June 11, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - UIC standout Sarah Clynes will face the ultimate challenge when she squares off against the USA Softball National Team this Thursday night (June 12) at 7 p.m. in St. Ann, Mo.

UIC's ace pitcher was chosen by a committee, including the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Regional All-Star coaching staff, to play for the ASA St. Louis All-Stars in a "Bound 4 Beijing" Tour exhibition contest at ABC Ballpark.

The team consists of 23 players who were picked from a pool of 75 Division I athletes in the St. Louis Metro and Illinois area. The roster includes players from such institutions as Oklahoma, Kansas, Southern Illinois, Missouri, Saint Louis and Missouri State.

"It's an experience of a lifetime, especially since this may be the last time softball is in the Olympics," said Clynes. "I'm just excited to have the opportunity and honored to be chosen to play against Team USA."

Clynes is one of the most decorated players in the Horizon League during the past three seasons.

She was the Horizon League's Newcomer of the Year in 2006 and Co-Player of the Year in 2007. The junior has also been a three-time All-League selection and has earned All-Tournament Team honors each year.

In 2008, Clynes recorded a career-high 67 hits and hit 12 home runs while also fanning a personal-best 142 batters in the circle.

Clynes currently ranks seventh in the UIC career record book with 22 home runs and a .355 batting average. She owns fifth in innings pitched (603.2), sixth in strikeouts (423) and seventh in both complete games (53) and shutouts (14).

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