Scaglione Named To USA Elite Team

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma All-American Heather Scaglione was named to the USA Softball National Elite Team this week and will compete for the Stars and Stripes' in the first World University Softball Championship from Oct. 26-31 in Plant City, Fla. Scaglione will join fellow Oklahoma standout Norrelle Dickson on the national squad that is considered a step shy of the Olympic Team.

“Obviously I am elated and honored,” said Scaglione. “I am looking forward to playing against a different level of competition and seeing a different level of experience on the field. I can't wait to put on the red, white and blue and hit the field for competition.”

Scaglione, a senior catcher for Oklahoma, was invited to play on the team following the Women's College World Series this summer. Due to an ankle injury and summer rehabilitation, she chose to turn down the invite.

“I was a little surprised, I thought I might have missed my opportunity,” remarked Scaglione, who didn't believe she would get the invite a second time. “It was a tough situation because I had to rest and rehab my ankle. I am glad they have given me a second look and I will work my hardest to make sure they don't regret it.”

This summer Dickson and the Elite Team were eliminated by the Australian Olympic Team after losing in the second round of the Champions Cup (Irvine, Calif.) and recording a 6-2 tournament record. In the Canada Cup, the USA squad went 7-3 before losing in double-elimination medal play.

USA Softball | Elite Team's Summer Results

Dickson led the USA Elite Team this summer with a .462 batting average while starting eight of 15 contests. She also swiped two bases and was perfect in the field.

Scaglione claimed nearly every honor to come her way last season, including: First Team All-American, First Team All-Midwest Region, First Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

The elite team is composed of 16 collegiate players, although the final roster for the World University Games has not been announced.

The Oklahoma softball team will begin its fall season with the annual Fall Festival this weekend. OU begins play against Neosho County at 4:45 Friday afternoon. OU will play doubleheaders at Marita Hynes Field at the OU Softball Complex on Friday and Saturday. On both days the Sooners will begin play at 4:45 p.m., while they will round out play at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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