2 win over the host country Canada in front of a huge crowd. These games have helped our team pull together and will be huge in our preparation and development.
We are in the winner's bracket final and play Canada again tonight. It should be an exciting game, and we hope to advance to tomorrow's gold medal game. I look for us to come out strong tonight.
It has been a long week, and we can see the end ahead. I have been pleased with our progress so far and know that this team can get so much better, which is very exciting.
Chelsea Bramlett (July 13):
We won the Canada Cup last night, coming from behind to defeat Canada 3-2 on a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning.
We played really well, and now we have to keep that going as we head back to the United States for the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City. I'm excited to be heading back to the U.S. I missed being able to use my phone!
It was our second straight game against Canada, as we defeated them 3-0 Saturday night. The game was a battle, but we came out with a win. Monica Abbott had a perfect game going until the seventh inning, and it was awesome to be able to be a part of it. Our defense played really well, and the offense finally came around and took advantage of the runners that got on base.
I got to see the beach yesterday. It was nice getting out and being able to see different places before boarding the plane back to the U.S. The beaches here are not like the ones in California or Florida. The sand is very dark, and there is algae and moss all over the rocks and trees and sand.
The weather here is crazy! It can be cool for an hour, get hot when the sun comes out and be cold again an hour later. Not to mention, it's difficult to figure out if it is cold or hot outside because they measure the temperature in Celsius. I usually have to walk outside and find out that way.
Well, I guess the next time I talk to you I will be back in the USA!
July 13-20 - KFC World Cup (Oklahoma City, OK)
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 15):
Hello from a very hot Oklahoma City! It has been extremely hot since we arrived to begin preparing for the World Cup of Softball.
We are here with Japan, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands and Canada to compete for another gold medal. It will be an exciting time as all of our games will be televised on ESPN.
We held a media day at the field on Monday, and many of our players talked with ESPN, various newspapers and television stations. The experience was a bit different as I got to wear make-up for the first time! Overall, we sat around a good bit, with some interviews mixed in. We held a short practice Tuesday night and a longer practice Wednesday morning in preparation for Thursday's opener against the Netherlands.
After being out of the country for two weeks, it is nice to be back in the U.S.A. The team is excited to play in front of friendly crowds for a change. Hall of Fame Stadium here in Oklahoma City is the best place to play softball in the world, and we are expecting great crowds for the tournament.
We are also hoping for some cooler weather. It has been up to 109 degrees the past couple of days, a big change from the high 50's we had in Canada.
Hope you can follow us on TV and here on the blog this weekend!
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 20):
We are excited about playing for the gold medal tonight against Australia. There were three teams tied with 3-2 records, and Australia won the tiebreaker by allowing the fewest runs. The big rematch versus Japan will have to wait until the Japan Cup in a couple of weeks.
The crowds here in Oklahoma City have been wonderful. This is a great place for our team to play. We had a great luncheon with the fans following our Sunday game with Australia, and it was great meeting so many of our supporters.
I am very pleased with how well this team has come together during our three weeks together. We all go our separate ways on Tuesday, but it seems like just yesterday we were in San Diego practicing for the first time.
We have played well, and I think this team can get much better with more time together. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to look at some of the new, younger players during the next couple of competitions in Japan and Venezuela.
I can't wait to get back to Starkville tomorrow. It will be great to be home.
Chelsea Bramlett (July 21):
I am currently in Arkansas on my way home after finishing up the World Cup of Softball last night. We beat Australia to win the championship, and it was the experience of a lifetime. The excitement of getting that final out to win the World Cup was great! I think we were all kind of wanting a rematch against Japan, but we came out and played really well against a good Australia team.
It was crazy last night after the game. We took a lot of pictures, and then we all went to a big autograph signing. It was amazing how many people stayed around to meet us and get our autographs. They posted signs with our names around the outfield, and the fans would go to the different lines. Players like Jennie (Finch) and Cat (Osterman) had huge lines, but all of us had tons of children and adults coming to meet us.
There was an allotted amount of time for the autograph session, and people wanted everything from balls to jerseys signed. It was great to see how many softball players look up to all of us. They all want to play for the United States and are always asking how they can be out on that field one day.
It has been a long three weeks and quite the world-wind. Going from California to Canada to Oklahoma, you feel the distance, but it has been such a memorable experience. Playing for the United States has given me a chance to play with girls I have played against several times, but it has also allowed me the opportunity to play with some of the players that I have watched on television during the Olympics. The veterans helped us a ton during this experience. They were great at helping bring us all together. Most of the time, all of us hung out as a team instead of going off into separate groups.
Playing on ESPN was an amazing experience. I have played on television before, but playing in front of a world-wide audience was different. During the game, you constantly have cameras right in front of your face, and that really makes you realize that you are playing in front of thousands, if not millions, of people.
