The women’s club softball team did something no other SLU softball team had done before: compete in the national tournament. SLU placed fourth of sixteen in the tournament this past weekend in Columbus, Ga.
“It feels surreal. For being the first year in the league, I really can’t believe. We had no idea what to expect, and we were definitely the underdogs going in. But we played our game, and it paid off,” said team captain Maddy Urban.
SLU played nine games total in Columbus, Georgia against the top 16 of the 96 teams in the country. After a regular season conference record of 9-3 and overall record of 25-10, the Billikens qualified for the tournament.
“I think our success this season can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of our players. Everyone played for their teammates, always striving to do better and win games for us, said Urban.
Claire Kranz pitched all 9 games and was voted the runner up for the tournament MVP. She also recorded wins against the number 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, and 13 teams in the country. Overall, the team went 6-3 in their nine games.
“The team played with pride and a never give up attitude, earning the respect of many other teams and administrators in the tournament,” said Urban.
Not only did Urban perform well on the field, going 10-34 with a team leading 14 RBIs, she also kept the team focused before and after the games to prepare them for a long post-season fun.
“I think Maddy’s leadership skills paired with new and old talent just brought us together as a team,” said sophomore outfielder Margaret Zagone.
The Billikens look forward to their sophomore season and are poised to prove to their doubters that this year was no fluke.
They are out to show the country that they are a perennial threat to win the National Club Softball Association World Series.
“Our team just needs to keep the same focus that we had this year and continue to work hard. We have such a great team dynamic and as long as we continue to grow as a team, we will definitely be a force to be reckoned with next year,” said Cole Roth.
The team will have six seniors graduating this year, leaving it in the hands of four juniors to lead their team of sophomores to victory next year.
“We have a young team, so we have nowhere to go but up. We are very excited to continue our hard work and be invited back to the World Series competition, now that we have certainly put SLU’s name out there,” said co captain Mia Hurley.
Hopes are high for Billiken softball, and everyone’s eyes are set towards next year. Though reaching the top does not mean it will get easier.
“Next year we need to stay focused. People know how good we are now, and will look to knock us down. We will continue to work hard and be dedicated, and we will be just as successful, if not more so!” said, Urban about her prospects for next year.
