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.

2007 EMORY SOFTBALL RECAP

The 2007 Emory University softball team used a torrid second half of the season to notch the program's seventh straight 30-plus win season.  In addition to the team's final won-lost mark of 33-8, the Eagles recorded an array of noteworthy accomplishments including the following:

** The program's sixth berth in the nine-year history of the program to the NCAA Tournament

** The third-ever trip to the NCAA Division III National Championships

** A championship performance in the NCAA Regionals hosted by Methodist College, going a perfect 4-0

** A No. 7 national ranking in the final NFCA Top 25 poll

** An 18-game winning streak that represented the second-longest effort in school history

** Seasonal school records in on-base percentage (.417), stolen base percentage (.979, 47-of-48) and home runs (21)

** Ranking nationally in a number of statistical categories including batting average (18th, .343), ERA (7th, 1.50), fielding percentage (t-1st .974), winning percentage (14th, 33-8, .805) and slugging percentage (37th, .479).

With sound leadership provided by the senior trio of Sarah Morse, Lauren Haag and Betsy Bruinsma, the Eagles earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.  The Eagles, seeded No. 5 in the Fayetteville Regional, defeated No. 4 seed Salisbury in the opening game, 5-4 in nine innings.  Emory then topped No. 1 seed and host Methodist University, 2-1, in its second game.  The Eagles continued through the winners bracket with a 2-0 triumph over Lynchburg which put them in the enviable position of having to win just one more game to advance to the nationals.  Emory did just that with a decisive 9-1 decision over Lynchburg.

In the national championship, the Eagles got off to a rough start as No. 2-ranked Linfield College came away with an 11-0 win.  Emory rebounded and stayed alive in the double-elimination format with a 12-3 rout of Moravian.  However, the Eagles' run ended their following game when UW-Eau Claire registered a tight 3-1 decision.

Junior second baseman Alison Braverman, a key catalyst in the Emory offense all season long, became the fifth player in school history to earn All-America honors. A starter in all 39 games she appeared in, Braverman was named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America third team.  The Elmhurst, Illinois, native finished second on the squad and No. 27 in the nation in batting with a .466 average.  The team leader with 13 doubles, she fashioned 16 multi-hit contests and finished tied for first on the club in home runs (4) and tied for second in hits (55).  Braverman garnered first-team nods to both the All-Atlantic Region and All-University Athletic Association Teams.  A solid performer in the field, she handled 98.3 percent of her fielding chances (117 of 119) successfully.

Cassie Walsh enjoyed a spectacular freshman season, landing First Team All-Atlantic Region acclaim as well as UAA Rookie of the Year honors.  Walsh, one of four Emory players to earn First Team All-UAA honors, concluded the 2007 campaign with a team and UAA-leading .484 batting average, good for 14th nationally.  Walsh's average was the second-highest mark in Emory history behind Lauren Dix's effort of .489 in 2000.  A starter in 39 of the Eagles' 41 contests, Walsh compiled 19 multi-hit contests, paced the club in hits with 59 and was successful on all 10 of her stolen base attempts.

Sophomore first baseman Kim Bandy swung a big bat for Emory throughout the year, hitting for a hefty .451 average that placed her No. 3 on the team and fourth among UAA performers.  Bandy, a first-team selection to both the All-UAA and All-Atlantic Region Teams, paced the team in a number of offensive categories including runs scored (40), triples (5), RBIs (35) and slugging percentage (.705).  Bandy's batting average and slugging percentage ranked ninth and fifth, respectively, on Emory's seasonal chart.  In addition, she posted a perfect mark of 13-for-13 in her base-stealing attempts, tying for second on the school's listing. Bandy was a stalwart in the field as well, handling 230-of-232 opportunities (.991).

Senior third baseman Sarah Morse closed out a fine career in 2007, hitting for a .336 average while totaling 34 RBIs, good for a second-place tie on the squad.  Morse, a starter in all 40 games she appeared in, 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.  Morse 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 berth with a 3.88 GPA while pursing her degree in American History and Literature.

Senior left fielder Betsy Bruinsma provided a steady influence on the squad and started all 38 games she saw action in.  Bruinsma batted .271 and went six-for-six in the stolen base department.  Another game-tested veteran, she started 164 of 165 games and ended her career in seventh place on the school's most games played list.  She crossed the plate 102 times, good for seventh place on Emory's all-time chart, while her 154 career hits were good for ninth place.  Finally, she finished third all-time among Emory performers with 32 stolen bases.

After getting off to a slow start offensively, senior shortstop Lauren Haag hit safely in nine of the last 11 games of the season, recording a .407 average in that stretch.  A starter in all 39 games she took the field in, Haag was chosen to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team after picking up five hits in four games.  Lauren ended the year second on the team in walks (14) while accounting for a team-best 14 sacrifice hits.  During her tenure as a member of the Eagles' program, Haag played in 155 games, 147 in a starting capacity, and finished with 106 hits, good for the No. 10 position on the school's all-time list.

On the mound, Emory was led by the junior tandem of Ashley Tobar and Kathy Gordon.  Tobar, a First Team All-UAA choice, closed the year with a won-lost ledger of 14-3 and an ERA of 1.32 that placed her No. 3 among UAA hurlers and 27th nationally.  Tobar, a Third Team All-Atlantic selection, tossed 122 innings and struck out 86 batters. She was an NCAA Regional All-Tournament honoree after making appearances in all four games and surrendering two earned runs in 18 innings of work.  Career-wise, Ashley has notched 33 wins, good for the No. 4 position on the school's list. 

Gordon fashioned a 16-5 record that included a no-hitter.  She tossed 10 complete games and recorded five outings of 10 more strike outs including a pair of career-high tying 14 Ks. A Second Team All-Atlantic Region pick, Gordon ended the campaign No. 3 among UAA pitchers in strike outs with 143, good for the No. 2 spot on the Eagles' seasonal chart.  Kathy's 8.65 strike outs per game average (per 7 innings) established a school seasonal record and placed her in a tie for 24th place nationally.  Through three years of competition, Gordon is No. 3 among all-time Emory players in wins with a 50-33 record.  In addition, she is No. 1 in career strike outs (387) and tied with Tobar for the No. 2 slot in ERA (1.26).

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

The No. 16-ranked Emory University softball team saw its season come to and end Sunday afternoon as it dropped a close 3-1 decision to UW-Eau Claire at the College World Series.  The loss was the Eagles' second in the double-elimination championship and ended their season with a record of 33-8.  The win upped UW-Eau Claire's ledger to 37-13.

The Blugold forged out to a 2-0 lead after scoring single runs in the first and third innings.  Emory cut the gap in half in the bottom of the fourth inning when junior Ali Braverman blasted her fourth home run of the season.  UW-Eau Claire added some insurance in the top of the sixth when an Emory error led to an unearned run that scored  on a two-out double by Casey Leisgang that scored Mandy Tschnerach.

Though Emory was held in check by UW-Eau Claire pitcher Mallory McKinney, who just allowed four hits and struck out 10 in a complete-game performance, the Eagles did have some scoring chances. In the fifth, Emory had the bases loaded with two out but couldn't push a run across, and in the sixth, sophomore Kim Bandy was stranded on third after leading off the inning with a triple. 

Junior pitcher Ashley Tobar started the game for Emory and tossed five innings before having to lead the game in the sixth after getting hit in the face with a line drive. Tobar gave up three runs, just one of which was earned, and surrendered six hits while striking out six.

May 19

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

A three-run double by sophomore catcher Rachel Blume highlighted a six-run fifth inning and helped the No. 16-ranked Emory softball team to a 12-3 six-inning win over Moravian College at the 2007 College World Series.  The victory enabled the Eagles to stay alive in the double-elimination tourney following yesterday's setback to Linfield College.  The win boosted Emory's record to 33-7 while Moravian closed out its season with a 35-7 ledger.

Emory recorded 13 hits in the contest with four players picking up two or more safeties.  Junior pitcher Ashley Tobar tossed all six innings and allowed seven hits in upping her record to 14-2.

Moravian picked up the game's first run in the bottom of the second inning when sophomore Sheri Bieniek blasted a two-out homer.  Emory then tied the game in the top half of the third when junior Ali Braverman came through with her third round tripper of the campaign.

Emory used the long ball again in the fourth when freshman Caitlin Fitzgerald socked a two-run homer that pushed the Eagles out in front, 3-1.  Fitzgerald finished the afternoon with three hits and four RBIs.  The Greyhounds battled back to knot the game in its half of the frame thanks to a two-out single by catcher Danielle Carrione. 

Emory peppered Moravian with six hits in the decisive fifth inning.  Senior Sarah Morse and Fitzgerald came through with run-producing RBIs before Blume's key double. 
The Eagles added three more runs in the sixth to close out their scoring.

Emory will play on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. against either Washington University or UW-Eau Claire.  

May 18

EMORY SOFTBALL DROPS OPENING GAME OF COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

The No. 16-ranked Emory University softball team got off to a rough start in the 2007 College World Series Friday morning, dropping an 11-0 five-inning decision to No. 2-ranked Linfield College.  The setback snapped an 18-game Emory winning streak and dropped its record to 32-7 while Linfield upped its record to 41-6.  This year's World Series is being played at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Virginia.