It was great having the opportunity to see my parents in Oklahoma City. I have really missed them, so it will be nice having the chance to spend a few days with them. I think the thing I have missed the most has been the home cooking. You get used to eating out a lot, but it will be great to have some home cooking.
I leave for my last tournament next Tuesday. I was supposed to go to Venezuela for the Pan Am Qualifier, but I am now heading to the Japan Cup. Courtney Bures is on that team, so it will be great to have the opportunity to play with her again.
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 22):
Well, the first two legs of the summer are over and we came out with outstanding results. Australia gave us a tough game in the World Cup finals, but our team came through with flying colors. Winning the gold medal once again was great revenge after losing the Olympic gold last summer. Our team was hoping to play Japan again, but Australia played a great tournament and was a big challenge.
As a team, the National Team is now done for this summer, but our season still goes on. We will now take our team and split it into two different teams who will be joined by some additional players for two more important events.
The Japan Cup will be held July 31-Aug. 2 in Sendai City, Japan. Our other team will travel to Maracay, Venezuela, July 31-Aug. 9 to compete in the qualifying tournament for the World Championships and Pan Am games. Since these tournaments have overlap, we need different teams to compete. I will be going to Japan and then traveling to Venezuela for the end of the qualifier. Our new assistant here at MSU, Karen Johns, will be handling the team in Venezuela until I get in.
Former Bulldog shortstop Courtney Bures will be joining Chelsea Bramlett on the trip to Japan, and I am looking forward to working with her again. It should be an interesting trip that gives us the chance to see some additional young players in international competition.
It is great to be back in Starkville, although I will only be here a couple of days before hitting the recruiting trail and heading to Japan.
July 31-August 3 - Japan Cup (Yokohama, Japan)
Head Coach Jay Miller (July 31):
We had a long flight to Japan, but we arrived in style thanks to shortstop Molly Johnson. Her uncle is a pilot with United, and he got the team upgraded to better seats, which made the flight very comfortable. Some members of our team even got business class seats on the long flight. Everyone was excited to arrive in Tokyo, but that excitement was short-lived once we found out that we had another seven-hour bus ride to Sendai City. I had always thought Japan was a small island, but it actually stretches the distance of Maine to Florida.
Once we arrived, we had a practice day to get our new players acquainted with some of the World Cup players. We also had to adjust to the field since we are playing in a baseball stadium that is all turf. To give you an idea of the type of field we are playing on, it would be like us playing a game in the Palmeiro Center. The stadium is very nice. It reminds me a lot of Dudy Noble Field.
This tournament only has four teams competing. In addition to our squad, Japan, Australia and Chinese Taipei are also here playing. We will only play four games in the three days of competition.
We have two Team USA squads playing this week. In addition to the team here in Japan, we have a team in Venezuela for the Pan Am Qualifier. That tournament includes 22 teams, and it will determine the qualifiers for the 2010 ISF World Championships in Oklahoma City and the 2011 Pan Am Games in Mexico. Karen Johns, our new assistant coach, is coaching with that team, and I will join them when we finish here in Japan. Both Chelsea Bramlett and former Bulldog Courtney Bures are on the Japan Cup roster. It's exciting having the opportunity to coach both of them again.
Head Coach Jay Miller (August 1):
We are playing in the championship game of the Japan Cup on Sunday after beating Chinese Taipei and Japan on Saturday. We opened the tournament against Australia on Friday, and we came out strong, hitting home runs in the first two innings to take a 6-0 lead. We went on to win the game 11-3 in five innings. Chelsea Bramlett went 1-for-1 at the plate and scored a run while catching the last two innings. Courtney Bures played the last two innings at second base, and she hit a shot that the third baseman made a great stop on.
We opened Saturday with a 10-2 win over Chinese Taipei before facing Japan in a big showdown later that night. Chelsea started behind the plate against Japan and Courtney started at second base. We jumped out to an early lead again, scoring five runs in the first before going on to a 6-1 win that setup a rematch with Japan for the championship on Sunday.
Head Coach Jay Miller (August 2):
It looks like I will be coming back home this week and not making the trip to Venezuela for the remainder of the Pan Am Qualifier. I have been pretty sick here, and I need to come home and see my doctor.
We wrapped up our third gold medal in as many tournaments on Sunday with a thrilling 2-0 win over Japan. Jennie Finch had a no-hitter until the seventh inning, and she drove in our only runs with a big double in the first inning. We had a great group of young players, including Bulldog greats Courtney Bures and Chelsea Bramlett. They got their first taste of competition at the international level, and they did a wonderful job of working with our veterans to lead us to another gold medal.
It looks like I will get a break since I won't be making the trip to Venezuela. I wish I could be there, but our new assistant coach, Karen Johns, has the team playing well. It has been a long summer, and I can't wait to get back home!
I have really enjoyed being able to keep all of you updated on our travels this summer. We appreciate the support you have given us, and we hope to see you at the MSU Softball Field this season!
