.png&type=webp)
Bowling Green State University Athletics
Wiemer and Vallas vs. Team USA
August 14, 2008 | Softball
Aug. 14, 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - As the 2008 Olympics are in full swing, Falcons Hayley Wiemer and Allison Vallas reflect on the MAC All-Stars' exhibition game against Team USA. Team USA is currently 2-0 in round robin play, including setting a new Olympic record for runs scored in a game by a single team (11) and tying the Olympic record with three homeruns against Venezuela in their opening game in Beijing.
Wiemer and Vallas were two of the 17 All-MAC players on the MAC All-Star team that took on Team USA in an exhibition game in June as a part of the KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour.
Much like any other day on the field for Wiemer and Vallas they both had an exceptional game against USA's best in softball. Vallas started off the game at first base in the third spot of the batting order while Wiemer started as the MAC All-Star's designated player in the clean-up spot and eventually came in the game as a relief pitcher.
Despite two strikeouts Vallas was the first of the MAC players to get a piece of one of Monica Abbott's pitches as she battled in the box in the first inning. Vallas' defensive play against Team USA was incredible as she led the MAC All-Stars with five putouts. Within the first few innings Vallas made several great defensive stretches and stops at first base to help keep Team USA scoreless in the first two innings.
Wiemer the fifth most walked player in the nation and a feared hitter by many pitchers once again was given first base in the fourth inning. In her last at bat Wiemer connected with the ball in what was one of the best hit balls by any of the MAC All-Stars against Team USA, however her line drive wasn't able to find its way through the infield as Team USA's Lauren Lappin made the play at shortstop. From the circle Wiemer enter the game in relief in the bottom of the third inning with one out and runners on base. Wiemer pitched two-thirds of an inning facing eight batters and was the only MAC All-Star pitcher that did not give up a homerun to Team USA.
Wiemer and Vallas took some time to answer a few questions about their experience playing against Team USA.
Wiemer on the MAC All-Stars vs. Team USA
What did it feel like to be apart of the MAC All-Star team and get to play against Team USA?
"Playing against Team USA was a dream come true. I have looked at the members of Team USA as role models my entire life and to finally look over in the other dugout and see those same people on the same field as us was such a blessing. I still admire and respect members of Team USA to this day and playing them was one of the best experiences of my life. When the game was over, a number of us caught ourselves just looking out onto the field not wanting to leave the ballpark because that meant the day was over. It was unbelievable.
What was it like to meet some of these players?
"When we met some of the players, they were very outgoing and congratulated us on some of the great plays we made. Coach Candrea even commented on our abilities as well."
How did it feel to pitch against some of the toughest hitters in the world?
"The members of Team USA are the best of the best, and that is why they are representing our country. I was so excited about the opportunity to pitch to them, and I will remember every pitch of every at bat for the rest of my life."
What was it like to have one of the best contacts of the game, pretty much being robbed of a base hit in your last at-bat off of Monica Abbott?
"It would have been so amazing to say I got a hit off of Monica Abbott, but I gave it my best and went with the outside pitch. I told myself during my at bats, `She is just like one of us, so trust your hands and go with the pitch.' and that is what I did, but it was unfortunately right to the shortstop."
Vallas on the MAC All-Stars vs. Team USA
What did it feel like to be apart of the MAC All-Star team and get to play against Team USA?
"It was such an honor to be able to play against Team USA. It was a chance of a lifetime and perfect way to end my softball career. It's something I will never forget and was one of the best experiences of life."
Growing up or even now who did/do you look up to most on Team USA and why?
"Monica Abbott is someone I have the most respect for. She is extremely talented and I always liked the fact that she was tall and left handed, something I have in common with her (except for the fact that she's 6'4' and can throw the ball 70 mph). I was so glad that I got to face her. I took it as a challenge and I told myself going in that I didn't care if I struck out every time, I just wanted to have good at bats. She's one of the best pitchers in a world and I will be able to say I got the chance to hit off her."
What was it like to meet some of these players?
"It was great to meet some of the players. They were all so nice and completely different from what I expected. I only wish that we had more time to hang out and chat with them so we could see what type of personalities their team had."
What was it like to have an amazing defensive game with multiple great plays against Team USA?
"It was great to have a good game defensively. I think when you have All-Stars on defense all around you--not to mention playing the best team in the world, it makes you step up your game. It was such a great feeling to play well and represent that MAC in a positive way. I hope that I was able to gain more respect for BG and the MAC."
