2006-07

Aug. 2

EMORY SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF EARNS NFCA ATLANTIC REGION HONORS

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has selected Emory University as its Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year for the second straight season.

Led by Head Coach Penny Siqueiros and her assistants, Gary Anderson, Bill Hudson and Michele Hawkins, the Eagles finished the 2007 season with an overall record of 33-8, the seventh straight campaign of 30 or more wins.  Emory advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship where it posted a fifth-place finish.

June 27

EMORY  SOFTBALL STANDOUT SARAH MORSE WINS NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

Emory University’s Sarah Morse, who completed her senior season as a member of the 2007 Eagles’ softball team, has been awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, based on her academic and athletic achievements during her time at Emory.  She will receive a $7,500 scholarship for postgraduate study.

Emory has been awarded 60 postgraduate scholarships over the school’s history, and 43 since 2000, more than any other NCAA institution.  The next closest school is Stanford, with 35 during the same time period. 

Morse posted a 3.88 grade-point average and finished her undergraduate career with a double major in English and History.  She closed out the season hitting for a .336 average while totaling 34 RBIs, good for a second-place tie on the squad, while helping the team to an overall record of 33-8 that included a spot on the Division III World Series.  A starter in all 40 games she appeared in, she garnered second-team recognition to both the All-UAA and All-Atlantic Region Teams.  Career-wise, Morse started 153 of 155 contests and finished with a classy .371 batting average, good for seventh place on the school’s all-time chart.  Sarah etched her name in numerous Emory career categories including fourth in RBIs (128), eighth in runs scored (102) and slugging percentage (.503), sixth in hits (172), tied for second in homers (12) and ninth in doubles (23).  Morse distinguished herself as well on the academic front, earning a First-Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America.  She plans on attending law school in the fall of 2008.

The NCAA issued $7,500 postgraduate scholarships to 58 student-athletes (29 men and 29 women) in all three NCAA divisions who participated in spring sports.  In addition to the spring sport honorees, the NCAA awarded 116 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes participating in the fall and winter sports which the NCAA conducts championships or participates in as an emerging sport, for a total of 174 postgraduate scholarships annually.

To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade-point average of 3.200 (on a 4.000 scale) or its equivalent and must have performed with distinction as a member of the varsity team in the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated.  The student-athlete also must intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a full-time or part-time graduate student.

May 30

SARAH MORSE NAMED FIRST-TEAM ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN

Senior Sarah Morse (Topeka, Kan./Washburn Rural HS) has been named an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first-team selection, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).  It is the third time in as many years that Morse has been recognized as an Academic All-American, having garnered third-team recognition in both 2005 and 2006.

The veteran third baseman, an American History and Literature major, is one of 11 student-athletes named to the College Division first team.  She compiled a 3.88 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale).

In addition to her scholastic prowess, Morse played a key role on this year’s Emory squad that finished with a 33-8 record that included an appearance in the Division III World Series.  She started all 40 of the games she saw action in and hit .336 while totaling 34 RBIs, good for a second-place tie on the club.  Morse also garnered second-team acclaim on the All-Atlantic Region and All-University Athletic Association teams.

Career-wise, Morse figured prominently in a number of Emory all-time categories including sixth in batting average (.371), eighth in runs scored (102), sixth in hits (172) and tied for second in home runs (12).

May 21

EMORY’S ALI BRAVERMAN NAMED NFCA THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

Emory University junior Ali Braverman (Elmhurst, IL) has been named to the 2007 Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-America Team.

Braverman, the starting third second baseman for the 16th-ranked Eagles was selected as a third-team All-American.  Braverman helped Emory to an overall record of 33-8 and a spot in the World Series.  A starter in all 39 games she saw action in, Braverman concluded the year with a .466 batting average, the fifth-highest mark in Emory history.  Braverman also finished fifth on the Eagles’ seasonal listings in both slugging percentage (.695) and doubles (13).  She finished with four home runs, two of which came during World Series play. Finally, she recorded 16 multi-hit games including six of three or more safeties.

Earlier in the season, Braverman was picked as a first-team honoree to both the All-Atlantic Region and the All-University Athletic Association Teams.

May 20

EMORY SOFTBALL DROPS TOUGH 3-1 DECISION TO UW-EAU CLAIRE AT COLLEGE WORLD SERIES – ENDS SEASON WITH 33-8 RECORD

May 19

EMORY SOFTBALL STAYS ALIVE AT COLLEGE WORLD SERIES WITH
12-3 WIN OVER MORAVIAN COLLEGE

May 18

EMORY SOFTBALL DROPS OPENING GAME OF COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

May 16

EMORY SOFTBALL BATTLES LINFIELD IN OPENING GAME OF COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FACTS – The Emory softball team, ranked No. 16 in the nation, is one of eight teams vying for the national title at the 2007 Division III College World Series.  Emory, the No. 8 seed, opens play in the double-elimination tournament on Friday (May 18) when it takes on No. 1 seed and No. 2-ranked Linfield College starting at 11:00 a.m.  The winner of the game will play the winner of the DePauw (#4 seed) vs. Moravian (#5) contest on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. while the losers of those affairs meet on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

This year’s College World Series is being played at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Virginia. Other opening games include UW-Eau Claire (# 3 seed) vs. Rhode Island College (#6 seed) and Washington University (#2 seed) vs. Plattsburgh State (#7 seed).

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball, compiling a 283-91 (.756 winning percentage).  In six trips to the NCAA Tournament, Siqueiros posts a 22-11 record.  This is the third time that she has directed Emory to the College World Series with previous appearances coming in 2002 and 2003.  In College World Series play, Siqueiros stands 2-2.

Jackson Vaughn (Linfield, ’97) is in his sixth season leading the Linfield College program.  Heading into the College World Series, Vaughn has a school and career record of 193-63-1. 

DePauw University is led by fifth-year head coach Bonnie Skrenta (Providence College, 2000).  During her tenure with the Tigers, Skrenta has directed the program to a 106-80 won-lost ledger.

John Byrne is in his 14th season as the head coach of Moravian College and posts a school and career effort of 442-139.  He has led the Greyhounds to 10 NCAA Tournament berths and a pair of berths to the College World Series.

Leading UW-Eau Claire is sixth-year head coach Leslie Huntington (Buena Vista, ’92) who takes a 166-83 record into Friday’s action. 

Leticia Pineda-Boutte (Arizona,’98) is in her second campaign as the head coach at Washington University.  Boutte, the second coach in the history of the program, has a school record of 69-12.  In three years as a college head coach, she has a career mark of 90-38.

The Cardinals of Plattsburgh State are guided by eighth-year head coach Sean Cotter  (Connecticut, 97).  Cotter has compiled a school record of 203-134 and a nine-year career ledger of 236-150-1.

Maria Morin (Skidmore, ’94) is in her 13th year as the head coach of Rhode Island College.  Morin posts a school and career mark of 299-195-4 and has led the Anchorwomen to 76 victories over the past two seasons.

RECORDS – The Eagles take an overall record of 32-6 into the College World Series.  The Eagles are in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, second-longest in school history.  Last weekend, Emory posted a 4-0 record at the Fayetteville Regional hosted by Methodist College. Emory topped Salisbury, 5-4, in its first game before posting a 2-1 triumph against Methodist the following day.  The Eagles then topped Lynchburg, 2-0, on Saturday before closing out the regional with another decision over Lynchburg, 9-1.
Emory will be playing in its third-ever College World Series having made previous appearances in 2002 and 2003.

Linfield College, a member of the Northwest Conference, sports an overall record of 40-6. The Wildcats are ranked No. 2 nationally and earned their spot in the College World Series after coming up with two wins over Redlands on Sunday, 4-1 and 17-1.

DePauw University, a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, stands 36-5.  The Tigers breezed through regional play last week with a 4-0 record and outscoring their opposition by a 23-6 margin.  

Moravian College, ranked fifth nationally, owns a record of 35-5.  A member of the Commonwealth Conference, the Greyhounds have won their last 12 games

UW-Eau Claire of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, has won 12 of its last 13 contests and claims a record of 35-12 record.  The Blugold sped through regional action last week with a 4-0 record that included a pair of victories over No. 8 UW-Oshkosh.

