Lauren Harper "Czechs" into Prague for Summer Tournament

Toro Lauren Haper (middle row, third from right) and Team America took home 2nd place during Prague Softball Week

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- The Cal State Dominguez Hills record holder for most strikeouts in a single game, sophomore pitcher Lauren Harper participated in Prague Softball Week in late June of this year, an annual event that brings teams together from different countries for a softball tournament.

Harper's team, comprised of 16 collegiate student-athletes from Divisions 1, 2 and 3, and NAIA schools that included fellow CCAA players in UC San Diego's Camille Gaito and Kris Lesovsky, ended the tournament in second place after compiling a 5-1 mark in which the San Diego native saw action in four games, including a complete-game 5-1 win over Prague Stars in the third game of the tournament.

In addition to pitching three innings in a 13-2 win over Poland to kick off the tournament on June 23, Harper's complete game over Prague the next day sent team America to the semifinal round on June 25 where she tossed an inning in an 8-0 triumph over Slovakia before a 1-0 win in a rematch over Prague brought them to the title game against Argentina.

A 2-1 loss in the title game on June 26 was the only blemish on their record as Harper threw 4 innings in defeat, leaving team America with a 5-1 mark and a runner-up finish.

The invitation-only tournament was sponsored by the American International Sports Tour (AIST), which provides every sport a chance to compete at the international level, Harper's squad enjoyed a two-night stay in Munich, Germany prior to beginning their competition, which has welcomed the Czech National Team, German National Team, and squads from Scotland, England, Australia, Sweden and Russia among others.

Harper left for Germany on June 17, before landing in Prague on June 20 for the competition that went from June 23-26. She then returned home on June 28.

"It was a really great experience," reflected Harper, "and I cannot wait to go with the same team to the Dominican Republic next summer."

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