The Wildcats jumped on Emory early in the contest, notching six runs in the bottom of the first, four of which scored before one batter was retired.  Highlighting the frame was a three-run homer by catcher Jena Lopp.  Loop recorded a solo blast in the second inning en route to a five-RBIs day.

Linfield finished with 14 hits while the Eagles mustered a pair of safeties, a double by junior Ali Braverman and single by senior Lauren Haag.  Brittany Miller got the win on the mound for the Wildcats, her 21st victory in 25 decisions while junior Kathy Gordon was saddled with the loss, her fifth against 16 wins.

Emory will attempt to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament on Saturday morning (11:00 a.m.) when it will play the loser of the DePauw-Moravian game.

May 16

SARAH MORSE NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

Sarah Morse, the starting third baseman for the 16th-ranked Emory University softball team, has been named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District III First Team, as voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

This marks the third time in Morse's career that she has been named to the Academic All-District First Team.  The senior has started all 37 games that she has played in this year and is batting .351 while contributing 33 RBIs.  Morse was chosen to the second team of both the All-UAA and All-Atlantic Region Teams.  On the academic side, she has maintained a 3.88 grade-point average while pursuing her degree in American History and Literature. Morse is a two-time selection to the Academic All-America Third Team.

By virtue of being named to the Academic All-District first team, Morse will be nominated for the 2006-07 Academic All-America Team.

Voting for the Academic All-District III Team is conducted by the members of CoSIDA in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.  To be eligible, a nominee must be at least a sophomore with a 3.2 grade point average and a starter or key reserve on his team.  Emory nominees are placed in the "college division" category, which is composed of all NCAA Division II and III schools, along with NAIA programs.

Sarah and her teammates are one of eight teams competing in the 2007 College World Series in Salem, Virginia.  The Eagles, 32-6 overall, open play on Friday against Linfield College.

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. 

May 11

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 10

EMORY SOFTBALL EDGES SALISBURY IN NCAA TOURNAMENT OPENER

Emory University freshman Cassie Walsh scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning following an error and the Eagles made that stand up as they claimed an exciting 5-4 win over Salisbury University in an NCAA Tournament opening-round game.  The win was Emory's 15th straight and moved its record to 29-6.  The Sea Gulls of Salisbury fall to 36-8.

With one out in the ninth, Walsh singled for her second hit of the game.  Sophomore Kim Bandy singled, sending Walsh to second.  Walsh and Bandy then worked a double steal leaving Walsh on third and Bandy on second, and setting the stage for the eventual game-winning run to score.

Emory rapped out 12 hits in the extra-inning affair compared to Salisbury's four.  Both teams had chances to add more runs with Emory stranding 10 runners and the Sea Gulls nine.  Both squads may have been feeling a little jittery as they combined for six errors, four by Emory and two by Salisbury.

Emory snapped a 2-2 deadlock in the top of the seventh when senior Sarah Morse singled home a pair of runs giving the Eagles a 4-2 cushion.  However, Salisbury knotted the game in the bottom half of the inning, scoring a pair of unearned runs, the first following a pair of Emory errors on the same play and then drawing even when Kirsten Wells singled home Kelly Waskewicz.

Bandy paced the Eagles' offensive attack with three hits while Walsh and senior shortstop Lauren Haag each chipped in a pair of safeties.  Junior Kathy Gordon picked up her 15th win in 19 decisions after tossing 2 2/3 innings of relief. Ashley Tobar got the start for Emory and went the first 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs, just one of which was earned.

Emory, ranked No. 12 in the nation, battles No. 1 seed and No. 23-ranked Methodist College (33-8) on Friday starting at 2:00 p.m.  Methodist opened the tourney with a 1-0 win over LaGrange College earlier in the day.

May 9

SIX EARN ALL-REGION ACCOLADES

The No. 12-ranked Emory University softball team has placed a total of six players on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's All-Atlantic Region Team. 

The Eagles landed three players on the first team including junior second baseman Ali Braverman (Elmhurst, IL), freshman center fielder Cassie Walsh (Palm City, FL) and sophomore Kim Bandy, who was selected as an at-large honoree.

Senior third baseman Sarah Morse (Topeka, KS) and junior pitcher Kathy Gordon (Midland, GA) drew second-team nods while junior pitcher Ashley Tobar (Levittown, PA) rounded out Emory's representation with a third-team berth.

Braverman holds down the No. 2 spot on the team in hitting as it heads into the NCAA Tournament with a .474 average, placing her among the top 30 among Division III players in NCAA statistics released May 6.  Her 46 hits are second on the squad and her 11 doubles pace all Emory players.  She has scored 28 runs, second on the team, and has 22 RBIs to her credit.  Braverman was also a First Team All-University Athletic Association pick.

Walsh, who was named UAA Rookie of the Year, leads the team and is tied for ninth nationally in hitting with a .495 average.  She has a team-high 50 hits and has produced 15 multi-hit games this season. She is tied with Braverman for second among Emory players with 28 runs scored and has been successful on all eight of her stolen base attempts.  She becomes the first Emory freshman since Elizabeth Hampson (2001) to be chosen to the first team. 

Bandy, a Third Team All-Region pick in 2006, has been one of the team's big hitters this year with a .423 average.  She has crossed the plate a team-high 36 times and she leads the team in triples (4) and slugging percentage (.683), and is tied for first in RBIs with 31.

Morse, who captured a second-team berth for the second consecutive year, has started all 33 of the games she has played in and claims a solid .378 batting average.  The owner of 11 multi-hit outings, Morse is tied with Bandy for the club's No. 1 spot with 31 RBIs.  Career-wise, she is tied for sixth on Emory's all-time list in hits (169) and is tied for second in homers (12).

Gordon, another second-team honoree last season, has compiled an impressive 15-4 record with her win total tying for ninth on the school's seasonal chart.  She has struck out 10 or more batters in five games and has a pair of career-high tying contests of 14 strike outs this year.  She has fanned 137 in 2007, good for third place on the Eagles' season ladder.

Tobar, a First Team All-UAA pick, has registered an 11-2 record that includes a solid ERA of 1.28, placing her No. 2 among conference performers. She has struck out 70 batters in 92 2/3 innings of action.

Emory, 28-6 on the season, will play Salisbury University on Thursday (May 10) in an opening-round NCAA Tournament game.  The Eagles are in the Methodist College
Regional held in Fayetteville, NC.

2007 NFCA All-Region Teams

May 9

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 SOFTBALL SWEEPS DOUBLEHEADER FROM WESLEYAN COLLEGE

The No. 20-ranked Emory University softball team captured its ninth and tenth consecutive games this afternoon with 4-1 and 8-0 wins over the Wesleyan College.  The two victories boosted the Eagles' overall record to 24-6 while the Pioneers slipped to 11-18.

In the first contest, junior pitcher Kathy Gordon allowed five hits and fanned seven in raising her record to 13-4.  Wesleyan got on the scoreboard first with a run in the top half of the third inning after Amber Carden's single with two out scored Ashley Nelson. The Eagles responded with three runs in the fourth, two of which came with two out.  Kim Bandy opened the inning with a triple and scored on a ground out by Sarah Morse.  Following Morse's at-bat, Betsy Bruinsma singled and stole second.  After a fly out, Caitlin Fitgerald doubled Bruinsma home.  Fitzgerald then scored on a single by catcher Rachel Blume.  The Eagles added their final run of the game when right fielder Alyson Moler singled home Lauren Haag.

In the second game, which ended in the sixth inning, junior Ali Braverman went 3-for-4 from the plate with three RBIs to spark the offense.  Among Braverman's hits was a two-run homer, her second round tripper of the campaign, that gave Emory a 5-0 advantage.  Freshman Cassie Walsh also finished with three hits and one RBI while Blume chalked up a pair of RBIs with a two-run double in the third inning.  Junior Ashley Tobar kept Wesleyan in check, allowing four hits while striking out five in boosting her won-lost ledger to 10-2.

Emory returns to action on Friday, April 13, when it hosts Agnes Scott in a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.

Apr.10

BRAVERMAN NAMED UAA 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. 6

EMORY SOFTBALL TAKES PAIR FROM UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS

The No. 20-ranked Emory University softball team captured its seventh and eighth consecutive games this afternoon with 9-0 and 8-0 wins over the University of Dallas. Both games were called after five innings.  The two victories boosted the Eagles' overall record to 22-6 while the Crusaders slipped to 10-16.

In the first contest, junior pitcher Kathy Gordon did not allow a hit and fanned 11, her fourth effort of the season of double-digit strikeouts, in raising her season record to 12-4.  The Eagles jumped out on top with a three-run second inning keyed by RBI singles by sophomores Rachel Blume and Alyson Moler and a sacrifice fly by junior Ali Braverman. 

Emory broke the game wide open by scoring six runs in the third inning.  Freshman Caitlin Fitzgerald sparked the outburst with a three-run homer, her second round tripper of the campaign. 

In game two, Emory exploded with seven runs in second inning with Braverman producing a three-run double and sophomore Carey Smith-Marchi coming through with a two-run homer, her first career four-bagger. 

