University of North Carolina Athletics
Former Tar Heels To Meet In National Pro Fast Pitch Women's Softball League
July 26, 2011 | Softball
July 26, 2011
Former Carolina teammates Danielle Spaulding and Brittany McKinney of the NFP Diamonds (4-21) will face off against Christine Knauer and the Chicago Bandits (15-13) in a four-game series at North Davidson High School in Lexington, N.C.
Spaulding, who recently served as undergraduate assistant coach for UNC softball in 2010-2011, will take the circle for the Diamonds in the series opener Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native also pitched for the Tar Heels as well as spent time at first base from 2006-2010, finishing her career ranked in the top-10 in 18 of 31 statistical categories. Spaulding is a three-time All-America selection and is only the third Tar Heel to garner multiple first-team All-America honors. She was also named Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2010, becoming just the third player in ACC history to earn three individual league awards after corralling Player of the Year honors in 2008 and 2009.
Spaulding will have a familiar face behind the plate in McKinney, who wrapped up her career as catcher for the Tar Heels in the spring of 2011. The Clemmons, N.C., product was a stalwart behind the dish for Carolina as she owns one of the highest career-fielding percentages in school history with a .993 clip. McKinney also provided power in the line-up at designated hitter with her 20 career home runs ranking in the top-10 of UNC history.
Knauer, a native of Long Island, N.Y. and former Carolina shortstop, was a member of the same 2010 recruiting class as Spaulding. Along with three other Tar Heels, Spaulding and Knauer helped lead UNC to 185 wins over their careers. They also reached the NCAA Tournament each year, including hosting Carolina's first two NCAA Regionals in 2008 and 2009.
The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for Tuesday's 7 p.m. tilt. The Diamonds and Bandits will continue their series with a double-header Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Action will wrap up Thursday with a series finale at 7 p.m. Admission: single game $10, doubleheader $15, all-games pass $32.