Washington University is ranked 13th nationally and claims a mark of 32-5.  The Bears are making their first trip to the College World Series and own an impressive 22-game win streak.

Plattsburgh State, a member of the State University of New York Athletic Conference, has chalked up a 35-12 record.  The Cardinals went 4-0 at the Northeast Regional last week allowing just two runs over four contests.

Rhode Island College, ranked 12th nationally, brings an impressive 41-5 record into the College World Series.  A member of the Little East Conference, the Anchorwomen captured the New England Regional last week.  The 41 wins represents a school record for most triumphs in a season.

SERIES RECORDS – The only team in the College World Series that Emory has faced is Washington University and the Bears claim a 11-5 edge in the all-time series.  The Bears have won the last eight meetings between the schools including 2-0 and 1-0 wins at the University Athletic Association Tournament earlier this year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Emory – (Cassie Walsh, Fr., CF, .500, 3 2B, 15 RBIs, 10 SB)
(Ali Braverman,, Jr, 2B, .468, 11 2B, 23 RBIs)
(Kim Bandy, So., 1B, .443, 11 2B, 4 3B, 34 RBIs)
(Sarah Morse, Sr., 3B, .351, 4 2B, 3 HR, 33 RBIs)
(Ashley Tobar, Jr., P, 13-2, 1.20 ERA, 20GS, 7CG, 111IP, 78 Ks)
(Kathy Gordon, Jr., P, 16-4, 1.50 ERA, 16GS, 9CG, 111.2IP, 140 Ks)

Linfield College – (Erica Hancock, Jr., 1B/P, .450, 9 2B, 13 HR, 39 RBIS)
(Jenny Marshall, Jr., 2B, .450, 13 2B, 39 RBIs)
(Jenna Loop, Sr., C, .426, 49 runs, 10 2B, 43 RBIs)
(Aman Attleberger, Jr., 1B, .422, 15 2B, 48 RBIs)
(Brittany Miller, So., P, 20-4, 1.60 ERA, 21GS, 17CG, 140 IP, 128 Ks)

DePauw University – (Rachel Gill, So., C, .482, 13 2B, 4 HR, 51 RBIs)
(Chelsy Patterson, So., OF/IF, .428, 5 2B, 27 RBIs)
(Laura Schlensker, Sr., IF/OF, .413, 5 2B, 4 HR, 36 RBIs)
(Megan Soultz, Fr., P, 18-3, 0.77 ERA, 22GC, 20CG, 137 IP, 149 Ks) 

Moravian College – (Deanna Mangieri, So., C/OF, .437, 6 2B, 14 RBIs)
(Erica Klepeisz, So., OF, .387, 31 runs, 11 2B)
(Kelly Santry, Jr., 3B, .353, 7 2B, 19 RBIs)
(Beth Paly, Jr., IF, .347, 8 2B, 5 HR, 29 RBIs)
(Maria DeBonis, So., P, 18-2, 0.95 ERA, 20 GS, 19 CG, 133.1 IP, 173 Ks,)

UW-Eau Claire --  (Jill Janke, Jr., IF, .371, 8 2B, 6 HR, 32 RBIs)
(Casey Leisgang, Jr., IF, .365, 39 runs, 10 2B, 37 RBIs)
(Michelle Butkus, Jr., IF, .352, 8 2B, 27 RBIs)
(Mandy Tschernach, Sr., IF, .336, 17 RBIs)
(Mallory McKinney, Sr., P, 17-8, 1.47 ERA, 23GS, 14CG, 171.1 IP, 151 Ks)

Washington University -- (Karli Stander, Jr., OF, .426)
(Jamie Kressel, Sr., IF, .425, 41 runs, 11 2B, 10 HR, 38 RBIs)
(Carter Malouf, Fr., C, . 407, 27 runs, 7 2B)
(Lindsay Cavarra, So., C, .405, 3 2B, 24 RBIs)
(Laurel Sagartz, Sr., P, 23-1, 0.30 ERA, 21GS, 17CG, 161.2 IP, 288 Ks)

Plattsburgh State --  (Jennifer Nescio Jr., OF, .440, 32 runs, 25 SB)
(Amy Woo, Fr., IF, .373, 34 runs, 11 2B, 31 RBIs)
(Kirby Davids, Jr., SS, .359, 7 2B)
(Ashley Napear, Fr., 1B/C, .330, 6 2B, 17 RBIs)
(Stephanie Zweig, Jr., P, 14-6, 1.63 ERA, 26GS, 13CG, 150 IP, 154 Ks)

Rhode Island College --  (Christie Lotti, Jr., 1B, .430, 49 runs, 11 3B)
(Michelle Perrin, Fr., OF, .375, 20 runs, 18 RBIs)
(Mandy Shurgot, Fr., UTIL, .367, 26 runs, 7 2B)
(Kristyn Alexander, Sr., IF/C, .367, 6 2B, 30 RBIs)
(Nicole Riley, Sr., P, 29-3, 0.84 ERA, 34GS, 20CG, 208.1 IP, 228 Ks)

EMORY NOTES

** Emory is riding an 18-game win streak into the College World Series, the second longest in school history.  The current win streak trails only the 22 consecutive wins during the 2003 campaign.

** Emory is guided by ninth-year Head Coach Penny Siqueiros who has compiled a school and career record of 283-91 (.756).  Siqueiros is the only coach in Emory history.

** In NCAA statistics released May 6, Emory ranked among the top 15 teams in the nation in batting, top 5 in ERA and was No. 1 in fielding.

** Serving as Emory captains are seniors Sarah Morse (3B), Lauren Haag (SS) and Betsy Bruinsma (LF).  The trio has combined to play in a total of 476 games during their careers and have drawn 455 starting assignments.

** Emory had four players earn First Team All-University Athletic Association (UAA) honors; Kim Bandy (1B), Ali Braverman (2B), Cassie Walsh (OF) and Ashley Tobar (P).  Walsh was also named UAA Rookie of the Year. Sarah Morse (3B) was a Third Team selection.

** At the Fayetteville Regional, the Eagles had six players capture All-Tournament recognition; Kim Bandy (1B), Ali Braverman (2B), Lauren Haag (SS), Cassie Walsh (OF), Ashley Tobar (P), Marion Holland (P).

** As a team, Emory has been quite efficient at stealing bases, having been successful in 47 of 48 opportunties.  Kim Bandy (13-of-13) and Cassie Walsh (10-of-10) rank 1-2, respectively in that department for Emory this year. Career-wise Bandy is 23-of-23 in stolen base attempts.

May 13

EMORY SOFTBALL DRUBS LYNCHBURG IN NCAA REGIONAL ACTION – ADVANCES TO COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

The No. 12-ranked Emory University softball team earned the program's third trip to the NCAA Division III College World Series and first since since 2003 following a 9-1 five-inning win over Lynchburg Sunday afternoon. The Eagles will play either Linfield College or the University of Redlands on Friday, May, 18, in their opening game. The College World Series will be held at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va.

The Eagles unleashed a 14-hit attack against the Hornets' pitching staff while Lynchburg registered three safeties. Sophomore Kim Bandy and senior Betsy Bruinsma each rapped out three hits while Bruinsma finished with three RBIs. Freshman Marion Holland came on in relief of starter Ashley Tobar in the second inning and tossed four soild innings en route to earning the victory.

Lynchburg jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on the strength of a home run by first baseman Tara Campbell. However, Emory responded with a two-out, four-run rally in the top half of the third, keyed by a RBI single by Bruinsma and three-run double by sophomore Rachel Blume. Bandy's double in the fourth inning scored junior Ali Braverman to increase the margin to 5-1. Emory then blew the contest wide open by crossing the plate four more times in the fifth highlighted by Bruinsma's two-run single.

Emory will bring an overall record of 32-6 into the College World Series along with an 18-game winning streak.

