ANGELA TINCHER INKS MULTI-YEAR DEAL TO PITCH FOR THE RACERS

RACERS TO HONOR 2008 USA SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

AKRON, Ohio—The Racers signed the nations premier pitcher, Angela Tincher, (Virginia Tech) to a multi-year contract, the first in Akron’s ten-year history. Tincher led the Hokies to the 2008 WCWS and lost a 19-strikeout performance in extra innings to the Florida Gators, the number one rank team in the country. 

Tincher made national news two months ago when she became the first pitcher in 185 pre-Olympic games to beat the USA National Team (2-0). Not only did she beat them, she was one walk, away from a perfect game.

The Racers selected Tincher with their first pick in the 2008 NPF Draft. GM, Joey Arrietta made a last minute trade with the Rockford Thunder to move up from fifth to third in the first round to snag Tincher with the third pick overall in the draft.

Arrietta visited Virginia Tech last fall to get a look at Tincher and was immediately convinced that Tincher was indeed everything and more than what she had heard the past three years. “She is incredibly talented with a rare gift to pitch,” replied Arrietta. “I was prepared to do whatever it took to get her in a Racers uniform.”

Tincher is one of the most decorated softball players in NCAA history. The 2008 USA Softball Player of the Year, collected the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, the 2008 ACC Tournament MVP trophy, the ACC Pitcher of the Year Award, 2006-08 2007-2008 First-Team All-ACC, she was a finalist for the Sullivan Award and she has been nominated for the Honda Sports Award.  A 2007-08 First Team All-American, 2008 First-Team All-Academic Team, she was a member of the 2008 WCWS All-Tournament Team and the list goes on.

Her 2008 statistics include an amazing 0.63 ERA, a 38-10 record with 679 strikeouts. Here 2,149 career strikeouts place her third overall on the NCAA leader board behind USA National Team member, Monica Abbott (2,440) and Olympic Gold Medalist, Cat Osterman (2,265).

Tincher arrives in town on Monday and will pitch the home opener on Wednesday, June 11, which has been designated “Angela Tincher Night.” The Racers will honor Tincher as the 2008 USA Softball Player of the Year with a commemorative poster. The Racers opponent will be the 2007 NPF defending champions, the Washington Glory.

The Racers won the NPF Title in 2005 and hope that Tincher will guide them to their second championship in 2008.

Stadium and Terrace tickets are just $3.50. “Angela Tincher Night” will include the commemorative poster giveaway and postgame fireworks.