Roth Wraps Up the Pan American Qualifier Experience
August 12, 2009 | Softball
Aug. 12, 2009
University of Louisville catcher Melissa Roth helped the USA Softball Pan American Qualifier to a Gold Medal in the Pan American Qualifier.
Roth played in 13 games with nine starts and batted .476 (10 for 21) with 11 runs, 11 RBI. Team USA went 13-1 in the qualifier and earned a spot in the 2011 Pan American Games and the 2010 International Softball Federation Women's World Softball Championship.
Melissa Roth's Wrap Up
"There are so many things that we never get to experience in life, but I have had the chance of a lifetime to do that one thing I love the most - which is softball - in another country representing our nation. I don't think that there is anything greater than being able to represent your country while playing a game you love.
These past two weeks have made me appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life. Venezuela was a beautiful country and I hope one day to be able to go back and see more of the country. I still am just coming down from the trip so everything hasn't had a lot of time to sink in but when it does I'm positive I'm going to miss the country and the people I got to privilege of meeting.
With everything that has happened I could not be more thankful for this experience and the people I got a chance to play with such as returners Monica Abbott, Caitlin Lowe, Andrea Duran, and Vicky Galindo. These girls lead the way to gold and we followed the pattern and brought the gold home. I really just want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible for me and everyone that has supported me through my softball career. I will never forget this trip and the great people I met."
About Melissa Roth
As a junior, Roth led the Cardinals in virtually every offensive category this season including team-high numbers in batting average (.444), home runs (16), RBI (53), runs scored (64), slugging percentage (.870) and on-base percentage (.566). The 2009 BIG EAST Player of the Year, and NFCA All-America selection. The All-Great Lakes Region team member and was also a four-time league Player of the Week this season. Roth recently became the first Louisville player to be invited to the USA Softball National Team Selection Camp and member of the USA Softball National Team Program.
About the Pan American Qualifier
The Pan American qualifier consists of 22 teams and will qualify the USA for the ISF Women's Fast Pitch World Championships next year in Oklahoma City as well as the Pan American Games in 2011 held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