ALL-REGION TEAM
C - Kirsten Swank, Lynchburg
1B- Kim Bandy, Emory
2B - Alison Braverman, Emory
3B - Meaghan Muirphy, Salisbury
SS - Lauren Haag, Emory
OF - Cassie Walsh, Emory
OF - Brittany Allsop, Lynchburg
OF - Lindsey Romick. Marietta
P - Ashley Tobar, Emory
P - Marion Holland, Emory
At-Large - Tara Campbell, Lynchburg
At-Large - Kristie Kennedy, Methodist
At-Large - Larissa Roscher, Lynchburg
At-Large - Margit Severin, Christopher Newport

May 12

EMORY SOFTBALL NIPS LYNCHBURG IN NCAA REGIONAL ACTION – ONE WIN AWAY FROM WORLD SERIES APPEARANCE

The No. 12-ranked Emory University softball team used a pitching gem by junior Ashley Tobar in edging Lynchburg College, 2-0, in the winner’s bracket of the 2007 NCAA Division III Softball Regional hosted by Methodist University.  The victory boosted the Eagles’ record to 31-6 while the Hornets slipped to 35-12.  With this afternoon’s triumph, Emory needs just one more win to advance to the College World Series next week in Salem, Virginia. 

Tobar scattered eight hits en route to her third shutout of the season.  The win upped her season record to 13-2. 

Though it was outhit by an 8-5 margin, Emory made the most of its scoring opportunities, notching single runs in the second and third innings.  The Eagles’ first run was unearned as senior Betsy Bruinsma crossed the plate following an error by Lynchburg’s second baseman.  The following frame, junior Ali Braverman led off with a double and advanced to third following a single by freshman Cassie Walsh.  Sophomore Kim Bandy then knocked in Braverman with a single.

Emory, winners of 17 consecutive games, will look to capture the regional championship on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. 

EMORY SOFTBALL TOPS METHODIST IN NCAA TOURNAMENT ACTION

The No. 12-ranked Emory University softball team stayed unbeaten in NCAA Tournament action Friday afternoon with a 2-1 win over No. 23-ranked Methodist University.  The win was Emory’s 16th straight and upped its record to 30-6 while the Monarchs suffered their first setback in the double-elimination regional, dropping their record to 33-9.

Methodist, the No. 1 seed and host for this weekend’s regional action, got on the board with its lone run in the top half of the third when a two-out double by Megan Hutson scored LiTiana Headen.  The Eagles responded in the bottom of the fourth as a pair of Methodist errors led to a pair of unearned runs. Sophomore Kim Bandy and senior Sarah Morse reached base via Monarch errors and moved up to second and third following a passed ball.  After senior Betsy Bruinsma lined out, catcher Rachel Blume singled home Bandy to tie the game.  Designated player Caitlin Fitzgerald then hit a sacrifice fly that scored Morse with the eventual game-winning run.

Junior Ashley Tobar came on in relief of starter Kathy Gordon and earned her 12th win of the campaign in 14 decisions.  Tobar tossed four innings and gave up one hit and struck out two.  The tandem of Gordon and Tobar allowed just three hits on the afternoon, and surrendered just seven hits in the first two games of the regional.

The win enabled Emory to post its seventh straight campaign of 30 wins.  The Eagles look to continue their winning ways on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. when they play the winner of the Lynchburg vs. Christopher Newport contest.

May 9

Regional Info

NO. 12-RANKED EMORY SOFTBALL GEARS UP FOR NCAA TOURNEY ACTION

NCAA TOURNEY FACTS – The Emory softball team, ranked No. 12 in the nation, makes it second straight and sixth trip to the NCAA Tournament in the nine-year history of the program on Thursday when it battles Salisbury University in an opening-round game. Emory is one of 59 teams in the field looking to take home the national crown.  The Eagles are part of an eight-team regional that will be played in Fayetteville and hosted by Methodist University. 

Emory drew the No. 5 seed while the Sea Gulls enter as the No. 4 seed.  The Eagles and Salisbury are slated to get their contest started at noon and will be preceded by No. 1 seed Methodist tangling with No. 8 LaGrange at 10:00 am.  Other first-round offerings include No. 3 seed and defending national champion Rutgers-Camden against No. 6 seed Christopher Newport at 2:00 p.m. and No. 2 seed Marietta College vs. No. 7 seed Lynchburg at 4:00 p.m. All action this weekend will be double elimination.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball, compiling a 279-91 (a .754 winning percentage).  This will mark sixth trip to the NCAA Tournament as Emory’s coach.  In her five previous trips, which includes a pair of trips to the World Series (2002 and 2003), Siqueiros has posted a NCAA Tournament record of 18-11.

Margie Knight (Salisbury, ’79) is in her 11th season leading the Salisbury University program.  Heading into the tournament, Knight has a school and career record of
410-103-2.  She has guided the program to the NCAA Tournament in each season during her tenure as head coach and has five World Series appearances to her credit.

Methodist College is led by ninth-year head coach Ron Simpson who has a 287-113-2 record. Simpson has directed the Monarchs to five straight campaigns of 30 or more wins.

Jenny Claybrook is in her fifth season as the head coach of the LaGrange College softball program and posts a school and career effort of 130-87.  She was named the 2006 Great South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after racking up a 32-11 record.

Carl Taylor (New Mexico Highlands, ’82) directs the fortunes of the Rutgers-Camden program.  Taylor, who is in his 12th season, guided the Lady Raptors to an overall record of 47-5 last season that included the NCAA Division III national crown.  Over the last eight season, Rutgers-Camden has compiled an impressive 234-85-2 won-lost slate.

The Lady Captains of Christopher Newport University are coached by Keith Parr  (Christopher Newport, ’99).  In four seasons, Parr has manufactured a 116-50 record.  He has led CNU to a pair of USA South Conference regular-season championships.   

Jeanne Arbuckle is in her 20th season as the head coach of the Marietta College program and checks in with a 360-336 record. 

Lynchburg College is guided by the steady hand of ninth-year head coach Dawn Simmons (Lynchburg, ’97).  During her stint with the Hornets, Simmons has chalked up a record of 240-125-1.  She has led the squad to five consecutive seasons of 30 or more victories.

RECORDS – The Eagles take an overall record of 28-6 into the NCAA Tournament.  Emory will be playing its first games since April 17 when it recorded a doubleheader sweep over Piedmont College by 5-2 and 8-0 scores.  Emory closed out the regular season by winning its last 14 straight games.  

Salisbury University, a member of the Capital Athletic Conference, currently owns a 13-game win streak that has upped its overall record to 36-7.  The Sea Gulls are ranked No. 21 nationally.

Methodist College, ranked 23rd, stands 32-8.  The Monarchs captured the USA South Tournament Championship.

LaGrange College, winners of the Great South Tournament Championship, registers a 26-18 record. 

Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Christopher Newport fashions an overall slate of 33-8.  The Lady Captains were the regular-season champs of the USA South Conference (12-1) and earned an at-large bid to posteason play.

Rutgers-Camden, a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, has captured its last nine contests raising, its record to 31-13.  The Lady Raptors earned their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament following its championship effort in the NJAC Tournament, the program’s third title in the past four campaigns.

Marietta College, an Ohio Athletic Conference member, sports an overall record of 32-10.  The Lady Pioneers earned an at-large bid to the Tournament, their second-ever trip to the nationals and first since 1996.

Lynchburg College checks in with a 33-11 record.  The Hornets earned an automatic berth after winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament.

SERIES RECORDS – Emory stands 2-1 all-time against Salisbury.  The teams last met on March 4, 2006, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the Sea Gulls came away with a 7-4 win.

Emory and Methodist College each have a pair of wins in the all-time series. The last meeting came in the 2003 NCAA Tournament where Emory posted a pair of wins at home by 5-2 and 8-3 margins.
Emory claims a 27-6 advantage in the series with LaGrange.  The Eagles have won the last eight contests including four this season, 2-1 and 2-0 at LaGrange (March 25) and 7-2 and 14-4 at Emory (Apr. 15).

Emory holds a 3-0 margin in the series against Lynchburg.  The squads last met on March 5, 2002, where Emory recorded 5-4 and 7-0 victories.

The only meeting between Emory and Marietta College took place on March 20, 2004, at the Bridgewater Tournament in Salem, Va.  In that game, the Eagles recorded a 3-0 win.

