The University of the Cumberlands Softball team ended their season after competing in the conference tournament in Georgetown, KY. The Patriots’ overall record ended at 16-27 and 7-13 in conference play. The ladies went 0-2 in the tournament, losing to Campbellsville University (0-4) and Georgetown College (0-8). They returned to Williamsburg after falling to both teams, with an overall team ranking of fourth in the conference.

Senior Brittany Tuner (London, KY) grabbed First Team All-Conference honors. Over the season, Turner caught a total of 20 games for the Patriots. She averaged a 0.347 batting average, leading the team in homeruns (4) and had 15 RBI’s.

Next, senior Samantha Kooch (Powell, TN) received First Team All-Conference for the second year in a row and the Academic All-Conference awards. Kooch played in a total of 41 games on the season recording a 0.328 BA, 25 runs, 11 doubles, one homerun, and 10 RBIs. Also receiving Academic All-Conference were sophomores Hollie Byrum (Franklin, OH), Whitney Delk (Jamestown, TN), and junior Lacy Walters (Williamstown, KY).

Receiving Honorable Mention awards were junior pitcher Mindy Breitholle (Fairfield, OH) and Lacy Walters. Breitholle maintained a 2.86 ERA on the season with 185 strikeouts and 10 wins. Walters was also voted the Champion of Character recipient by the conference athletics directors, for her leadership within the campus and community.

Head Patriot Softball Coach Angie Dean commented, “I am proud of the girls. It just goes to show dedication and hard work really pays off.”

In addition, one individual softball record was still maintained this season. Samantha Kooch broke the record for number of doubles in a season (12) in 2007 and still holds that record. This year, she compiled 11.

This year the team and coaches will bid farewell to two players, Turner (London, KY) and Kooch (Knoxville, TN) due to graduation. These amazing ladies will be greatly missed by everyone. Head Coach Angie Dean and assistant Julie Morton are hard at work to recruit new players who will fill these positions with ease and bring new personality.

The 2008-09 season for the UC Softball Patriots was a learning experience for players and coaches. The program looks to learn from their mistakes and build on skills mastered for 2009 so they can push further in the Conference tournament and advance their play. Until then, the ladies will be preparing to meet these goals until they step out onto the diamond again next spring.

[2008 Season Wrap-Up] [2007 Season Wrap-Up] [ 2006 Season Wrap-Up]
[ 2005 Season Wrap-Up]