thePULSEBy Kimberly Dunbar
Lyndsey Angus is calling from the airport. Her team, the New England Riptide, has just returned from a four game series versus the Washington Glory, which featured an extra innings victory during Saturday’s contest. The team went 1-3 this trip, but according to Angus, it’s all part of the plan.
“We’re starting off slow like last year, but we will get hot,” said Angus, a utility player for the team and a Leominster, MA native. Last season, Angus was the League’s player of the year.
The Riptide could be one of the area’s greatest kept secrets. The team is part of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League, America’s professional softball league, and is the defending National Champions. Angus has been a member of the team since it joined the league in 2004, and says she would never want to play for another organization. “We play right and we play together,” said Angus, who adds that the Riptide has no Olympians or big name money-makers on the roster.
The Riptide doesn’t need a big name to grab attention. Angus said that the crowd attendance has grown each year, which is a result of the team’s intense and exciting edge. “I have been told that our team is very fun to watch compared to other teams in the league,” she said. “We are very competitive, our pitchers are amazing, and the ball moves extremely fast. Once someone comes to a game, I promise they will come back!”
In the off season, Angus is a softball coach for Centenary College in Louisiana. The St. Bernard’s product worked out a deal with her boss that allows her the summers off to play for the Riptide in front of her home crowd. “My mom and grandparents are at every game,” she said, commenting that some games are filled with friends and family.
The Riptide plays its games at Martin Field in Lowell, sharing the sports scene with the Red Sox affiliate Lowell Spinners. “We don’t sell out every game like the Spinners, but we have come a long way and are getting over that hump,” said Angus. “People don’t realize it, but we hit homeruns like the guys and we can strike out 15 batters in a game. Some people are under the impression that girls can’t play how the guys play, but we do it,” she added.
Angus’s favorite part about playing for the Riptide is having the opportunity to compete at this level of play. “I look forward to every summer,” she said.
Tickets for Riptide home games are $8 and children under three are admitted for free. For more information, visit www.neriptide.com or call 866-474-7843.
