Bullpen Club Dinner Kicks Off 2012 Season
January 30, 2012 | Softball
Jan. 30, 2012
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - - The University of Louisville softball team held its fifth annual Bullpen Club Dinner Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Galt House. The dinner featured two-time Olympic Medalist Natasha Watley as the keynote speaker.
"We always look forward to this event, because it provides an opportunity to connect with our softball family of supporters and alumni - and this year's Bullpen Club Dinner did not disappoint," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We are thankful that Natasha Watley was able to share her experiences as a national champion as well as on the Olympic team and playing professionally. Our team is ready to take on the challenge of the 2012 season."
This year's dinner drew over 200 attendees, including several alumnae as the 2012 team was introduced. The softball program also announced the third annual "Spirit of Softball" award was given to Louisville Slugger and accepted by Caroline Howe for their promotion of the sport of softball both in the local community and on every level.
The University of Louisville enters the 2012 season ranked No. 24 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll and picked to finish fourth (of 13) in the BIG EAST Conference preseason coaches' poll.
The Cards are coming off of a 38-20 season in which they posted a runner-up finish in the 2011 BIG EAST Championship. Louisville made its eighth straight NCAA regional appearance and was selected as a host site for the second time in three years. The Cardinals return seven starters and 15 letterwinners including All-BIG EAST selections Katie Keller, Alicja Wolny, Hannah Kiyohara, Caralisa Connell and Jennifer Esteban.
Head Coach Sandy Pearsall is entering her 13th season as the head coach of the University of Louisville softball program. After building the program from scratch in 2000, Pearsall has guided the Cardinals to three conference championships, eight consecutive NCAA regional appearances including serving as a host site in 2009 and 2011.
U of L will open the 2012 season Feb. 10-12 in Miami at the Florida International Combat Classic.