If Emory was to play either Rutgers-Camden or Christopher Newport, it would mark the first meetings.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Emory – (Cassie Walsh, Fr., CF, .495, 32B, 14 RBIs, 8 SB)
(Ali Braverman,, Jr, 2B, .474, 11 2B, 22 RBIs)
(Kim Bandy, So., 1B, .423, 10 2B, 4 3B, 31 RBIs)
(Sarah Morse, Sr., 3B, .378, 4 2B, 3 HR, 31 RBIs)
(Ashley Tobar, Jr., P, 11-2, 1.28 ERA, 17GS, 6CG, 92.2IP, 70Ks)
(Kathy Gordon, Jr., P, 15-4, 1.52 ERA, 15GS, 9CG, 106IP, 137Ks)

Salisbury – (Ali Ritter, Fr., 1B, .495, 11 2B, 32 RBIS)
(Kelly Waskewicz, Fr., SS, .451, 13 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBIs)
(Nicole Fuqa, Sr., 2B, .418, 39 runs, 41 RBIs)
(Stacie Davis, So., P, 17-2, 1.75 ERA, 20GS, 12CG, 124.1 IP, 89 Ks)

Methodist College – (Rebekah Kelly, Jr., CF, .470, 16 2B, 4 HR, 13 SB)
(Candace Huggins, Jr., 1B, .357, 3 HR, 26 RBIs)
(Megan Hutson, Fr., 2B, .357, 7 2B, 18 RBIs)
(Lesley Hewitt, So., P, 12-2, 1.60 ERA, 105 IP, 83 Ks) 

Rutgers-Camden – (Autumn Millett, Sr., OF, .462, 39 runs, 13 2B, 49 RBIs)
(Mo Baney, Sr., C, .395, 7 2B, 16 RBIs)
(Marissa Van Cleff, So., OF/P, .360, 5 2B, 12 RBIs)
(Kathleen Dreitlei, Jr., 1B/C, .359, 10 2B, 7 HR, 29 RBIs)
(Natalie Powell, So., P, 12-3, 2.03 ERA, 15 GS, 9 CG, 96.1 IP, 50 Ks,)

LaGrange --  (Kim Woodard, Sr., IF, .419, 43 runs, 9 2B, 4 HR, 19 RBIs)
(Valeree Williams, Fr., IF, .413, 9 2B, 18 RBIs)
(Dicie Holland, Sr., C, .324, 17 RBIs)
(Kristi Underwood, So., IF, .323, 11 2B, 25 RBIs)
(Amanda Daniel, So., P, 15-8, 1.80 ERA, 22GS, 15CG, 139.2 IP, 125 Ks)

Christopher Newport -- (Margret Severin, Jr., C, .430, 16 2B, 42 RBIs)
(Mary Kennedy, Fr., IF, .429, 42 runs, 27 SB)
(Katie Moyers, So., IF, . 420, 9 2B, 23 RBIs)
(Kristin Nickloy, Fr., IF/OF, .410, 7 2B, 24 RBIs)
(Janet Fairchild, Jr., P, 14-1, 1.51 ERA, 20GS, 1CG, 97.1 IP, 60 Ks,)

Marietta --  (Christina DeMoss, So., 3B, .407, 16 2B, 38 RBIs)
(Jenny Carroll, Sr., SS, .398, 35 runs, 8 HR, 32 RBIs)
(Nikki Driscoll, So., IF, .388, 9 2B, 26 RBIs)
(Lindsey Romick, Sr., OF, .385, 14 2B, 6 HR, 32 RBIs)
(Kristen Quintana, Sr., P, 21-7, 2.03 ERA, 25GS, 24CG, 186 IP, 251 Ks)

Lynchburg – (Caroline Cubbage, Sr., OF, .533, 11 2B, 15 HR, 56 RBIs)
(Brittany Allsop, So., OF, .390, 4 2B, 16 RBIs)
(Elizabeth Perkins, Jr., 3B/C, .364, 10 2B, 8 HR, 47 RBIs)
(Morgan Austin, Sr., 3B, .333, 6 HR, 30 RBIs)
(Barbie Miles, So., P, 11-3, 3.22 ERA, 14GS, 5CG, 69.2 IP, 44 Ks)

May 6

NO. 12-RANKED EMORY SOFTBALL TEAM EARNS BID TO NCAA TOURNAMENT --  WILL MEET SALISBURY IN FIRST-ROUND GAME

The No. 12-ranked Emory University softball team has earned an at-large bid to the 2007 NCAA Division III Tournament and will travel to Fayetteville, North Carolina, to compete in an eight-team regional that will be hosted by Methodist College.  The 59-team field was officially announced on Monday morning.  It marks the sixth NCAA appearance for Emory in the nine-year history of the program.

The Eagles of Head Coach Penny Siqueiros are the No. 5 seed in the region and will take on Salisbury College, the No. 4 seed, on Thursday, May 10, at noon.  Preceding that game will be No. 1 seed and host Methodist against LaGrange College, the No. 8 seed.  Other games on Thursday will see No. 3 seed and defending national champ Rutgers-Camden battle No. 6 seed Christopher Newport at 2:00 p.m., and No. 2 seed Marietta take on No. 7 seed Lynchburg at 4:00 p.m. 

The Fayetteville site is one of three regions that is comprised of eight teams while five regions have seven teams in them.  The eight-team regionals will play from May 10-14 while the seven-team regionals will run from May 10-13.  All first rounds will use a double-elimination format.

Emory has won its last 14 games and will take an overall record of 28-6 into the NCAA Tournament. The Eagles last played on April 17 when they swept a doubleheader from Piedmont College.  Salisbury, a member of the Capital Athletic Conference, is ranked No. 21 nationally, and on a hot streak as well with a 13-game winning streak. The Sea Gulls, 36-7, are making their 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance and were national runner-up in 2003 and 2005.

Apr. 20

EMORY SOFTBALL MOVES UP IN NATIONAL RANKINGS

The Emory University softball team jumped eight spots in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Poll and holds down the No. 12 position.  It is the second-highest ranking this season afforded to Emory.  The Eagles were ranked as high as No. 10 in the March 14 Poll.

Emory is in the midst of a 14-game winning streak that has upped its record to 28-6.  The Eagles’ last setback came on March 17 when they dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Rochester.  During the win streak, Emory has outscored the opposition by a 118-11 margin.  Most recently, the Eagles recorded 5-2 and 8-0 victories over Piedmont College on Tuesday (Apr. 17).

In the latest NCAA statistics released April 15, Emory was tied for 34th among all Division III teams in batting average (.348) and was tied for eighth in team ERA (1.30).  Defensively, the Eagles have been solid and are tied for the No. 2 spot in fielding percentage (.978).

Individually, junior second baseman Ali Braverman (Elmhurst, IL) was tied for 19th in batting average (.500) while freshman center fielder Cassie Walsh (Palm City, FL) was 36th (.485).  Emory is represented in the pitching categories by juniors Ashley Tobar (Levittown, PA) and Kathy Gordon (Midland, GA) who ranked 23rd and 32nd, respectively, in ERA.  Tobar had posted a 1.28 mark at the start of the week while Gordon posted a 1.48 effort. 

Apr. 18

EMORY SOFTBALL SWEEPS PIEDMONT COLEGE

The No. 20-ranked Emory University softball team kept its winning ways intact on Tuesday evening, posting a doubleheader sweep against Piedmont College.  The Eagles ran their win streak to 13 and 14 games following 5-2 and 8-0 wins over the Lions.  The two wins boosted Emory’s overall record to 28-6 while Piedmont slipped to 18-19.

In the first game, sophomore Kim Bandy went 4-for-4 from the plate while senior Sarah Morse collected three hits and three RBIs.  The Eagles scored a pair of runs in the first inning and then added single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.  Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon notched her 15th win in 19 decisions, tossing a complete game and giving up three hits while fanning 12.  Gordon has struck out 10 or more batters in five contests this season and her total of 137 is third on the school’s seasonal chart.

The second game saw a quartet of Emory players rap out two hits each with Morse enjoying another productive contest with three RBIs.  Morse’s two-run single highlighted a five-run first inning as the Eagles were never seriously challenged. Along with Morse, freshman Cassie Walsh, Bandy and freshman Caitlin Fitzgerald all came up with a pair of safeties.  Freshman pitcher Marion Holland was the beneficiary of Emory’s offensive outburst and upped her season record to 2-0 following a five-inning stint that saw her surrender just one hit and striking out five.

