[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1367-E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE NATIONAL CHAMPION UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SOFTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 31, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the University of Alabama's 
softball team which captured its first national championship during a 
down to the wire late night victory on June 6, 2012.
   The Tide was able to triumph over the Oklahoma Sooners after a rain 
delay brought out a special determination on the part of the ladies 
from Alabama to take home the trophy. Down early, Alabama came back to 
score four runs, and at 12:31 a.m., Alabama pitcher Jackie Traina 
struck out a Sooners player to end the game.
   With its 5 to 4 win in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma 
City, the Crimson Tide softball team also garnered the University of 
Alabama its fourth national championship of the year--a school record. 
Alabama also made history as the first Southeastern Conference team to 
clinch the national softball title.
   Since the creation of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) softball 
tournament in 1997, Alabama has claimed five SEC titles, including the 
2012 season. The team ended their year with an impressive 60-8 record 
overall; 23-5 in the SEC.
   This was the eighth time the University of Alabama has traveled to 
the Women's College World Series. This year's team is dominated by 
freshmen and sophomores who proved that heart and hard work can make 
the difference.
   The victorious 2012 team members are Chaunsey Bell, Catcher; Jackey 
Branham, Infielder; Kayla Braud, Outfielder; Courtney Conley, 
Infielder; Keima Davis, Outfielder; Kendall Dawson, Catcher; Jennifer 
Fenton, Outfielder; Olivia Gibson, Catcher; Danae Hays, Infielder; 
Kaila Hunt, Infielder; Ryan Iamurri, Infielder; Leslie Jury, Pitcher; 
Amanda Locke, Utility; Jazlyn Lunceford, Outfielder; Jordan Patterson, 
Catcher/Infielder; Cassie Reilly-Boccia, Outfielder/First Base; 
Danielle Richard, Infielder; Lauren Sewell, Pitcher; Jadyn Spencer, 
Utility; and Jackie Traina, Pitcher/Utility.
   The coaching and support staff is led by Head Coach Patrick Murphy. 
Assisting him are Alyson Habetz, Associate Head Coach; Stephanie 
VanBrakle, Assistant Coach; Adam Arbour, Volunteer Assistant Coach; 
Kate Harris, Director of Operations; and Nick Seiler, Athletic Trainer.
   On behalf of the people of Alabama and my colleagues in the Alabama 
delegation, I wish to extend personal congratulations to Coach Patrick 
Murphy, the coaching staff and the ladies of the University of Alabama 
Softball Team for their tremendous accomplishment. Along with a large 
fan base that traveled to Oklahoma City to cheer on the Crimson Tide 
was University of Alabama Athletic Director Mal Moore and Interim 
President Dr. Judith L. Bonner. Roll Tide!

[[Page E1368]]



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