Rogers, Holcombe ready to compete for Team USA

SURREY, British Columbia, Canada | Former University of Alabama softball players Brittany Rogers and Ashley Holcombe will suit up for the U.S. national team for the first time today when the U.S. plays the Netherlands in an opening-day game at the Canada Cup.

Outfielder Rogers and catcher Holcombe, who just finished their senior seasons at Alabama by leading the Crimson Tide to a third-place national finish, will be among 10 newcomers on the U.S. team, which will be led by returning Olympians Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Natasha Watley.

After playing the Netherlands in an early game, the U.S. will play 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Australia in a late game in round-robin play.

The U.S. will also play Canada and Venezuela in round-robin play in the event, which runs through Sunday, July 12.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.canadacup.com.

Rogers and Holcombe will travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the KFC World Cup of Softball at the conclusion of the Canada Cup.