Friday, March 6, 2015

A Meeting of Alabama and MTSU Softball Teams in Decatur in honor of Priceville Native Danielle Richard




The softball teams from the University of Alabama and Middle Tennessee State University will meet in Decatur to play a game in honor of Priceville native Danielle Richard, a senior on the University of Alabama team. Hosted by the Decatur Parks and Recreation and the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the game is set for Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex located in Decatur. The first pitch will be thrown at 6:30 p.m.

Each season, the University of Alabama Softball team plays a game in or near the hometown of each senior. The April 8th game will honor Danielle Richard, a senior from Priceville, Ala. “This game is so special to me. It’s a great opportunity to show my family and people all around Priceville how awesome Alabama softball is,” said Ms. Richard. “Playing for the University of Alabama has been such a blessing. The coaches and my teammates have taught me so much more than just softball. They have taught me how to be a hardworking, selfless servant leader and I have learned many things I believe will help me be successful in the real world. Playing softball for Alabama has far exceeded my expectation of college softball. It has truly been an amazing experience.” Danielle is the daughter of Michelle Richard and Harold Richard.

“We are looking forward to bringing Alabama softball up to the Decatur/Priceville area in April. I know how much work has been put into this event by a bunch of people. It should be a really fun homecoming for Danielle,” said Head Coach Patrick Murphy.

Alabama returns 13 players from last year’s team that made it to the Women’s College World Series championship just two years after winning it all in 2012, the first for the school and the SEC. Five of the 13 returnees are seniors while the Crimson Tide also welcome five freshmen to the squad. Head Coach Patrick Murphy, returning for his 17th season at the helm, has overseen an incredible run of success at Alabama including 10 SEC titles, nine Women’s College World Series trips and 16-straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Twenty-one players have combined to earn 45 NFCA All-American awards in program history, including current junior Haylie McCleney, already a two time All-American. The Tide have also been equally as successful off the field, garnering 18 Academic All-American nods. At least one Tide player has been named an Academic All-American every season since 2008, including a program-record four in 2014.

The Middle Tennessee softball team, led by third-year head coach Jeff Breeden, is made up of 19 players. The team returned six players from last year’s squad and 13 newcomers on this season’s roster. MT finished last season 10-45 overall while over 60% of its offense left due to transfer or graduation. This season, the Blue Raiders started 7-3 for their best start since 2004 and defeated Louisville in the Dot Richardson National Invitational.

Tickets are $10/person general admission and may be purchased beginning Monday, March 30 at Fort Decatur located at 610 4th Avenue SE in Decatur and will remain on sale until all are sold. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can also order and pay for tickets by calling 256.341.4588. Certain rules will apply to ticket purchases.

On Monday, March 16, 2015, the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a “Lunch with Champions” at noon at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion. The luncheon will feature Patrick Murphy, head coach of the University of Alabama Softball Team, and Danielle Richard. Cost to attend the luncheon is $10 per person. Seating is limited and anyone interested in attending must RSVP by March 12th by calling 256.350.2028.

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