Valparaiso sophomore catcher Shannon Robinson (Toronto, Ontario/John Redmond) has been named to Canada's Elite Team, a group of 18 players from around the country selected to represent their nation this summer.

The Elite team will play two games against Team Canada, June 18 and 19, before a mini-series against the Michigan Ice of the Women's Professional Fastpitch League. Their tour will end at the 2006 Canada Cup, July 1-9.

The Elite Team is made up of players from six of Canada's 13 provinces and is coached by Tony Foti, Head Softball Coach at Mercer University.

Robinson, who started 45 games as a freshman in 2005, is batting .318 in 34 starts this season, second on the team. Robinson's 17 RBI, eight doubles and 11 extra-base hits are tops on the Crusaders (15-20).

For more information on the Elite Team and Softball Canada, visit www.softball.ca or contact Rick Picard, Program Director, Marketing and Communications, at (613) 523-3386 ext. 3105.