Junior Ashley Tobar tossed the first four innings and gave up just one hit en route to her ninth win in 11 decisions.  Tobar whiffed six batters and lowered her season ERA to 1.13. Freshman Marion Holland pitched the final frame and gave up one hit while fanning one.

Emory returns to action on Tuesday, April 10, when it hosts Wesleyan College in a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m.

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.

Mar. 30

NO. 19-RANKED EMORY SOFTBALL READY FOR MIDWEEK MATCHUP AT WESLEYAN

GAME FACTS - The Emory Eagles, ranked No. 19 in the nation, will make the trip down I-75 to Macon, Ga., for a doubleheader at Wesleyan College on Tuesday (April 3).

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 269-91 (a .747 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 - After sweeping two road doubleheaders against in-state opponents last weekend, the Eagles record stands at 18-6.

The Pioneers are 8-11 as of press time, after winning six of their last eight. But their record will look quite different when they face the Eagles as Wesleyan will play four doubleheaders in five days before facing the Eagles. The set against Emory on April 3 will be the culmination of four consecutive days of doubleheaders.

SERIES RECORDS - The Eagles are 13-0 all-time against Wesleyan.

BANDY SLUGGING, TOBAR TOUGH - Coming off a weekend that saw the Eagles pick up two blowout wins and two tight victories, the Eagles had a couple of stars shine especially bright.

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. 24

EMORY SOFTBALL TAKES PAIR FROM AGNES SCOTT

The Emory University softball team opened the second half of its season on an impressive note Friday, sweeping a doubleheader from Agnes Scott.  The Eagles, ranked No. 23 in the nation, raised their overall record to 16-6 following 34-0 and 10-0 wins. 

Sophomore Kim Bandy sparked the Emory offense in game one by rapping out a school-record six hits in seven trips to the plate.  Bandy socked a pair of homers en route to driving in eight RBIs.  Sophomore catcher Rachel Blume enjoyed a huge offensive game that saw her establish single-game school marks with three round trippers and 10 RBIs.  Junior Ashley Tobar got the win on the mound, tossing all five innings and giving up just one hit while fanning nine.

In the second game, Bandy continued her hot hitting with a pair of hits and two RBIs.  Freshman Ally Berenter also registered two hits while freshman Cassie Walsh and sophomore Alyson Moler each scored a pair of runs.  Freshman pitcher Marion Holland was the beneficiary of Emory's offensive explosion and got the win, going five innings and not allowing a hit and striking out 12.

Emory returns to action on Sunday, March 25, when it plays a doubleheader at LaGrange College starting at 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 23

EMORY SOFTBALL GAINS FIVE ALL-UAA BERTHS

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. 16

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL STAYS ALIVE IN QUEST FOR UAA TOURNEY TITLE

The Emory University softball team stayed alive in its bid for a University Athletic Association Tournament title on Friday as it posted a 3-1 win over Case Western Reserve University.  The win upped the Eagles' overall record to 14-4, 4-2 in UAA play.  The Spartans of Case fell to 3-4 overall, 1-4 in league affairs.

Junior Kathy Gordon turned in a complete-game performance on the mound, allowing just five hits and striking out seven in raising her to 9-3.  Freshman Cassie Walsh picked up three of Emory's seven hits and scored a run to help spark the offense.

The Eagles' scored a pair of runs in the first inning with seniors Sarah Morse and Betsy Bruinsma contributing the RBIs.  Emory added another run in the bottom of the fifth when sophomore Liz White scored from second following an error by Case Western's second baseman.

Emory will head into the final day of the conference tournament tied with Rochester for second place behind Washington University (5-2).  The Eagles will play Washington at 10:00 a.m. before closing things out against Rochester at 12:30 p.m.

Mar. 15

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL SPLITS TWO GAMES AT UAA TOURNAMENT

The Emory University softball team split a pair of games at the University Association Tournament on Thursday, dropping a 4-3 decision to the University of Rochester before bouncing back to post a 12-2 win over Brandeis.  The split leaves the Eagles' overall record at 13-4, 3-2 in UAA action.

In the opening contest of the afternoon, the Yellowjackets held a 3-1 lead before Emory tallied single runs in the sixth and seventh inning to tie the game.  The Eagles drew even with two out when sophomore Kim Bandy scored from second base following an error by the Rochester first baseman. However, the Yellowjackets earned the win in their half of the seventh when second baseman Sam Carr laid down a suicide squeeze bunt with one out that scored Jessica Sorrentino.  Each squad collected eight hits in the contest with Caitlin Fitzgerald, Betsy Bruinsma and Cassie Walsh each picking up two hits apiece.

Against Brandeis, the Eagles scored three runs in their opening at-bat before crossing the plate three more times in the third.  Four more runs in the top of the fifth accounted for Emory's final total as the game ended when the Judges failed to score in their half of the inning.  Bandy led the offensive parade, contributing three of Emory's 14 hits while picking up three RBIs.  Waslsh, Fitzgerald and junior Ali Braverman each chipped in a pair of safeties.  Ashley Tobar got the win on the mound for Emory, tossing four innings and striking out three.

Heading into Friday's action, Emory, Rochester and Washington University are tied for first.  The Eagles tangle with Case Western on Friday in their only action before meeting Washington and Rochester on Saturday in the final day of the tournament.

Mar. 15

EMORY SOFTBALL DROPS TOUGH 2-0 DECISION TO WASHINGTON UNIV.

The No. 15-ranked Emory University softball team dropped its first game at the University Athletic Association Tournament on Wednesday as it came out on the short end of a 2-0, nine-inning decision to No. 3-ranked Washington University. The loss dropped Emory's overall record to 12-3 (2-1 in UAA).

A two-out double by Megan Fieser scored Lindsay Cavarra and Laura D'Andrea in the ninth and the Bears were able to hold off an Emory rally in its final at bat coming away with the win.

Laurel Sagartz picked up the win for Washington, allowing just three hits while striking out 12.  Emory's Ashley Tobar was saddled with the loss after allowing two hits and striking out four over 8 ½ innings.  Seniors Sarah Morse and Lauren Haag along with freshman Cassie Walsh accounted for Emory's three hits.

Despite the setback, the Eagles find themselves tied for first place with Rochester with a 2-1 slate in the tourney.  Emory will play Rochester on Thursday starting at 10:00 a.m. before taking on Brandeis at 12:30 p.m.

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 with a single.

Senior left fielder Betsy Bruinsma chipped in a pair of hits as did freshman center fielder Cassie Walsh, who extended her hitting streak to 10 games and while her batting average to .545.  Junior second baseman Ali Braverman came up with a pair of RBIs in the second game with a two-run producing double that gave her five RBIs on the afternoon.  Braverman has hit safely in all 12 Emory contests this season.

Emory's next action takes place on Tuesday, March 13, when it plays Brandeis University in its opening game of the University Athletic Association Tournament in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Mar. 10

NO. 15 EMORY SOFTBALL BEATS AVERETT IN FIRST GAME OF DOUBLEHEADER

Emory University junior second basemen Ali Braverman's three-run homer capped a six-run third inning helped the Eagles to an 8-0 win in the first game of a doubleheader against Averett University.  The victory lifted Emory's overall record to 9-2 while the Cougars slumped to 4-7.

Braverman was one of four Emory players to finish with two hits as the Eagles rapped out 11 safeties in the five-inning affair.  Emory got on the board in the first inning as Braverman led off the game with a single and advanced to second following a single by designated hitter Caitlin Fitzgerald.  After a sacrifice by Kim Bandy moved the runners up, Sarah Morse was hit by a pitch which loaded the bases.  Catcher Rachel Blume drew a walk that forced Braverman home.

Junior Kathy Gordon tossed four innings and earned her seventh win in nine decisions.  Gordon allowed just two hits and struck out six batters.  Freshman Marion Holland came on in the fifth and struck out a pair of Cougars.

Bandy led off the Eagles' third inning with a triple and scored on a single by Morse.  A walk to Blume and single by freshman outfielder Cassie Walsh loaded the bases and Morse scored when senior shortstop Lauren Haag walked.  Blume eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Alyson Moler, making the score 4-0.  Braverman then cleared the bases with her four-bagger, her first of the season and the squad's fifth.

Mar. 8

EMORY SOFTBALL HOSTS AVERETT UNIVERSITY IN DOUBLEHEADER ACTION

GAME FACTS - The Emory softball team, ranked No. 15 in the nation, will host Averett University (Va.) at 1 p.m. on Saturday (March 10) for a doubleheader in what amounts to a UAA Conference Tournament warm-up.

The Eagles moved up one spot, from 16th to 15th, in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 released on Wednesday.

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 259-87 (a .749 winning percentage).

Head Coach Kathy Bocock has led the Averett Cougars together since 1992. Bocock won Dixie Conference Coach of the Year in 1995, after leading the Cougars to a finish as Dixie Conference Co-Champions.

RECORDS - The Eagles are 8-2 this season following a three-win weekend last week against Maryville (Tenn.) and Huntingdon (Ala.). The Eagles split with Maryville, 6-1, 1-5, on Saturday before sweeping Huntingdon, 2-1, 7-3, on Sunday.

