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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Virginia softball player Kelly Haller (Leesburg, Va.) has been selected to play in the “Bound 4 Bejing” game against the 2008 United States Olympic Team. The contest is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Salem Kiwanis Field in Salem, Va.
Haller, a third-year, is one of 13 softball players representing eight different colleges from the area. Virginia Tech will be represented with four players, Radford with three, and James Madison, UNC Greensboro, Appalachian State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Winthrop joining Virginia with one representative.
Virginia Tech head coach Scot Thomas will coach the team and will be assisted by Al Brauns (Virginia Tech) and Steve Warner (West Virginia Wesleyan).
“I was so flattered and ecstatic when I was asked to play on this team,” Haller said. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I get the opportunity to play against women I’ve looked up to throughout my softball career. I grew up watching them play in college and in the Olympics. As I watched them, I always thought what it would like to play against them and if I could hit off the best pitchers in the world.”
Haller, who split time at catcher and designated player this season for the Cavaliers, led Virginia for the second straight season at the plate, finishing with a .303 average. She also accumulated 40 hits, including two home runs, and 19 RBI during the 2008 campaign.
Gates are set to open at 5 p.m. for both infield practices. Tickets can be ordered by calling Ticketmaster or the Salem Center Box Office at 540-375-3004.
Live stats of the game will also be available online by clicking here.
Salem All-Star Roster
| Name |
Pos. |
School |
Hometown |
| Jenny Clohan | P/UTL | JMU | Ashburn, Va. |
| Hope Creasy | OF | Radford | Christiansburg, Va. |
| Jennifer Everhart | 2B | Radford | Purcellville, Va. |
| Jessica Everhart | OF | Virginia Tech | Purcellville, Va. |
| Mary Greenway | OF | UNC Greensboro | Roanoke, Va. |
| Kelly Haller | C/1B | Virginia | Leesburg, Va. |
| Andrea McIntyre | 3B | Appalachian State | Christiansburg, Va. |
| Emily Neiman | 2B | W. Virginia Wesleyan | Phoenix, Ariz. |
| Jenna Rhodes | DP | Virginia Tech | Broadway, Va. |
| Ashley Taylor | P | Radford | Danville, Va. |
| Beth Walker | 1B | Virginia Tech | Galax, Va. |
| Amber Walker | C | Virginia Tech | Galax, Va. |
| Carri Wooldridge | P | Winthrop | Bedford, Va. |