The Otterbein softball team finished the 2008 season with a 13-23 overall record, and a 6-12 mark in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).
With seniors Corey Bernard and Morgan Braun refusing to lose the last game of their careers, the team split their last doubleheader with Mt. St. Joseph, losing the first game 4-3 and dominating the second 10-1.
"Of course we would rather take two wins than split, but when I look back on this season I won't think about how we split our last doubleheader," said freshman Britany Byers. "Instead I'll think about how our two seniors both played great final games."
The Mt. St. Joseph's pitching lineup had nothing on Bernard in the first or second game.
Bernard's bat seemed to have made friends with the left-field fence. In the first game Bernard had the first home run of her softball career; however this wouldn't be her last.
In the second game, Bernard hit another solo shot over the left-field fence. Then Bernard's last at-bat for the Otterbein softball team called for the bases to be loaded, and, as anyone could guess, she turned on a fastball and drove it yet again over the left side of the field.
"I had never had a home run before so I really wanted one as a senior, so I was really pumped about the first one, and in pure shock after the grand slam," said Bernard. "It was the best last at-bat possible and I was really happy to end that way."
Braun, who was a major contributor to the Otterbein pitching personnel, also left her mark.
"Morgan was our ace pitcher, and had a very positive attitude. She told it like it was, and always tried to get us to work harder," said sophomore teammate Kelsey Beers.
"It was a true pleasure coaching Corey and Morgan these past four years," said head coach Deb Torman. "They brought a sense of family and energy. Their leadership and contribution will truly be missed."
Sophomore Brooke Stull felt that this year's record didn't serve the team justice.
"We just kept beating ourselves, we probably got beat three conference games and all the other ones we lost we beat ourselves."
Kelsey Beers felt that ending the season with a split sent herself and her teammates out on a very positive note for next season.
"We have the potential to be a very good team, and after a somewhat disappointing season, a split makes us know we can be better next year," Kelsey.
Though they weren't pleased with their final standings, the Otterbein softball team still has many reasons to be proud.
They defeated tough OAC teams such as Baldwin Wallace, Wilmington, Heidelberg and top team Muskingum.
Kelsey and Kendy Beers both finished with All-OAC second-team honors. Junior center fielder, Kelsey finished with a .320 batting average, 12 stolen bases and 15 RBIs. Junior second basemen Kendy completed her season with a .309 batting average, 25 hits, and 13 RBIs.
Also receiving OAC honors was, junior Janelle Jones who earned an honorable mention. The fierce third basemen led the team with a .379 batting average, a .486 on-base percentage.
During the summer the girls will lift and condition on their own. Losing only two seniors and returning a very strong and talented assortment of girls may be in the works for a destructive 2009 season.
"I had a lot of fun and leave with a bunch of great memories," said Bernard. "This team has the potential to be great and make it to the (OAC) tournament next year and I wish them the best of luck." t&c;