The Cougars are 4-6 following a three win week. On Monday, the Cougars swept Wilkes (Pa.), 2-1, 5-2, and on Tuesday, they split with Virginia Wesleyan, 7-1, 2-7.

EAGLES UNDEFEATED vs. AVERETT - In six match-ups since Emory first played Averett in 2003, the Eagles are 6-0 and have allowed the Cougars only one run.

The Eagles are 29-6 all-time against all Virginia schools.

TEN STRAIGHT FOR BRAVERMAN - Junior Ali Braverman extended her hitting streak and then some this weekend. Braverman, who has a hit safely in all 10 games this season, is coming off of her best two games of the season, when she was a combined 6-7 with a double and a triple as well as one walk and three runs scored in the Huntingdon doubleheader on Sunday.

Braverman's .500 average is second on the team behind freshman Cassie Walsh who is hitting .519 and has now hit safely in eight straight games. Over those eight games Walsh is 13 for 22 with all 10 of her RBI as well as two doubles and a triple. Walsh also knocked in a run in five consecutive games through the second Maryville game before the streak was stopped by Huntingdon.

MORSE SCORES - Senior and team captain Sarah Morse has scored at least one run in eight of the Eagles 10 games and leads the team with 10 runs for the season. Until the second Huntingdon game on Sunday, she had a seven game run scoring streak.

Fellow senior and captain Betsy Bruinsma is second with nine runs. Bruinsma and Morse rank eighth and ninth, respectively, in the Eagle record books with 91 and 84 career runs scored. They stand to advance further in the books throughout the season. Alison Bouknight ('05) is the next on the list with 95 runs.

KATHY GORDON: MARATHON WOMAN - Junior Kathy Gordon prepared for this season by running a marathon over winter break. Her training paid off as last weekend was a marathon in its own right.

Gordon pitched 19 of 21 innings for the Eagles over the second Maryville game and the two Huntingdon games going 2-1. After struggling in the Maryville game, Gordon pitched 12 innings on Sunday picking up both Eagle wins and striking out 13 while allowing just two earned runs. Gordon is 6-2 on the season with 40 strikeouts in 40.2 innings pitched.

Mar. 6

BRAVERMAN TABBED AS UAA 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. 16-ranked Eagles to wins in three of four contests.  It marks the second time in her career that she has garnered the honor. 

Braverman hit .643 over the weekend, registering nine hits in 14 trips to the plate, and scored four runs.  Among her nine hits were three doubles and one triple.  In a 7-3 second-game win over Huntingdon College on Sunday, Braverman went 3-for-4, picking up a double and three-bagger, and scored a pair of runs.  In the first game of that twinbill, she went 3-for-3 and scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning in a close 2-1 win.

So far this season, she is batting .500 with a team-leading 17 hits in 34 at-bats.  She leads the club with six doubles and slugging percentage (.735) and has flawlessly handled all 35 of her fielding opportunities.

Emory, 8-2 on the year, will host Averett University on Saturday, March 10, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 4

NO. 16 EMORY SOFTBALL COMPLETES SWEEP OF DOUBLEHEADER vs. HUNTINGDON COLLEGE WITH 7-3 SECOND-GAME WINEmory University sophomore right fielder Alyson Moler blasted a three-run homer and junior second basemen Ali Braverman scored a pair of runs while contributing three hits in leading the Eagles to a 7-3 win in the second game and a sweep of its doubleheader against Huntingdon College.  Emory recorded a 2-1 triumph in the opening contest of the twinbill.  The triumph boosts Emory's record to 8-2 while the Hawks fall to 1-10.

With the scored tied at 1-1 in the third inning, sophomore catcher Rachel Blume led off with a single.  Freshman Cassie Walsh then singled, moving to Blume to second.  Following a sacrifice bunt by senior shortstop Lauren Haag, Moler came up with her first career round-tripper that put the Eagles up by a 4-1 margin. 

The Hawks drew to within 4-3 in the top half of the sixth when a two-out double by sophomore Lacy Carlile scored Jessica Reeves.  Emory put some distance between it and Huntingdon when it scored three times in the bottom of the inning.  Braverman led off with a double (her sixth hit in seven plate appearances during the afternoon) and eventually scored following a throwing error by Hawks' pitcher Alyssa Ryan.  Senior left fielder Betsy Bruinsman contributed a run-producing triple in the inning and later scored on a wild pitch.

Junior Kathy Gordon came on in relief of starter Ashley Tobar to earn her second win of the day and sixth of the campaign in eight decisions.  Gordon allowed one run over five innings and struck out four while walking two.

Emory returns to action on Saturday, Mar. 10, when it hosts Averett University in a doubleheader.  Action at Cooper Field will get underway at 1:00 p.m.

 March 3

NO. 16 EMORY SOFTBALL TOPS HUNTINGDON COLLEGE IN FIRST GAME OF TWINBILL

A two-out single in the bottom of the sixth inning by senior Sarah Morse scored Ali Braverman, snapping a 1-1 tie and propelling Emory to a 2-1 win over Huntingdon College in the first game of a doubleheader at Cooper Field on the Eagles' campus.  The win upped Emory's record to 7-2 while Huntingdon slipped to 1-9.

Huntingdon scored its lone run in the third inning when a two-out double by Marceta Brown scored Nicole Hill.  Emory knotted the game in its at bat the same inning when Morse scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Rachel Blume.

Junior pitcher Kathy Gordon recorded the win for Emory and raised her season mark to 5-2.  Gordon went the distance and struck out nine batters while not walking anybody.  Gordon now has 45 strikeouts this season in 42 2/3 innings of work.

Emory's offense put considerable pressure on Huntingdon, rapping out a season-high tying 11 hits, three by Braverman and two apiece by Morse and freshman Cassie Walsh who extended her hitting streak to seven games.

Emory will close out the weekend's action when it finishes the twinbill against Huntingdon later today.

March 3

EAGLES SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER WITH MARYVILLE

The 16th ranked Emory Eagles split a doubleheader with the Maryville College (Tenn.) Scots on Saturday, winning the first game 6-1 and losing the second 5-1.

Ali Braverman and Cassie Walsh continued to be hot with the bats for the Eagles, both with three hits on the day. Walsh was 3 for 5 on the day with three RBI in the first game including a two-run triple and Emory's only RBI in the second. Her four RBI today give her 10 RBI for the year and a .550 batting average, leading the team in both catagories. Braverman was 3 for 7 on the day with a run and two doubles. Braverman has recorded a hit in each of the Eagles first eight games.

Kim Bandy also added two RBI. Sarah Morse led the Eagles with three runs scored.

In the first game Ashley Tobar went six innings allowing just one run on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Tobar improves to 2-0 with the win.

The Eagles took the first lead in the first inning as Bandy knocked a two-out two-run single to center. Betsy Bruinsma then ran out a single on a hit in the dirt in front of the catcher, after Bandy advanced to third the catcher tried to catch her rounding the base too far, throwing behind her to third. Bandy broke for home diving around the catcher as she received the throw from third giving Emory the 3-0 lead.

Emory added two more in the third when Walsh slapped a ball over the right fielder to the fence for a 2-RBI standup triple.

Freshman Marion Holland finished out the game for the Eagles with a perfect inning with two strikeouts. Her second collegiate appearance mirrored her first pitching one inning in both and allowing no baserunners in either.

In the second game, pitcher Kathy Gordon was victimized by the top half of the Maryville batting order with the first five batters for the Scots combining for seven hits and scoring all five Maryville runs as well collecting all five RBI, while the bottom four combined for just one hit.

Gordon's line for the game was seven innings, five runs on five hits and three walks with just one strikeout. With the loss she falls to 4-2 on the season.

Emory's one run came on an RBI single by Walsh after Morse reached on an error.

Emory hitters combined for seven hits coming from seven different hitters with no more than two hits in a single inning. The Eagles were just 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position. The Eagles were also a bit unlucky with several well hit balls tracked down by the Maryville outfielders.

The win in the first game stretched the Eagles win streak over Maryville to sixteen games before the streak was broken in the second game. The second game was also the first time the Scots have ever beaten the Eagles at Emory as the Eagles took the first 11 home meetings.

The Eagles (6-2) will take on the Huntingdon Lady Hawks at home on Sunday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

Feb. 28

NO. 16 RANKED EMORY SOFTBALL SET TO HOST MARYVILLE, HUNTINGDON

GAME FACTS - The Eagles softball team, ranked No. 16 in the nation, will host Maryville College (Tenn.) and Huntingdon College (Ala.) this weekend in a pair of doubleheaders.

The Eagles will take on the Maryville Scots on Saturday (March 3) with the doubleheader starting at noon.

On Sunday (March 4), Emory will take on the Huntingdon Lady Hawks in another doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m.

THE COACHES - Coach Penny Siqueiros (Florida State '92) has led the Eagles from their inaugural season in 1999 coaching them to a 256-86 record entering this weekend. Siqueiros's Eagles hold a combined record of 32-9 against Maryville and Huntingdon.