Emory returns to action on Tuesday, May 24, when it plays a doubleheader at Young Harris College starting at 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 17

EMORY SOFTBALL FACES DOUBLEHEADER CHALLENGE AT PIEDMONT

GAME FACTS – Ranked No. 20 in the nation, the Emory Eagles softball team will visit Demorest, Ga., to face Piedmont College in a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 17. First pitch will be at 5 p.m.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 277-91 (a .753 winning percentage). 

Terry Martin is in his ninth campaign as the head coach at Piedmont College.  Heading into the week, he has a school and career record of 191-164-1. Last year, Martin, a two-time Coach of the Year in the Great South Athletic Conference, directed the Lady Lions to an overall effort of 33-11 which included a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

RECORDS – The Eagles are riding a 12-game winning streak after sweeping six consecutive doubleheaders. At 26-6, the Eagles have not lost in one calendar month not losing since March 17.

The Piedmont Lions are 18-17, after winning five in a row. In its most recent action, Piedmont swept a doubleheader from Spelman College on Apr. 10 by 10-0 and 11-5 scores.

SERIES RECORDS – The Eagles are 10-5 all-time against the Lions including a win earlier this season when the Eagles topped Piedmont 5-0 in the Emory Invitational.

SHARED OPPONENTS – Piedmont is 9-8 this season in games against shared opponents, while the Eagles are 16-2 against those same opponents.

ROAD WARRIORS – The Eagles are undefeated in true road games this season going 7-0 on their opponents’ turf.

The Eagles are 68-27 all-time on the road and have won 27 of their last 28 road games dating back to 2005. Including last season, the Eagles have one 10 in a row on the road, bested only by their 17 in a row spanning the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

The Eagles have only played at Piedmont once and were 1-1 in a doubleheader.

MORSE ON THE VERGE – Senior Sarah Morse still stands just one home run from tying the Emory career record.

Morse, who has hit three home runs this season, has blasted 12 in her career, tying her for second with Jennifer Harrigan (’05).

The all-time record is 13, held by Elizabeth Hampson (’04)

Apr. 15

EMORY SOFTBALL COMPLETES DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP OF LaGRANGE

The No. 20-ranked Emory University softball closed out a doubleheader sweep of LaGrange College Sunday afternoon at Cooper Field with a second-game 14-4 five-inning triumph.   The win was the Eagles’ 12th straight and boosted their record to 26-6 while the Panthers of LaGrange slipped to 22-17.

The win capped off a successful Senior Day for Emory veterans Sarah Morse, Lauren Haag and Betsy Bruinsma.  The trio, making their final home appearances, was recognized for their contributions to the program in a ceremony between the first and second contests. 

Sophomore Kim Bandy collected three hits and two RBIs while Morse also registered three hits and three RBIs to lead the Emory offensive attack that finished with 15 hits.

The Eagles wasted no time in the nightcap, racing out to a 5-0 lead after one inning.  After Bandy and Morse each had knocked in one run,  sophomore catcher Rachel Blume came up with the big blow with a three-run double. 

After Emory notched another run in the second, LaGrange fought its way back into the game in the top half of the third on the strength of a grand-slam homer by Jennifer Knight, narrowing the gap to 6-4.  However, Emory responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame as it took advantage of a couple of LaGrange errors. 

Emory kept the pressure on in its half of the fourth, crossing the plate five more times.  Blume singled home the first run of the inning while a double by junior Ali Braverman, a triple by Kim Bandy and a single by Morse accounted for other runs.

Junior Ashley Tobar got the win on the mound for Emory, going all five innings and striking out three as she improved her season record to 11-2.

Emory’s next action takes place on Tuesday (Apr. 17) when it plays a doubleheader at Piedmont College starting at 5:00 p.m.

Apr. 15

EMORY SOFTBALL TOPS LAGRANGE IN FIRST GAME OF DOUBLEHEADER

The No. 20-ranked Emory University softball posted a 7-2 triumph over LaGrange College in the first game of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon at Cooper Field on the Emory campus.  The win was the Eagles’ 11th straight and boosted their record to 25-6 while the Panthers of LaGrange slipped to 22-16.

Emory senior shortstop Lauren Haag recorded a pair of doubles in the opener including a two-run two-bagger that highlighted a four-run third inning.  After LaGrange narrowed the gap to 4-2 with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth, Emory answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame.  Haag opened the inning with a double and eventually scored on a wild pitch.  Later on, Cassi Witcher crossed the plate following a bases-loaded walk to Carey Smith-Marchi.  Emory was the beneficiary of six LaGrange wild pitches while the Panthers issued eight walks to Emory batters.

Senior Kim Woodard led the LaGrange offensive attack with three hits while freshman Valeree Williams collected a pair of safeties.  Both teams threatened throughout the contest with each squad stranding 10 runners on base.

Emory junior pitcher Kathy Gordon upped her season record to 13-4 after tossing five innings and giving up both LaGrange runs while striking out six.  Junior Ashley Tobar came on in relief and hurled the final two innings, giving up one hit while fanning a pair.

Apr. 12

GAME FACTS – The Emory softball team, ranked No. 20 in the nation, will close out its regular season home schedule this weekend with doubleheaders against Agnes Scott College (Ga.) and LaGrange College (Ga.).

The Eagles will host Agnes Scott on Friday, April 13, starting at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, April 15, the Eagles will honor their seniors during their doubleheader against LaGrange. The first game will start at 2 p.m. Senior Day activities will take place between games.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 275-91 (a .751 winning percentage). 

Agnes Scott is directed by first-year Head Coach Jeannie Ray.  

Jennifer Claybrook is in her fifth season leading the LaGrange College program.  At the start of the week, Claybrook has posted a school and career record of 125-83.  In 2006, she guided the Panthers to a 32-11 record which represented the most wins for LaGrange since joining Division III.

RECORDS – Carrying a 10-game win streak into the weekend, the Eagles hold a 24-6 record. The Eagles’ most recent action took place on Tuesday (Apr. 10) when they dispatched Wesleyan College (Ga.), 4-1, 8-0.

The Agnes Scott Scotties are 0-12 this season, most recently falling to Piedmont College (Ga.) 5-2 and 10-0.

LaGrange stands 21-14 this season. The Panthers have not played since April 4, when they split with Trinity University (Texas), 0-9, 4-1. They will be in action on Thursday, hosting Huntingdon College (Ala.).

SERIES RECORDS – The Eagles have never lost to Agnes Scott, and own a 21-0 margin in the all-time series. The Eagles have not given up a run to the Scotties in the last five meetings.  

The Eagles are 25-6 all-time against LaGrange and have captured the last six meetings. LaGrange has played the Eagles very tough, managing to control Emory’s dangerous bats. LaGrange pitchers have held the Eagles to four or fewer runs in seven of their last eight meetings.

Still, Eagles pitchers have been up to the challenge allowing two or fewer runs in seven of the last eight meetings, leading Emory to a 7-1 record in that stretch.

EAGLES’ HIGH MARKS – The Emory Eagles are ranked third in the nation in fielding percentage (.977) and seventh in the nation in earned run average (1.21). They are also in the top 50 in batting average and slugging percentage.

Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon ranks eighth in the nation with 12 wins and ninth in the nation with nine strike outs per seven-inning game.  Junior Ashley Tobar ranks 16th in the nation in ERA (1.05 ERA) while Gordon stands 29th (1.41 ERA).

Junior Ali Braverman ranks 29th in the nation in batting average (.476) and is ranked 41st toughest to strike out.

EAGLES TO HONOR SENIORS – Between games on Sunday, the Eagles will honor their seniors and co-captains, Betsy Bruinsma, Lauren Haag and Sarah Morse.

Bruinsma, the 2003 UAA Co-Rookie of the Year, has posted a .341 career batting average with five home runs and 31 stolen bases. Her 31 career stolen bases rank third in Emory history while her .838 stolen base percentage ranks fourth. She is tied for seventh in career doubles with 25 and needs just one more to reach sixth. She is also in the career top 10 in batting and slugging average, on-base percentage, home runs, runs scored, games played, games started, walks and runs batted in. She has one career All-UAA selection (2003, First Team) and on career All-Region selection (2003, Second Team)

Haag, a two-time All-UAA honoree, has posted a .276 career batting average and a .343 on-base percentage with 51 RBI and 30 walks. Her 30 career walks ranks ninth in Emory history. Her 15 career steals rank tenth all-time, with only one more steal needed to reach ninth. A fixture for the Eagles at short stop, Haag ranks second in career assists with 241.
Haag was First Team All-UAA as a freshman and Second-Team All-UAA as a junior. Last season, she also was honored as Third-Team All-Region and was named to the All-Tournament team for the NCAA Salem Regional.

