Skip to main content
Athletics

Two Kirkwood Eagles Shine in International Play

By August 11, 2014November 20th, 2018No Comments
Shyanne Saladino

Shyanne Saladino

Shyanne Saladino and Sam Belz lead NJCAA All-star pitching staff 

Recently graduated Kirkwood softball stars Shyanne Saladino and Sam Belz took on the best players in the world as part of the NJCAA All-star team in the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada on July 15-21. Both pitchers proved their worth versus top competition and gained confidence as they transfer on to four-year schools.

Despite having just two days to practice with each other as a team, the NJCAA All-stars finished the prestigious tournament with a .500 record at 6-6. Saladino and Belz joined 14 other NJCAA players from around the country on the team. According to Kirkwood Head Softball Coach Joe Yegge, who was also on the coaching staff, the former Eagles stood out from the pack.

“Shyanne and Belz were our one-two punch,” said Yegge. “To be standouts for a team of that caliber is really a testament to their talent. It was awesome to see two of my players who really deserved to be there and proved it on the field. Sam had a great outing against Team Canada and Shyanne threw phenomenal against Team USA. The U.S. has who many believe to be the greatest player in the world in Valerie Arioto. Shyanne struck her out twice. That was really great to see.”

Saladino, who will continue her college career at Missouri Western State University, was the leader of the pitching staff throwing the most innings for the tournament (29.1). She also posted a 3.682 ERA and struck out 11 batters while only walking three.

Belz finished the tournament with a 2-2 record against stifling competition. She also had the best WHIP on the team at 1.364. Belz will continue her playing career at the University of Northern Iowa next season.

Yegge says it was it was great experience for both players as well as for him.

“It was a great experience for all of us,” said Yegge. “Shyanne and Sam didn’t just play against the best players in the world – they held their own. It will be a good springboard into their playing careers at the next level. From a personal standpoint, I got to call pitches against the best hitters out there. That’s something I will bring back to Kirkwood and make our team even better than it has been.”