The Maryville Scots are led by Danny Fish (Tennessee Wesleyan '01). Fish has led the Scots since the 2003 season compiling a 93-64 record through this season including the 2004 Great South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Coach Angela Cook has been with the Huntingdon Lady Hawks since 2001, serving as head coach since 2003. Under Cook's leadership the Hawks have won three of the last four GSAC championships including last season when they topped Piedmont College (Ga.) for the championship.

RECORDS - The 16th ranked Eagles are 5-1 following a sweep on Saturday at the rain-shortened Maryville college classic. The Eagles topped Maryville and Thomas More College (Ky.) and have now won 4 straight games.

The Maryville Scots are 1-1 split their first two games of the season, beating Huntingdon, 8-4, in their opener before falling to Emory, 5-1. The Scots were 21-23 last season.

Huntingdon is 1-6 after the Lady Hawks picked up their first win last weekend at Maryville. Huntingdon dropped games to Maryville and Thomas More but topped Emory & Henry (Va.), 5-2. The Huntingdon record might be hiding a tough opponent as four of the six losses for the defending GSAC champions have come against tough non-Division III teams.

MARYVILLE, HUNTINGDON DOUBLEHEADERS: TAKE TWO - The two doubleheaders come just a week after the Eagles were supposed to play doubleheaders against both teams at the Maryville College Classic. Instead, looming weather problems forced a cancellation of the second day of play causing the match-ups to be shuffled around.

In the abridged schedule, Emory faced Maryville just once and did not face Huntingdon at all.
Emory's 5-1 win against Maryville was the 14th time in their current 15-game win streak against Maryville that the Eagles have held the Scots to one or fewer runs. The Eagles have outscored Maryville 96-10 over that streak. However, the game was closer than the score shows, with the game tied, 1-1, until the Eagles took the 2-1 lead in the sixth. Emory only secured the 5-1 win with an offensive outbreak in the top of the seventh. The Eagles are now 19-2 all-time against Maryville.

The Eagles are 13-7 against Huntingdon, but the Lady Hawks have toughened up in recent years. From 2003 to 2005, the Eagles and Lady Hawks played even at 4-4, with the teams splitting four consecutive doubleheaders. However, Emory took the upper hand last season sweeping a doubleheader in the team's only meeting.

HOME, SWEET HOME - The Eagles are 108-25 all-time at George Cooper Field, Emory's softball stadium, including 96-17 since 2001, an .850 winning percentage.

The Eagles have also fared well at home against these opponents with a 6-1 home record against Huntingdon and a 10-0 home record against Maryville.

Emory's history in doubleheaders also bodes well. In the 53 doubleheaders the Eagles have hosted all-time, the Eagles have swept 38, and have only been swept five times with 10 splits, a total record of 86-20 in those games.

BIG BATS FOR BRUINSMA, WALSH AND BRAVERMAN - Betsy Bruinsma had a huge game last weekend against Maryville going 3-for-3 with three runs, two doubles and one walk. Bruinsma, while going 0-for-3, she still scored two runs and had two RBI.

Cassie Walsh also had a big weekend going a combined 3-for-6 with 4 RBI to improve her batting average to .467 for the season which leads the team. She also now has a team-leading six RBI.
Ali Braverman picked up a hit in each game this weekend giving her a hit in all six games thus far in the season. Her .400 batting average is second on the team.

PITCHERS ON FIRE - Emory pitchers Kathy Gordon, Ashley Tobar and Marion Holland have posted a 0.71 earned run average and a .169 batting average against in 39.1 innings pitched this season.
All three pitchers have an individual ERA under one.

Tobar picked up her first win this season in a complete game against Thomas More and has allowed just one earned run this year, good for a 0.42 ERA.

Gordon is 4-1 this year after her complete-game win over Maryville with a 0.97 ERA. She is also averaging more than a strikeout an inning, with 26 K's in 21.2 innings pitched.

Holland has pitched just one inning, a perfect inning with a strikeout against Millsaps on February 18. She may see more action this weekend as the staff faces four games in two days.

Feb. 24

NO. 16 EMORY SOFTBALL TEAM WINS TWO GAMES AT MARYVILLE CLASSIC

The No. 16-ranked Emory University softball team received a pair of strong pitching performances and used some opportunistic hitting to record a pair of wins in the Maryville College Classic on Saturday.  The Eagles opened play with a 6-2 win over Thomas More before closing out the day with a 5-1 triumph over Maryville College.  The two victories upped Emory's record to 5-1.  The Classic was shortened to one day in anticipation of stormy weather in the area.

Junior Ashley Tobar (Levittown, PA) earned her first win of the young season in the Thomas More game, going the distance and striking out four batters. Sophomore Kim Bandy sparked the offense, scoring a pair of runs and stealing two bases. 

Junior Kathy Gordon (Midland, GA) ran her record to 4-1 following a masterful performance against Maryville that saw her whiff 10 batters.  Senior Betsy Bruinsma (Grand Rapids, MI) went three-for-three at the plate and scored three runs while freshman Cassi Walsh (Palm City, FL) picked up a couple of hits.

Emory returns to action on Saturday, March 3, when it hosts Maryville College in a doubleheader starting at noon.

Feb. 22

EMORY SOFTBALL TEAM EYES MARYVILLE COLLEGE CLASSIC

GAME FACTS - The Emory Eagles will travel to Maryville, Tenn. this weekend for doubleheaders against Maryville College and Huntingdon College (Ala.) in the Maryville College Classic.

The Eagles face the hosting Maryville Scots on Saturday (Feb. 24) in an early doubleheader scheduled for 9 and 11 a.m. at Maryville College.

On Sunday (Feb. 25), the Eagles will face Huntingdon in a doubleheader at 12 and 2 p.m. at Heritage High School in Maryville.

THE COACHES - Coach Penny Siqueiros (Florida State '92) has led the Eagles from their inaugural season in 1999 coaching them to a 254-86 record entering this weekend. Siqueiros's Eagles hold a combined record of 31-9 in twenty games each against Maryville and Huntingdon.

The Maryville Scots are led by Danny Fish (Tennessee Wesleyan '01). Fish has led the Scots since the 2003 season compiling a 92-63 record including the 2004 Great South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Coach Angela Cook has been with the Huntingdon Lady Hawks since 2001, serving as head coach since 2003. Under Cook's leadership the Hawks have won three of the last four GSAC championships including last season when they topped Piedmont College (Ga.) for the championship.

RECORDS - The Eagles are 3-1 and coming off a second-place finish in the Emory Invitational. The Eagles are historically tough in non-conference play, with a record of 190-61 in regular season non-conference play.

Maryville has not yet played in 2007 and last season finished 21-23, but hopes to improve this season with ten letterwinners, five of whom are seniors, returning.

Huntingdon is 0-4 so far this season after opening up with doubleheaders against a Division I team and an NAIA team.

HISTORY ON EMORY'S SIDE - Emory softball has matched up with both teams twenty times in school history, tied for third most for any opponent.

In those meetings Emory has had favorable results, especially against Maryville. The Eagles are 18-2 against Maryville, and have not lost to the Scots since 2002. In that 14-game win streak the Eagles have shutout the Scots 10 times and held them to one run three times, outscoring Maryville by a total of 91-9.

The Eagles are 13-7 against Huntingdon, but the Lady Hawks have toughened up in recent years. From 2003 to 2005, the Eagles and Lady Hawks played even at 4-4, with the teams splitting four consecutive doubleheaders. However, Emory took the upper hand last season sweeping a doubleheader in the team's only meeting.

BATS, ARMS HOT - The Eagles have outscored opponents 21-4 this year riding some explosive hitting and lights-out pitching.

The Eagles have three home runs so far this season, one in each of their wins, and two grand slams, one each by sophomores Rachel Blume and Kim Bandy. The Eagles hit 17 home runs in 47 games last season and just one grand slam, also by Bandy.

Four Eagles are hitting over .400 and three more over .300 in the first four games posting a team batting average of .316. Blume and senior Sarah Morse are both slugging over .800 with Blume at .875 and Morse .818.

Eagles' pitchers have only allowed two earned runs this season on just 14 hits, four walks and two hit batters while striking out 22 in 25.1 innings. Opponents have managed only a .161 batting average against Emory pitching.

UAA Athlete of the Week Kathy Gordon (3-1) has led the staff pitching 14.2 innings and has retired 13 straight batters. Ashley Tobar (0-0) has yet to allow an earned run in nine and two-thirds innings.

BLUME, BANDY IN THE BOOKS - Sophomores Blume and Bandy have put their names in the Emory records books. Both have hit one homerun this season and hit two last year putting them in a five-way tie for eighth in career home runs very early in their Emory careers.

They join current Eagles Betsy Bruinsma, who ranks seventh with five career homers, and Morse, who with her home run against Piedmont moved up to a tie for third with 10. Morse is now just three round trippers from the Emory career record of 13, held by Elizabeth Hampson ('04)

With her nine at bats so far this season, Bandy also now qualifies for career batting average records with over 150 career at bats. Her batting average (.331), slugging percentage (.483) and on-base percentage (.387) would all rank in Emory's top 10. She joins Morse who ranks fifth in batting average (.386), sixth in slugging percentage (.532) and fifth in on-base percentage (.432).

