University of North Carolina Athletics
Former Tar Heel Natalie Anter Powers Italy Past Czech Republic 9-2
June 30, 2003 | Softball
June 30, 2003
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Former University of North Carolina catcher Natalie Anter smacked a three-run home run in the finals of the Africa/Europe Olympic qualifier in Italy against the Czech Republic to help Italy earn a berth in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Anter started at third base for the Italians and guided them to their second Olympic appearance in three tries. Italy rounds out the eight-team field for the 2004 Summer Games. Other countries that have qualified are Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Greece, Japan and the United States.
Italy saved its biggest offensive output for the biggest game, winning 9-2. They came right out of the chute with four runs in the top of the first, with the Czechs coming right back with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning. But Italy's attack continued, getting three more runs in the top of the third courtesy of Anter's home run to pull away. Daniella Castellani had a game-high four RBI.
"It's been Natalie's dream to play in the Olympics and I'm so excited that she's going to have that opportunity," said UNC coach Donna J. Papa. "It's a great accomplishment for her and also for our program, since she'll be UNC's first softball Olympian."
Anter was a four-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree at Carolina. She lettered from 1999-2002 and is the only Tar Heel to earn All-Southeast Region honors for all four seasons. Anter is the school career record holder in home runs (34), RBI (164), total bases (389), walks (84), games played (246) and games started (243).
The Olympic softball competition will begin on August 14, 2004 and run till August 23, 2004. The games will be held at the Olympic Softball Stadium in the Helliniko Olympic Complex.