Morse, a three-time All-UAA honoree, will unquestionably graduate as one of Emory’s top hitters of all time. Morse is a career .377 hitter with 12 home runs and 117 runs batted in. She is tied for second in career homers needing just one to tie the Emory record, while her batting average and RBI total both rank fifth. She ranks in the top 10 all-time in hits, runs scored, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, games played and started and doubles. Playing third base, she reached third in career assists. She also holds the unusual record with most times hit-by-pitch, with 28, more than double the next most. She was First-Team All-UAA in 2005 and 2006 and Second Team this season. Last season she was Third-Team Academic All-America according to ESPN The Magazine and Second-Team All-Region.

Apr.10

EMORY’S ALI BRAVERMAN NAMED UAA SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

 Emory junior second baseman Ali Braverman (Elmhurst, IL) as been named by the University Athletic Association as Softball Player of the Week following her performances in helping the No. 20-ranked Eagles to four wins.  It marks the second time this season and the third time in her career that she has garnered the honor. 

Braverman compiled a .692 batting average during the 4-0 week for the Eagles, hitting nine-for-13 with six runs batted in and six runs scored.  The junior finished a combined 7-for-9 with two RBI in a doubleheader sweep of Wesleyan College (GA), then picked up a pair of hits with four RBI, including a three-run double, in a doubleheader shutout of the University of Texas at Dallas.

So far this season, she is batting a team-high .487 with 17 hits (second high on the club) in 76 at-bats.  She leads the club with 10 doubles and slugging percentage (.684).

Emory, 22-6 on the year, has a home doubleheader on the docket on Tuesday (Apr. 10) against Wesleyan College before hosting Agnes Scott in a pair of games on Friday (Apr. 13).  

Apr. 9

NO. 20 RANKED EAGLES PREPARE TO HOST WESLEYAN

GAME FACTS – The Emory Eagles, ranked No. 20 in the nation, will host Wesleyan College (Ga.) on Tuesday, April 10, for a doubleheader. First pitch is at 2 p.m.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 273-91 (a .750 winning percentage). 

The Wesleyan Pioneers are coached by Lee Whatley, who played college baseball at University of South Carolina before playing seven years of pro ball in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

RECORDS – The Eagles have won eight straight since the UAA Tournament to push their record to 22-6. Last week, the Eagles won all four of their games including two at Wesleyan and two against the University of Dallas. The Eagles outscored opponents by a total of 37-3.

The Pioneers are 11-16 after a stretch that saw them play three doubleheaders in four days, with another pair scheduled but rained out. Still the Pioneers managed to go 3-3 over that stretch. They have not played since their losses to the Eagles last Tuesday.

SERIES RECORDS – After the sweep last Tuesday, the Eagles are 15-0 all-time against Wesleyan.

The 7-1 win over the Pioneers in the first game of last week’s doubleheader was the closest game played between these two teams since 2005’s away doubleheader when the Eagles won 1-0 and 6-0. Until this series the Eagles had won four in a row by at least 10.

The Eagles seem to have returned to their domination in the second game of the doubleheader winning 13-2, but the game was close with the Eagles up just 5-2 going into the final inning before an eight-run outburst iced the match.

HOME AGAIN – The games against Dallas were the first games at home for the Eagles since early March. These games will be Nos. 3 and 4 out of 8 in the Eagles’ final regular season homestand.

The Eagles are 10-2 this season at home having won the last six home games in a row. Eagles pitchers and defense have not allowed a run in the last four consecutive home games, while the hitters have averaged eight runs per game in that stretch.

The Eagles are 115-26 all-time at George Cooper Field, an .816 winning percentage.

FIELDING ON PAR – The Eagles’ defense is turning in another great performance in the field. The Eagles are fielding at a .977 percentage so far this season. That is just 1 point off the .978 mark that earned the Eagles the top percentage in 2005 and 2006. That translates to one more error per thousand chances.

The Eagles will know where they stand nationally on Tuesday, when this season’s stats and national statistical rankings will be released for the first time.

FLEET OF FOOT – The Eagles have yet to be caught stealing on the basepaths, stealing 31 bases in 31 tries.

Compare that to their opponents who have been successful in 11 of 17 tries. That translates to 35.3% of opposing runners thrown out by Eagle catchers.

No Eagle team has ever been perfect, but the Eagles came the closest last season, stealing 58 in 62 tries, a .935 percentage.

Sophomores Alyson Moler and Kim Bandy lead the team with eight stolen bases each. The Eagles’ season record for stolen bases is owned by Alison Bouknight (’05) who stole 15 bases in 16 tries in 2003.

The most stolen by an Eagle without being caught is 12, by Emily Sunshine (’06) in 2005. Last season Bandy was perfect in 10 tries, the second most ever by an Eagle in a perfect season. Moler was also perfect in nine tries last season, good for third most.

Sunshine holds the career record for the Eagles with 43 stolen bases. Bandy and Moler are currently Nos. 7 and 8 on the career list with 18 and 17, respectively. They are the only two in the top 10 that have not yet been caught stealing.

Senior Betsy Bruinsma, with 30 career steals, currently ranks No. 3 in Emory history, and senior Lauren Haag is tied for tenth with 14 career steals. Bruinsma has four this season and the Haag has one.

Apr. 5

NO. 20-RANKED EAGLE SOFTBALL SQUAD TO HOST UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS

GAME FACTS – The 20th ranked Emory Eagles begin a stretch of eight staright home games on Friday (Apr. 6) when it hosts the University of Dallas in a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 271-91 (a .749 winning percentage). 

The Dallas Crusaders are led by second-year coach Rachel Hanson (Trinity University). In her first season, Hanson led the Crusaders to a 14-14 record, a six win improvement from the 2005 campaign.

RECORDS – The Eagles have won their last six games to push their record to 20-6. In the last six games, the Eagles have outscored opponents 68 to 4. The six-game streak matches their season best.

The Crusaders bring a 10-14 ledger into the game.  In its most recent outing, Dallas split twinbill vs. Whittier College on Wednesday, losing the first game by a 12-0 count before bouncing back to claim a 3-0 win in the nightcap.  

THE EAGLES RETURN – Friday’s games will be the first home games for Emory in almost a month. The Eagles last home games were March 10 when they swept a doubleheader against Averett University (Va.).

The Eagles are 8-2 at home on the season; in contrast, the Crusaders are 1-6 on the road.

FIRST TIME AROUND – Emory has never faced Dallas before. The Eagles are 35-25 all-time in their first meetings with a new team.

BRAVERMAN LEADS HITTERS – With a 7-for-9 showing against Wesleyan (Ga.) on Tuesday, junior Ali Braverman moved into the team lead with a .486 batting average. Freshman Cassie Walsh is close behind with a .470 average.

Braverman has registered 11 mulit-hit games this season while Walsh has posted 12 contests of two or more hits. Braverman paces the squad with nine doubles while Walsh stands first with 39 hits and two triples.

EAGLES PITCHERS STAY TOUGH – Emory pitchers have shutdown hitters of late allowing just four runs in the last six games posting an earned run average of 0.55 and allowing opposing hitters a .127 batting average.

The Eagles pitchers held opposing hitters to two or fewer runs in 22 of 26 games this season and have not allowed more than five runs in any game this season. To put those marks in context, the Emory offense has scored more than two runs in 18 games this season and has scored six or more in 14 games.

Junior Kathy Gordon's 14 strikeouts vs. Wesleyan College on Tuesday tied her career high and represented her third game of double digits in that category this season. Gordon has fanned 101 batters this year in 82 innings and her total ranks her seventh on Emory's seasonal list.

Apr. 4

EMORY SOFTBALL TAKES PAIR FROM WESLEYAN COLEGE

The No. 19-ranked Emory University softball team unleashed its offensive arsenal Tuesday evening, recording a doubleheader sweep on the road against Wesleyan College. The Eagles posted a 7-1 triumph in the opener before closing out the night with a 13-2 decision over the Pioneers.  With the two wins, Emory boosted its overall record to 20-6 while Wesleyan slipped to 11-16.