Feb. 20

HURLER KATHY GORDON NAMED UAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

 Emory junior pitcher Kathy Gordon has been named by the University Athletic Association as Softball Player of the Week following her performances in helping the squad to wins in three of four contests.  It marks the fifth time in her career that she has garnered the honor.  Gordon figured in every decision last week in helping the Eagles get off to a good start to the season.

Gordon hurled a total of 14 2/3 innings and allowed just two earned runs while striking out 16 and walking two.

In a season-opening 7-2 win over Greensboro College (Feb. 16), Gordon tossed 5 1/3 innings and struck out two while not surrendering any earned runs. 

On Sunday (Feb. 18), Gordon notched a pair of wins on the final day of the Emory Invitational, tossing four innings as the starter in a 9-0 triumph over Millsaps College.  She did not allow any runs and whiffed five in a five-inning contest.

In the finale on Sunday, Gordon came on in relief and blanked Piedmont College for 3 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three while not allowing any walks.

Feb. 18

EMORY SWEEPS SECOND DAY OF INVITATIONAL TO CLAIM SECOND

The Emory Eagles closed out the Emory Invitational with a 5-0 win over regional rival Piedmont College (Ga.).

Junior pitchers Ashley Tobar and Kathy Gordon combined to shutout Piedmont over seven innings. Tobar made the start, her second this season, but again took the no decision.

After allowing just three baserunners in three and two-thirds innings, Tobar appeared to have finished out the fourth with a pop-up to leftfielder Betsy Bruinsma, but a catcher interference call made after the fact put the runner on first. With two on and just a one-run lead against the regional opponent, Coach Penny Siqueiros chose to relieve Tobar bringing in Gordon.

Gordon (3-1) retired the batter to end the fourth with the Eagles leading, making her the pitcher of record. Gordon then retired the next nine batters notching three strike-outs to finish the game with three and one-third perfect innings.

Tobar has now pitched nine and two-thirds innings this season without allowing a run, but has yet to earn a decision. In three and two-thirds innings, Tobar allowed two hits and no walks, struck out one and hit one batter.

The Eagles took the first lead in the bottom of the third. After Bruinsma reached base and advanced to second on an error, Ali Braverman doubled to deep right-center. Bruinsma hesitated to make sure the ball would not be caught before motoring around to score from second, just barely avoiding the tag sliding in headfirst behind the plate and reaching her hand in to score.

Sarah Morse added another run in the bottom of the third on a long, line-drive home run to straightaway left field.

The Eagles added three more in the bottom of the fifth to take the 5-0 lead.

Cassie Walsh led the team with two hits and two RBI, while Morse also added two hits.

Morse's home run was the third of the year for the Eagles, who have had a home run in each of their three wins.

Braverman's double in the third gives her a team-leading six on the season. She is the only Eagle to record a hit in each of the first four games.

Emory's two wins in the second day of the Emory Invitational earn them second place in the tournament with a 2-1 record. Greensboro College (N.C.) were the Emory Invitational Champions with a 3-0 record. The Greensboro Pride, who defeated the Eagles, 2-0, Saturday with a walk-off homerun, also topped Piedmont today to clinch the tournament.

Emory (3-1) will be in action again next weekend at the Maryville College Classic, playing doubleheaders against Maryville College (Tenn.) and Huntingdon College (Ala.) on February 24 and 25, respectively.

Their next home action will be on March 3 and 4 when they will again face Maryville and Huntingdon in doubleheaders.

Feb. 18

EMORY SOFTBALL TOPS MILLSAPS ON BANDY GRAND SLAM

The Emory Eagles grabbed their first win of the Emory Invitational with a 9-0 win over the Millsaps College (Miss.) Lady Majors riding a pinch-hit grand slam by sophomore Kim Bandy.

Eagles pitchers went five shutout innings with Kathy Gordon (2-1) picking up the win. Gordon went four innings striking out five while allowing five hits and one walk. Marion Holland closed out the game in her first collegiate appearance. Holland threw a perfect fifth inning with one strike out.

Emory got out to the early lead when, after a leadoff double by Ali Braverman, Amanda Kerns had an RBI single.

The Eagles broke out in the second inning when two walks and a single by Braverman left the bases loaded with two outs. Coach Penny Siqueiros opted to pinch hit with Bandy. Bandy pulled a 2-2 pitch high and deep to left center, clearing the wall for a grand slam.

The Eagles added four more in the bottom of the fourth, to take the 9-0 lead.

Bandy's four RBI led the Eagles with four other Eagles adding one each. Braverman and Sarah Morse had two hits each and Braverman led the team with two runs scored.

The Eagles (2-1) will be in action again today at 2 p.m. facing Piedmont College (Ga.) in the final game of the Emory Invitational.

Feb. 17

EMORY FALLS IN PITCHING DUEL

The Emory Eagles dropped their first game in the Emory Invitational, falling after a walk-off two run homer  to Greensboro College (N.C.).

Emory pitchers held the game scoreless until the seventh inning. Starter Ashley Tobar allowed only one hit in four and one-third innings. Tobar issued only two walks, but both came in the fifth leading Coach Penny Siqueiros to call in Kathy Gordon in relief.

Gordon popped up the next two hitters to escape without damage.

Emory's best chance came in the fifth as well, with a double by Rachel Blume, a walk and a single by Amanda Kerns left the bases loaded with one out. Emory appeared to have broken the tie when Cassi Witcher appeared to be hit by a pitch but it was called a foul ball. Witcher then hit a ground ball fielded for a force out at home and Alyson Moler flew out deep to left field.

The final blow came in the bottom of the seventh with Greensboro hitting as the home team due to the tournament format.

With one out and one on, Greensboro third baseman Britney Smith brought the Pride dugout to their feet as her long drive to left field made it just over the fence.

Blume was the leading hitter for the Eagles with two hits. Ali Braverman and Amanda Kerns both had one hit.

Gordon (1-1) went two innings giving up one hit, two runs, both earned, two strikeouts and one walk, and was credited with the loss for the Eagles (1-1).

The Eagles continue Invitational play on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. as they take on Millsaps College (Miss.) and Piedmont College (Ga.), respectively.

Feb. 16

EAGLES TOP GREENSBORO 7-2 ON BLUME GRAND SLAM IN SEASON OPENER

The Emory Eagles road a seven-run fifth inning to victory to top the Greensboro (N.C.) Pride, 7-2, on opening day.

With two out in the bottom of the fifth and trailing 1-0, the Eagles landed 10 straight base runners and plated seven, including four on a Rachel Blume grand slam.

Ali Braverman, who missed most of last season with a injury, got the rally started with a double to left center and scored on a single by senior Sarah Morse. Morse later scored on a wild pitch giving the Eagles the 2-1 lead, and two more walks and a hit batter left the bases loaded for the sophomore catcher Blume.

Blume took the first pitch for a ball leading the Greensboro coach to call for a pitching change. Blume greeted the reliever on her first pitch with a bomb over the 212 foot sign in left-center field.

The Eagles would add one more run giving the Eagles pitchers, who did not allow an earned run all day, more than enough insurance.

Junior Kathy Gordon got the win for the Eagles going five and one-third innings allowing two runs on four hits and no walks and striking out six. Junior Ashley Tobar finished out the game for the Eagles coming in with two on and stranding both. She allowed one hit and no walks in one and two-thirds innings.

Braverman and Alyson Moler both had two hits to lead the team. Braverman and Morse each added an RBI to Blume's team-leading four.

The Eagles will be back in action Saturday at noon as hosts of the Emory Invitational.

Feb. 15

EMORY SOFTBALL SQUAD OPENS 2007 SEASON WITH BUSY WEEKEND OF ACTION

 GAME FACTS - The Emory University softball team opens the 2007 season this weekend with a busy array of games.  On Friday (Feb. 16), the Eagles play their opening game of the campaign when they entertain Greensboro College in a 3:00 p.m. start. 

On Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 17-18) Head Coach Penny Siqueiros and her squad will host the Emory Invitational.  Action gets underway at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday when Millsaps battles Greensboro.  Emory plays Greensboro at noon while Piedmont College closes out the day with a game against Millsaps scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m.

Emory will take on Millsaps Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. before meeting Piedmont at 2:00 p.m.  Between those games will be a contest between Piedmont and Greensboro at noon.

THE COACHES - Emory is led by ninth-year Head Coach Penny Siqueiros (Florida State, '92).  Siqueiros enters the opening weekend of the 2007 campaign with a school and career record of 251-85.  During her tenure at Emory, she has guided the program to five NCAA Tournaments and six seasons of 30 or more wins.

Greensboro is led by Kama Tucker (Barton, '98) who is in her fourth year at the helm of The Pride.  Tucker has compiled a school and career won-lost ledger of 69-47-2 including a 29-15 finish in 2005-06.   

Terry Martin is in his ninth campaign as the head coach at Piedmont College.  Heading into the weekend, he has a school and career record of 173-147-1. 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.

Roland Rodriguez is in his first year as the head coach at Millsaps College.  Prior to his current post, he served as the head coach at Trinity University where he manufactured a record of 156-97.    

RECORDS - Emory is coming off a 36-11 record last season that included a No. 19 national ranking.  The 36 victories represented the sixth straight year of 30 or more wins and the squad earned its fifth NCAA Tournament bid in the last six years.

