July 7, 2005

SURREY, B.C. - Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher of the Hokie softball team continued her strong play at the 2005 Canada Cup International Women's Fastpitch Tournament by shutting out a strong China - Beijing team Thursday night as her Triple Crown Colorado team won 5-0.

Tincher, a rising sophomore from Eagle Rock, Va., tossed a three-hit, complete-game shutout and struck out nine to keep Colorado's bid for a spot in the Championship Round alive.

"I was throwing pretty hard tonight and my ball was moving pretty well," Tincher said via cell phone after the game. "I got some offensive support and that always makes things easier. Now we have to go back out and hopefully we can use this win as some momentum heading into the USA game."

Tincher said she would not start that game, but all of the pitchers could be called on in relief.

For the tournament, Tincher is now 2-2 with an impressive ERA of 0.88. She has struck out 22 in 16 innings, allowing 11 hits, two earned runs (five total runs) and six walks.

Now at 3-3, Colorado must beat undefeated USA Elite late Thursday night to earn a spot in the next round. If Colorado loses, the tournament will be over for the team. Regardless, Tincher says the experience has been worth the long trip.

"I was asked to play on short notice and the flight was long, but this has been worth it," Tincher said. "I've gone up against some of the best talent in the world and this will make me better for next year as [Virginia Tech] look to build on a great 2005 season."