In the opening game, senior Sarah Morse singled in a pair of runs that keyed a three-run third-inning that broke open a 1-1 contest.  The Eagles would eventually go on to add a run in the fifth and two more in the seventh.  Junior Alison Braverman and sophomore Alyson Moler led a 16-hit attack by picking up three safeties apiece.  Braverman scored a pair of runs while Moler crossed the plate once.  Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon raised her record to 11-4 after tossing a complete game that saw her give up just three hits while tying her career high with 14 strike outs.

In the nightcap, the Eagles held a 5-2 lead before an eight-run seventh inning put the game out of reach.  Braverman continued her hot hitting by going 4-for-5 with two RBIs while Kerns rapped out a pair of hits in four trips to the plate while also registering a pair of RBIs.  Junior Ashley Tobar pitched the first six innings and surrendered just three hits while fanning six en route to the victory that upped her season mark to 8-2.

Emory returns to action on Friday, April 6, when it hosts the University of Dallas in a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m.

Going 10 for 17 on the weekend, Kim Bandy raised her batting average 58 points in four games from .339 to .397. Bandy’s 13 RBI more than doubled her season total to a team-leading 25, and her eight runs scored also moved her into first in runs scored with 23.

Tobar pitched 12.2 innings over the weekend without allowing a run. In her three appearances she picked up two complete-game shutout wins and a save, her first in two years. Her record is now 7-2 for the season with an earned run average of 1.19. She also picked up a season-high nine strikeouts on Friday.

SECOND-HALF SUCCESS – With four straight wins since the UAA Tournament, the Eagles have continued on their tradition of hot second halves.

Since 2000, the Eagles are 120-30 in the regular season after the UAA tournament.

Mar. 25

EMORY SOFTBALL SWEEPS LaGRANGE COLLEGE

The No. 23-ranked Emory University softball team earned a pair of hard-fought victories at LaGrange College on Sunday as it topped the Panthers by 2-1 and 2-0 scores.  The two wins increased the Eagles’ record to 18-6 while LaGrange slipped to 16-10.

Sophomore Kim Bandy and senior Sarah Morse provided the first-game heroics for Emory as they picked up RBIs in the top of the seventh inning that snapped a 0-0 tie.  Morse produced the eventual game-winning RBI with a single that scored Bandy.  Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon got the win on the mound going 7 1/3 innings and allowing one run while striking out eight batters.  Junior Ashley Tobar came on in relief and got the final two outs of the game, halting a LaGrange comeback bid that saw it strand runners on second and third.

In the second contest, freshman Caitlin Fitzgerald provided the game’s only offense with a two-run homer.  Tobar was solid on the mound, tossing a complete game and allowing just two hits.

Emory’s next action takes place on April 3 when it plays a doubleheader at Wesleyan College.

Mar. 23

EMORY SOFTBALL PUTS FIVE ON ALL-UAA HONORS LIST

Five members of the 2007 Emory University softball squad have been selected to the All-University Athletic Association Team.  The all-league honorees were chosen by the conference coaches.  Emory finished the UAA Tournament in third place with a 4-4 record.

The Eagles of Head Coach Penny Siqueiros placed four players on the All-UAA First Team and one on the second team.  Junior pitcher Ashley Tobar (Levittown, PA) landed her second consecutive first-team nod while freshman sophomore Kim Bandy (Duluth, GA), junior Ali Braverman (Elmhurst, IL) and Cassie Walsh (Palm City, FL) also earned berths on that team.  Bandy was a second-team pick in 2006 while Braverman garnered first-team kudos in 2005.

Tobar posted a 2-2 record at the UAA Tournament along with a 1.98 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 28 1/3 innings. 

Bandy was third among Emory players and 10th on the UAA chart with a .370 batting average.  She picked up 10 hits in 27 trips to the plate and her seven runs scored tied for the second highest total during the tournament. 

Braverman was solid at the plate in the eight games that comprised the UAA Tournament, posting an impressive .400 batting average that placed her second on the team and tied for seventh among all UAA players. She went eight-for-20 at the plate and drove in four RBIs. 

Walsh hit a team-leading .462, the third-highest average of the tournament, registering a team-high 12 safeties in 26 at-bats.  Her hits total tied for the second-highest mark and she recorded four multi-hit games including a 3-for-3 effort in a 3-1 win over Case Western Reserve University (Mar. 16).  Walsh was also named the UAA Rookie of the Year award winner, the fifth player in Emory history to be afforded that honor.

Senior Sarah Morse (Topeka, KS) rounded out Emory’s all-conference recipients, landing a berth on the second team.  Morse hit .333 and scored four runs while driving in a team-high six RBIs.

Emory, ranked No. 23 in the nation will play a doubleheader against Agnes Scott on Friday (Mar. 23) before playing at LaGrange College on Sunday (Mar. 25).  The Eagles start the weekend with an overall won-lost ledger of 14-6.

Mar. 21

NO. 23-RANKED EMORY SOFTBALL PREPARES FOR ROAD DOUBLEHEADERS

GAME FACTS – The Emory softball team, ranked No. 23 in the nation, gets back into action this weekend as it plays a pair of road doubleheaders.  On Friday (Mar. 23), the Eagles play at twinbill against Agnes Scott College at Oakhurst Field in Decatur starting at 5:00 p.m.  On Sunday (Mar. 25), Emory will venture to LaGrange College for a pair of games starting at 2:00 p.m.

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 265-91 (a .733 winning percentage). 

Agnes Scott is directed by first-year Head Coach Jeannie Ray.  

Jennifer Claybrook is in her fifth season leading the LaGrange College program.  At the start of the week, Claybrook has posted a school and career record of 116-75.  In 2006, she guided the Panthers to a 32-11 record which represented the most wins for LaGrange since joining Division III.

RECORDS – The Eagles take an overall record of 14-6 into the Agnes Scott doubleheader.  In its most recent action, Emory finished third at the University Athletic Association Tournament last week with a 4-4 record. 

Agnes Scott will host Emory with a record of 0-2.  ASC opened its season on March 6 by losing both games of a doubleheader to LaGrange College.  

LaGrange stands 12-6 and hosts Piedmont College on Thursday (Mar. 22) and Maryville College on Saturday (Mar. 24) before entertaining Emory. In their most recent performance, the Panthers won both games of a twinbill against Spelman College on Tuesday by 12-2 and 17-2 margins.  

SERIES RECORDS – Emory stands 19-0 all-time against Agnes Scott in a series that started in 1999.

In a series that began in 2000, Emory posts a 23-6 record against LaGrange.  Last year, the Eagles topped the Panthers in all four meetings, registering 4-1 and 3-0 triumphs at Emory before bringing home 2-1 and 9-2 decisions at LaGrange.

WALSH ON A HOT STREAK  – Freshman Cassie Walsh enjoyed a fine performance in her inaugural UAA Tournament, leading the Eagles with a .462 batting average, good for the No. 3 spot among all UAA players.  Walsh picked up 12 hits in 26 trips to the plate and scored five runs.  She came up with four multi-hit contests including a 3-for-3 effort against Case Western Reserve University on Mar. 16.  She did see a 16-game hitting streak come to an end in Saturday’s game against Washington University. 

EMORY AND THE RECORD BOOKS – Heading into the weekend, seniors Betsy Bruinsma and Sarah Morse are firmly entrenched in a number of Emory career categories.  Bruinsma stands eighth on Emory’s all-time list in games played with 147.  In addition, she is eighth in at-bats (419) and runs scored (94), and is ninth in hits (142). 

Morse has 402 career at-bats to her credit, good for ninth place all-time at Emory while her 89 runs rank her in the same spot.  She holds down the No. 8 position on the Eagles’ career chart for hits with 152.

In the pitching department, juniors Kathy Gordon (43) and Ashley Tobar (30) hold down the third and fourth positions, respectively, in career victories. Gordon has made 65 appearances on the mound, good for third place all-time at Emory. In the strikeouts department is No. 3 with 323 while Tobar stands fifth with 234.