Greensboro has gotten off to a 2-0 start in 2007, having swept a doubleheader from Meredith College on Wednesday by 9-0 and 7-0 scores.  Greensboro returns 13 letterwinners from last season's club that finished 29-15, 11-3 in the USA South Conference.

Piedmont, making its season-opening debut this weekend, concluded the 2006 season

with a classy 33-11 record that included a 14-0 effort in Great South Athletic Conference.

Millsaps, which had its 2007 season opener against Texas College (Feb. 10) cancelled, is looking to rebound after posting a won-lost ledger of 12-28 last year.

EMORY SUCCESSFUL IN SEASON OPENERS - Emory has captured all eight season openers in this program's history.  Last season, the Eagles hammered out an 8-0 win against Maryville College in the opening contest of the 2006 campaign.

EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE EMORY LINEUP - Heading into the 2007 season, the Eagles have plenty of experience to call upon as 14 letterwinners return from a year ago including eight position starters.  The lone starter not returning is Emily Sunshine who garnered All-America recognition in '06 after batting .415.

Among the monogram winners back in the fold are six players who earned all-University Athletic Association honors and four who brought home all-region acclaim.

Heading up the squad is the senior trio of Sarah Morse (Topeka, KS) at third base, Lauren Haag (Severna Park, MD) at shortstop and outfielder Betsy Bruinsma (Grand Rapids MI).  The three combined for 148 hits and 94 RBIs a year ago in helping Emory to a team batting average of .346, good for 15th place nationally.

On the mound, Emory returns the junior duo of Ashley Tobar (Levittown, PA) and Kathy Gordon (Midland, GA).  Tobar was a first-team all-UAA pick a year ago after posting an overall record of 11-5 along with an ERA of 1.29.  Gordon was a second-team selection after registering a 19-3 mark and ERA of 1.09.     

2007 EMORY SOFTBALL INVITATIONAL SCOREBOARD

Saturday, Feb. 17

10:00 am -- Final Score: Greensboro 11, Millsaps 3 (6)

Noon -- Final Score: Greensboro 2, Emory 0

2:00 pm -- Final Score: Piedmont 3, Millsaps 1

Sunday, Feb. 18

10:00 am -- Final Score: Emory 9, Millsaps 0 (5)

Noon -- Final Score: Greensboro 2, Piedmont 1

2:00 pm -- Final Score: Emory 5, Piedmont 0

Final Tournament Standings: Greensboro (3-0), Emory (2-1), Piedmont (1-2), Millsaps (0-3)

Feb., 2007

2007 SOFTBALL PREVIEW

After turning in an outstanding 2006 season that saw it earn its fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament in the past six years, finish with an overall record of 36-11, and earn a No. 19 national ranking, the Emory University softball program eagerly awaits what it hopes will be another successful campaign.

Ninth-year Head Coach Penny Siqueiros welcomes back 14 letterwinners from last season, including eight position starters and a pair of pitchers who totaled 30 wins between them, and looks forward to the contributions of a talented group of first-year players.  The combination of experience, knowing what it takes to win and a bright crop of newcomers certainly lays the foundation for an exciting season.

"I think that with three seniors who as a group are ready to take the next step and help take Emory softball farther than it has ever been, combined with the fact that we have a lot of people back, there is a great deal of promise," Coach Siqueiros said.  "I would say that things have flipped considerably from last season when we had a great deal of youth to now where we are a year older and more experienced. Along with that comes the idea that the players know what they have to do in order to be successful and are aware of what to expect.  I think that there is going to be a lot of leadership and self-guidance for these women which is exciting.

"At the same time, it is going to be extremely important that we stay focused and realize that we are going to have to work for what we get and that we don't take for granted the fact that just because we have a lot players returning and experience that things are just going to be handed to us," Siqueiros continued.  "It will be our jobs as coaches to keep them focused and hungry."

As far as team goals heading into the 2007 season, Siqueiros believes the makeup and chemistry of this squad makes a number of accomplishments possible.

"Winning the UAA championship and getting back to the World Series are goals that are constant," Siqueiros stated.  "We would like to have a season with 35 or more wins and fewer than 10 defeats.  To have our team ERA under 1.00, our batting average at .350 or higher and to lead the nation in fielding percentage would all be outstanding achievements."

The following is a position-by-position breakdown of the 2007 Emory squad.

PITCHING

Juniors Kathy Gordon and Ashley Tobar are as a formidable 1-2 punch as any in the country and the pair looks to continue their winning ways this season.

Gordon, who brought home Second Team All-UAA and Second Team All-Atlantic Region honors last season, paced the Emory staff with a 19-3 record while her ERA of 1.09 ranked her second in the UAA and 23rd nationally.  Gordon's win total tied the second-highest seasonal mark in school history while her 161 strikeouts established a school record.

Tobar, a First Team All-UAA selection last season, crafted a record of 11-5 and finished with an ERA of 1.29, fourth among conference players and 39th nationally.   Tobar's win total tied for third place in the league and her 124 strikeouts ranked her fourth. 

"Kathy and Ashley are both fierce competitors and the type of players you want out on the mound," Siqueiros said.  "Sometimes there are pitchers who are talented but who may not be mentally aggressive.  However, both of these players possess the skill as well as the intestinal fortitude which is so important in this position."

Marion Holland, a freshman Jacksonville, Fla., aims to make her presence felt after garnering all-state kudos her senior year in high school.

"We expect great things from Marion and in time she will have a huge impact for us," Siqueiros said.

CATCHING

A trio of sophomores provide depth and talent for the Eagles behind the plate.

Sophomore Rachel Blume enters the season as the incumbent after drawing the starting assignment in 39 of 42 games last season.  Blume's defensive prowess makes her a valuable performer at that spot and Siqueiros looks for her to continue in that role while boosting her offensive numbers.

"Rachel is an outstanding defensive presence and calls a good game," Siqueiros said.  "We would like for her to put up more numbers offensively and I am confident that she will do that."

Elizabeth White was a solid back-up in 2006 and hit .296 in her 29 appearances. 

Laurie Davie provides more support at the position and can also play the infield if called upon.

INFIELD

Opponents will find it difficult to get anything past an experienced and gifted corps of infielders this year.  The group played a big part in the Eagles' ranking first in the nation in fielding percentage last year and Siqueiros looks for that trend to continue.

Senior Sarah Morse, a First Team All-UAA and Second Team All-Atlantic Region pick last year, is a fixture at third base.  Morse started all 47 of Emory's games last season and hit a team-leading .416, good for second place among UAA performers.  In addition to her pacing the team in hitting, she posted team highs in RBIs (41) and home runs (5) with her RBIs mark ranking seventh on the school's seasonal list.

"Sarah is a very strong and a great leader," Siqueiros said.  "Her leadership will be a key factor is how the team does this year."

Senior Lauren Haag will hold down the starting duty at shortstop.  A starter in all 44 of the games she saw action in last year, Haag hit a solid .339 en route to Second Team All-UAA and Third Team All-Atlantic Region acclaim. 

"Lauren has tremendous range and one of the quickest releases in our division," Siqueiros said.  "I believe that she is the top shortstop in Division III.

"Sarah and Lauren have great chemistry between them and hold down the left side of the infield like no other pair," Siqueiros added.  "They have been playing together three years now and they know each other so well that it is like right shoe, left shoe."

An interesting battle looms at second base where juniors Ali Braverman and Cassi Witcher vie for the starting spot.  Witcher emerged as the starter a year ago as Braverman fought the injury bug.  Witcher started 41 of 43 games and earned a spot on the all-tournament team at the NCAA Regionals.  Braverman looks to return to the form that she displayed as a freshman when she earned UAA Rookie of the Year honors after pacing the team in hitting with a blistering .457 average.

Sophomore Kim Bandy returns as the starter at first base.  Bandy, who entered the program as a third baseman, made a seamless transition to first base in 2006 and brought home Second Team All-UAA honors after hitting .331 and driving in 35 runs.  She started all 47 games and was also tabbed as a third-team pick to the all-Atlantic Region Team.

"Our infield should be strong with everybody back," Siqueiros said.  "Once again, a key will be not to take anything for granted and keep the work ethic and focus at high levels."

OUTFIELD

Perhaps the most pressing question that faces the Emory coaching staff is who will step in to replace graduated All-American Emily Sunshine at the center field position.  Sunshine, who was named First Team All-UAA team twice during her career, finished first all-time at Emory in stolen bases and 10th in batting average (.331).

Sophomore Alyson Moler has the most experience of the candidates and is coming off a fine freshman campaign that saw her start 36 of the 42 games she played in and finish with a solid .373 batting average, good for the No. 4 spot on the club.

"Alyson has great foot speed to go along with a tremendous arm," Siqueiros stated. "She has some big shoes to fill with the graduation of Emily Sunshine but I believe that she is up to the challenge."

Freshman Cassi Walsh, who comes to the program with impressive credentials from Jensen Beach High School in Florida, will look to make her mark in center field.

