July 28, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Terrapin softball players Natalie Grossman and Whitney Wides won gold medals at the 17th Maccabiah Games, held in Israel earlier this month. The United States went undefeated at the tournament and defeated Argentina 6-0 in its final match en route to the gold medal.

The Maccabiah Games are an Olympic-style competition in the state of Israel, where Jewish athletes of all ages and backgrounds convene to share their culture, history and values in a world-class competition every four years.

In victories over Argentina, Israel and Canada, the United States squad allowed just three runs.

Grossman had this to say about the Maccabiah experience: "It was definitely one of the most enriching and amazing experiences in my life. I was not only able to play softball, but I met life-long friends and got to experience the culture and history of Israel. I would do it again in a heartbeat," she said.

Grossman completed her junior campaign with another strong season as the Terps' starting center fielder. She started 43 games for Maryland and finished with nine RBI, a home run and three stolen bases.

Wides saw action in nine games and started one for the Terps. The infielder completed her sophomore season for Maryland, which finished the year with a 28-21 overall record and fourth-place finish at the ACC Tournament.