Mar. 18

EMORY SOFTBALL DROPS PAIR ON FINAL DAY OF UAA TOURNAMENT

The Emory University softball team came out on the short end of a pair of hard-fought contests on Saturday in the final day of the University Athletic Association Tournament, dropping a 1-0 decision to No. 3-ranked Washington University before losing by a 3-1 count to the University of Rochester.  The two setbacks concluded the Eagles’ tourney mark at 4-4, good for third place.  Washington University and Rochester tied for first with 6-2 records.  Emory, ranked No. 15, stands 14-6 in overall action.

Washington University junior Laura D’Andrea’s one-out homer in the bottom of the fourth inning was the game’s only scoring as the Bears edged the Eagles.  The Emory bats were stymied by Washington’s Laurel Sagartz who tossed the shutout, allowing just five hits and striking out seven.  Emory junior Ashley Tobar hurled a solid game, surrendering just seven hits and whiffing three.  Junior Ali Braverman picked up two of the Eagles’ five hits.

In the tourney finale against the Yellowjackets of Rochester, Emory jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the first when senior Sarah Morse singled home Kim Bandy.  However, UR answered with a pair of runs in the top of the third on the strength of a two-out double by Kristen DeCarlo.  Rochester would go on to add another run in the top of the seventh.  Eagles’ junior Kathy Gordon struck out 14 while going the distance but was saddled with the loss.

Emory returns to action on Friday, March 23, when it plays a doubleheader at Agnes Scott starting at 5:00 p.m.

Mar. 15

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL SPLITS TWO GAMES AT UAA TOURNAMENT

Mar. 13

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL OFF TO QUICK START AT UAA TOURNAMENT

The Emory University softball team’s offense was in high gear as it picked up a pair of wins on the first day of the University Athletic Association Tournament.  The Eagles opened the tourney with a 6-1 win against Brandeis before closing out the day with a 10-1 verdict over Case Western Reserve University.  The Tournament is being held at the Seminole County Softball Complex in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Junior Ashley Tobar tossed a complete game against the Judges of Brandeis, allowing just four hits and striking out four in raising her record to 4-0.  Senior third baseman Sarah Morse accounted for two of Emory’s eight hits including her second home run of the year.

Sophomore Kim Bandy paced a season-high13-hit attack for the Eagles in the second contest as she picked up three safeties.  Senior Lauren Haag, junior Ali Braverman and freshman Cassie Walsh all contributed two hits while freshman Ally Berenter socked her first career homer.  Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon tossed five run-free innings, giving up two hits and striking out five in upping her season record to 8-2.

Emory, now 12-2 on the year, battles No. 3-ranked and UAA defending champion Washington University on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

EMORY SOFTBALL SQUAD EYES UAA SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

GAME FACTS – The Emory softball team, ranked No. 15 in the nation, heads to Altamonte Springs, Florida, to compete in the University Athletic Association Softball Tournament.  The Eagles are one of five schools vying the crown which has been won by Washington University the past three seasons.  Emory, the runner-up the past three campaigns, opens play on Tuesday with a pair of contests.  The Eagles will take on Brandeis University at 10:00 a.m. before meeting Rochester at 12:30 p.m. 

THE COACHES – From the very start in 1999, Penny Siqueiros (Florida State ’92) has led the way for Emory softball. Taking Emory teams to two World Series appearances and total five NCAA tournament bids, Coach Siqueiros has compiled a 261-87 (a .749 winning percentage).  In UAA Tournament action, Siqueiros has guided the program to a 48-14 won-lost ledger that includes titles in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Brandeis is directed by first-year Head Coach Jessica Johnson (Wheaton College, ’98).  Prior to her appointment in September of 2006, Johnson had served as head coach at Mount Ida College in 2005 and 2006.  

Jennie Amodio (Ohio University, ’94) is in her eighth season leading the Case Western program.

Leticia Pineda-Boutte (Arizona, ’98) is in her second season as the head coach at Washington University.  In her rookie season at the helm of the Bears’ program she directed the club to an overall record of 37-7.  Now in her third season as a head coach, she has a career record of 62-35.

The University of Rochester is led by Michelle Burrell (Maryland, ’01) who is in her first year.  Prior to arriving at Rochester, Burrell served as an assistant coach at Maryland for five seasons (2002 through 2006).

RECORDS – The Eagles enter the UAA Tournament with a 10-2 record.  This past weekend, the Eagles recorded a sweep of a doubleheader against Averett University by 8-0 and 7-0 margins.

Brandeis will be making its season debut on Tuesday when it battles Emory.

Case meets Emory with an overall record of 2-0.  The Spartans defeated Wesleyan College twice on Sunday (Mar. 11), 9-1 and 6-2.

Washington University, ranked No. 3 in the nation, opened its season this past weekend by winning four of six contests in Kissimmee, Fla. On Sunday, the Bears dropped a 4-1 decision to Westminster College before using a no-hitter by senior Laurel Sagartz in the finale to come away with a 3-0 triumph. Sagaratz, three-time UAA Player of the Year and NCAA Division III All-American, is looking to complete her UAA career as the only pitcher to register a perfect 0.00 earned run average. In three years in the circle, she has a 11-0 record with eight complete game victories and a save.

The University of Rochester posts a 1-0 record after registering a 9-1 triumph over Penn State-Behrend.

HIT STREAKS CONTINUE – A pair of Eagles continued their impressive early-season hitting streaks over the weekend against Averett University. 

Junior Ali Braverman extended her skein to 12 games after picking up two hits in the opening contest and one in the finale.  Braverman, who is batting to the tune of .513, has six multi-hit outings this year.  She paces the squad in both hits (20) and doubles (7).  Braverman has also distinguished herself in the field, handling all 38 of her chances without a miscue.

Freshman outfielder Cassie Walsh continues to impress and will check into the UAA Tournament with a 10-game streak.  Walsh picked up two hits in each affair against the Cougars and scored three runs.  Walsh is batting .545 and is first on the squad in RBIs with 11 and second with 18 hits.

GORDON & TOBAR A TOUGH TANDEM – Juniors Kathy Gordon and Ashley Tobar have gotten off to a good start for the No. 15 Eagles and have figured in every decision.  Tobar (3-0) has struck out 21 batters in 29 2/3 innings while Gordon (7-2) has whiffed 46 opponents in 44 2/3 innings. 

2007 UAA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 13
Brandeis vs. Emory -- 10:00 a.m.
Rochester vs. Washington -- 10:00 a.m.

Emory vs. Case -- 12:30 p.m.
Washington vs. Brandeis -- 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 14
Case vs. Washington -- 10:00 a.m.
Brandeis vs. Rochester -- 10:00 a.m.

Washington vs. Emory -- 12:30 p.m.
Rochester vs. Case -- 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 15
Emory vs. Rochester -- 10:00 a.m.
Case vs. Brandeis -- 10:00 a.m.

Washington vs. Rochester -- 12:30 p.m.
Emory vs. Brandeis -- 12:30 p.m.

Friday, March 16
Brandeis vs. Washington -- 10:00 a.m.
Case vs. Emory -- 10:00 a.m.

Rochester vs. Brandeis -- 12:30 p.m.
Washington vs. Case -- 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 17
Case vs. Rochester -- 10:00 a.m.
Emory vs. Washington -- 10:00 a.m.

Brandeis vs. Case -- 12:30 p.m.
Rochester vs. Emory -- 12:30 p.m.

Mar. 10

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL COMPLETES SWEEP OF DOUBLEHEADER AGAINST AVERETT WITH 7-0 SECOND-GAME TRIUMPH

Emory University junior Ashley Tobar and freshman Marion Holland combined on a four-hitter and the Eagles scored big in the third and fourth innings to a post a 7-0 triumph over Averett University and complete a sweep of a twinbill.  Emory opened the double dip with an 8-0 triumph.  Emory now stands 10-2 overall while Averett posts a 4-8 ledger.

 Tobar started the game on the mound and tossed five solid innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five en route to raising her record to 3-0.  Holland hurled the final two innings and whiffed one batter while surrendering a pair of hits.

Leading the Emory offensive attack was freshman designated hitter Caitlin Fitzgerald with a pair of hits and three RBIs.  Fitzgerald gave the Eagles all the offense they would need when her one-out triple in third inning drove in a pair of runs and highlighted a three-run frame.  Fitzgerald added another RBI in the fourth inning