Senior Betsy Bruinsma looks to hold down the starting position in left field after enjoying a productive 2006 season that saw her start 44 games and finish with a .346 batting average.  Bruinsma is a battle-tested performer having started 126 of the 127 games she has played in her career and ranking ninth all-time on the Emory list in hits (128) and batting average (.349).

"Betsy is entering her senior year and is going to have to carry the torch of leadership," Siqueiros said.  "I believe that she is ready to do that having evolved into a vocal leader."

Sophomore Amanda Kerns will help supplement that position and should see some action this season after appearing in 27 contests a year ago. 

"Amanda swings a good pressure-oriented bat" Siqueiros said.  "She is also progressing well in demonstrating speed and reading angles in the outfield."

In right field, sophomore Carey Smith-Marchi will make a run at securing a starting role.  Smith-Marchi started 29 of 36 games a year ago and swung a potent bat, finishing with a keen .382 batting average, good for the No. 7 spot among UAA players, while rapping a team-best 11 doubles. 

Siqueiros also believes that Walsh and Kerns both could earn some playing time at the position.

Jan. 3

Q & A WITH PENNY SIQUEIROS

The 2007 season will mark Penny Siqueiros' ninth year at the helm of the Emory softball program. Recently, she sat down with www.go.emory.edu and answered some questions.

Q:  From your experiences as a player as well as a head coach, what would you say are some of the key ingredients in being a successful coach?

A: Being consistent in rewarding quality behavior and consistent in disciplining unproductive behavior is paramount.  Expecting all players to maximize their individual abilities, believing that each player can bring something productive to our program, and treating them as such nourishes a healthy working environment.  

Empowering athletes by including them in the process as much as possible helps encourage individuality, leadership, and a sense of self-confidence for all of our players.  Know when to be serious with our athletes, and when to laugh.  This balance enables us to facilitate a productive yet fun work environment.  


Q:  What made you get into the coaching profession?   Was it something that you wanted to do early on or did it develop as your playing career evolved?

A: A softball camp I worked for Joanne Graf at Florida State my sophomore year in college is what inspired me to coach. I actually was an intended business major in business school, majoring in accounting.  However, my senior year I changed my major to Health and Physical Education to begin a career in college coaching and teaching.  


Q:  What are the key characteristics that you look for in a potential student-athlete?  

A: I look for great athleticism and excellent academic credentials, but above all, I want a person that has quality core values.  A person that truly cares about the well-being of others, and who is interested in finding out ways to intrinsically improve their person and motivate others to do the same.    


Q:  What did you like most about Emory University and what made the heading coaching job attractive for you to pursue?  

A: Who wouldn't like the opportunity to start a program from scratch?   Eight years ago everything within Emory Softball was new, the equipment, the players, the softball complex, and creating a winning atmosphere.  Very exciting.  


Q:  What did you feel Emory offers somebody athletically, academically and socially to somebody who wants to play for your program?  

A: The chance to be a little bit of everything you ever wanted to be, without compromising one aspect over another.  You truly can do it all here at Emory, and with excellent resources to support all avenues.  


Q:  What do you like most about coaching?  

A: My players and assistant coaches, they are so incredibly gifted on so many different levels.  

Q: What are some of your hobbies or activities you enjoy doing away from coaching?  

A: Horse back riding, travel, fitness, dinner engagements with friends and family.  


Q:  What can fans expect from the 2007 Emory softball team?  

A: A team that is committed to working hard for wins everyday we step on the field to compete.  
 

Okay, we are going to lighten it up a bit.   Here are some quick hitters for you to answer

Favorite movie and why:    Elizabeth with Kate Blanchett.  She was a strong, fearless leader that loved her country.  She made a lot of personal sacrifices for her passion of England.  

Favorite food:  Okay, I know it says favorite food, however I am going to give you my all-time favorite dinner: pork chops, sweet potato casserole, green beens, and apple pie.  Yum!

Best advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you:    "In coaching, you will wear many hats, more than you'd have ever dreamt of wearing.  It comes with the territory, so welcome it, understand it, and do the best you can to be great at several different things."  One of my best friends, Connie Clark.  

Most influential person:   My band director, Cindy Berry.  We think coaches are tough, this lady embodied toughness.   Ms. Berry expected perfection, excellence in our deliverance, honesty, uniformity, togetherness, timeliness, and above all...... have integrity at all times.  She was an amazing leader, and she lead a band of over 250 participants achieving fantastic results year in and year out.  

Biggest coaching influence:   Joanne Graf (Florida State University), Connie Clark (University of Texas, Larry Ray (University of Arizona), and Cindy Berry (Lake Brantley HS Band Director).  

Pre-game rituals that you have:  I have to hit fungo with my green Louisville Bat.  Lord knows this thing has had it's day, but I've had it since our inaugural year ( 8 years ago) and its done well by us thus far.  

Favorite pro athlete:  There is a tie between "Shaq" of the Miami Heat and Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons.  Shaq leads his teams to championships (LA Lakers and Miami Heat), he is serious when needed yet comical too, he's a family man, and a good samaritan.  He seems like a well-rounded individual.  Warrick Dunn (Florida State Alum) is your silent steady influence.  He isn't flashy, yet he is always a steady contributor to the Falcons offense.  More importantly he is a giver to people in need.  He donates monetarily to single mothers that need homes.   He has done so his entire professional career, both with Tampa Bay and with Atlanta.  

Most memorable place you have visited/traveled to  and why: Skellig Michael.   
Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well-preserved monastic outpost of the Early Christian period.

Favorite pro team:  Atlanta Falcons.  

Favorite place on the Emory campus:   Einstein's Bagel shop.  

Your most memorable moment as a player:   Winning our first game against Fresno State in the College World Series.  It was an east vs. west coast battle, and we came out on top, 1-0.  It came down to bases loaded, full count, and a ground ball to me in the 5-6 hole.  Yes, I threw her out, but it was darn close.  

Your most memorable moment as a coach:  Being undefeated among D III teams our 2003 softball season, we didn't take a loss until the College World Series.  We were ranked 1st in the nation for 4 weeks and were seeded second in the College World Series.  Our final ranking was fourth, and we accomplished all of this within 5 years of existence.  

Your strongest attribute:  I speak from the heart, very honestly, and very truthfully.  What you see, is what you get.  I don't pretend to be anything I'm not.  

My Advice to People Who Aspire to the Coaching profession:   Surround yourself with great people, not just great talent.  

If you could have dinner with three people in history, they would be:  Gandhi, Billie Jean King, and Queen Elizabeth The Great.

  
EMORY SOFTBALL ADDS MICHELE HAWKINS TO COACHING STAFF

Emory University softball coach Penny Siqueiros has announced that Michele Hawkins has joined the program as an assistant coach.  

Hawkins brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach to the Eagles' program.  A native of San Diego, Calif., Hawkins owns over 15 years of experience as a player, softball clinician, director, instructor and counselor throughout the United States as well as Europe and Canada.

Most recently, she has been coaching the Atlanta Vipers 18 and Under Softball Club while also working for the Gwinnett Hospital System as an Assessment Counselor. In 2003, she accompanied the United States Olympic Baseball Coaching staff as the sole representative and instructor for all aspects of the sport of softball (Solvakia).  As a member of the International Softball Federation, Hawkins served as the Puerto Rican National Softball Team's pitching coach for the Men's Women's and Junior National Teams in 2000. 

Hawkins owns an impressive list of collegiate and professional playing credentials, which includes a one-year stint as a professional in Italy in 1995.  In 1996 and 1997 she played for the Illinois Twister in the ASA Women's Major Softball and for the Chicago Stars of the Chicago Men's Fastpitch League.  In 2000, she returned to the Twisters and captured All-America acclaim after helping that team to a third-place finish in the national tournament.  In 1998, she was an all-star pitcher for the Georgia Pride of the Women's Professional Fastpitch League and also earned all-star recognition while playing for the Durham Dragons of the Women's Professional Softball League. 

A standout performer at Northwestern University, she earned first-team All-Big Ten honors her junior season while registering second-team accolades as a freshman and senior.  In addition, she captured All-Mideast Region recognition on two occasions.  She closed out her career as the school leader in games pitched (163) and was second in innings pitched (897 1/3), shutouts (36) and strikeouts (640).  She earned her bachelor's degree from Northwestern in educational and social policy with an emphasis on psychological service.

Following her playing career, she joined the Michigan State University softball staff as an assistant coach/pitching coach from 1994-1997.  While with the Spartans, she helped that team to a school-record 47 victories her final year as the team qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time.  She obtained her master's degree from Michigan State in 1999 in community and agency counseling.

In 1997 she was named the head softball coach at the University of Chicago and held that post through the 1999 season.  While with the Maroons, she compiled a won-lost record of 62-33-3 and back-to-back school seasonal records for wins with 20 in 1998 and 24 in 1999.  Her team's 83.3 winning percentage (24-4-2) in '99 still ranks as the No. 1 mark in that category in school history. 

"Michele is a tremendous addition to the staff," Siqueiros said.  "She will solidify the pitching aspect of our program and her experience as a former head coach and player were other great attributes that she brought.  Her educational experience at Northwestern will lend a quality connection to our players and her being from Southern California will enhance our recruiting efforts in that part of the country."