Women's Softball - Springfield USCAA
2006-2007 News
Robert Morris-Springfield third in USCAA Softball Championship!
Robert Morris-Springfield won one of three games Saturday, April 28th to finish third in the season ending United States Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament.
Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) pitched a no-hitter and Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL), Allison Fitzgerald (freshman; Decatur, IL) and Andrea Felix (junior; Williamsville, IL) each went 2-for-2 with a double to lead the Eagles to a 12-0 victory over St. Joseph’s of Brooklyn, NY. Brown recorded six strike-outs in three innings of work. Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) was 2-for-3 with two singles, two runs scored, drove in two while pitching the last two innings striking out two and walking two.
St. Mary’s of the Woods defeated the Eagles 11-4 in Robert Morris’ second game on Saturday. Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) went 3-for-4 and Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) was 2-for-4 with a two-run double.
Alli Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) took the loss for Robert Morris-Springfield.
Mix recorded three hits for Robert Morris-Springfield in their third game of the day, which they were defeated by Judson College from Marion, AL 11-7. Rich was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI’s.
Shay and Mix were both 3-for-4 in the final game.
Neff again was charged with the loss for the Lady Eagles.
St. Mary’s of the Woods won the tournament and Judson College claimed second place.
Robert Morris-Springfield finished their 2007 campaign 31-10 overall.
Eagles 2-0 in opening day of USCAA Tourney!
Robert Morris-Springfield won two games on the opening day of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, beating Judson College of Marion, AL 4-1 and St. Joseph’s College of Brooklyn, NY 18-0 (5-innings) Friday at the Roundhouse Softball Complex in Mattoon, IL.
In the first game, the Springfield Lady Eagles’ Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) went 2-for-4 with two doubles while Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI’s. Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) was the winning pitcher throwing all seven innings and striking out ten.
The Robert Morris-Springfield bats exploded in the second game for 20 hits, Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) was 3-for-5 with a grand slam and 5 RBI’s. Tara Doran (senior; Fairbury, IL) was 4-for-4 with three doubles, two runs scored and two RBI’s. Shannon Settles (freshman; Jerseyville, IL) was 3-for-4. Alli Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) picked up the win allowing three hits in five innings of work.
2007 USCAA All-Tournament Team!
Robert Morris-Springfield placed two of their own on the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Softball All-Tournament Team. Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) and Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) were two-of-ten members on the team. Joining Mix and Rich were:
Ashley Loomis-St. Mary’s of the Woods (MVP)
Allison Tomey-St. Mary’s of the Woods
Erica Ketner-St. Mary’s of the Woods
Amanda Daniel-St. Mary’s of the Woods
Anna Billingham-Judson College
Katie Eubanks-Judson College
Ashley Glass-Judson College
Jenette Mix-Robert Morris-Springfield
Megan Rich-Robert Morris-Springfield
CJ Kavanaugh-St. Joseph’s-Brooklyn
Lady Eagles receive post-season awards!
Five members of the Robert Morris-Springfield women’s softball team received post-season awards at the 2007 banquet for the National Softball Championship on Thursday, April 26th.
USCAA Academic All-Americans
Andrea Felix (junior; Williamsville, IL)
Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL)
1st Team USCAA All-Americans
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) – shortstop
Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) – 1st base/pitcher
Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) – outfield/1st base
Honorable Mention USCAA All-American
Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) – centerfield/2nd base
Congratulations!
Grako's grand slam leads Eagles!
Ashley Grako (senior; Streator, IL) hit a grand slam for her first career home-run as Robert Morris-Springfield defeated Knox College 10-6. Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) doubled and homered (10th of season) in the win. Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) and Jamie Shoot (junior; Lerna, IL) both went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in; Rich had two doubles.
Lady Eagles win two on Senior Night!
On a night honoring five seniors: Tara Doran, Jenette Mix, Jessie Shay, Ashley Grako and Andrea Felix; Robert Morris-Springfield defeated Spoon River CC by score's of 13-3 and 19-3. In the opener, Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) won her 8th game of the season, while Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) won her 7th of the season in the nightcap.
Neff earns Player of the Week!
Alli Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) is this week’s USCAA Softball Pitcher of the Week. Neff is a freshman pitcher for Robert Morris College-Springfield. On the week, Neff recorded 2 wins and a save for the Lady Eagles. She pitched 11 innings, gave up no runs, struck out 6, and only walked 1 batter. Neff’s wins came over Parkland College and Oakland City University.
Honorable Mention
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) of Robert Morris College-Springfield remained dominant at the plate last week. A two time winner of Player of the Week this season, Hoffart is in the top 25 of every offensive category in the USCAA (leads four categories: batting average, on base average, triples, home runs). Last week Hoffart hit 3 home runs, scored 5 runs, and had 4 RBI’s
Congratulations to Alli and Kristina!
Robert Morris-Springfield rolls with sweep over Parkland!
The Lady Eagles of Robert Morris-Springfield swept visiting Parkland College 6-3 and 5-3 at Rochester Community Park.
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) homered and Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) had two hits, including a double for the Eagles.
Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) had a two-run homer in the fifth inning to provide the win in the nightcap. Mix and Hoffart hit back-to-back homers in the first inning to get the Eagles started with a 3-0 lead.
Hoffart has 30 hits in her last 36 at-bats, including a home run in each of her last six games.
Hoffart powers Eagles to sweep!
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) went 5-for-6 in a double-header Friday to lead Robert Morris-Springfield past NCAA Division II Oakland City University 3-2 and 4-0.
Hoffart was 3-for-3 with a two-run homer in the first game.
USCAA Players of the Week for March 26-April 1, 2007!
Kristina Hoffart, a sophomore shortstop for Robert Morris-Springfield, is once again named USCAA Softball Player of the Week. This is the second consecutive week Hoffart has earned the honor. The Calgary, Alberta native went 16-for-20 (.800) from the plate, hitting 5 doubles, a triple, and home run. On the week Hoffart had 11 RBI's, scored 11 runs, and stole 3 bases.
Stacey Brown, a sophomore pitcher for Robert Morris-Springfield, is this weeks USCAA Softball Pitcher of the Week. The Pleasant Plains, IL native went 3-0 for the week with a 1.31 ERA, striking out 12 batters while only walking 2. Brown also got it done at the plate going 4-for-7 and knocking in 3 RBI's for the week.
Congratulations to both Kristina and Stacey!
Hoffart continues her hitting streak!
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) went 4-for-4 with three home runs and four RBI's to lead Robert Morris-Springfield past Rend Lake Community College 13-10 in the first game of a double-header played at Rochester Community Park.
Rend Lake earned the split in the nightcap defeating the Lady Eagles 6-5.
Hoffart, who came into the double-header with 16 hits in her last 20 at-bats, had a two-run homer and two solo shots. Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) also homered for Robert Morris. Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) was the winning pitcher, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in six innings.
Rend Lake rallied in the second game, scoring two runs apiece in the fifth and sixth innings and one run in the seventh. Swearingen had a three-run homer in the first for the Eagles who are now 18-8.
Hoffart's cycle leads Robert Morris!
In their first game of a double-header against University of Dallas on Sunday, Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) hit for the cycle to help lead Robert Morris come from a 6-0 deficit to defeat Dallas 9-8 in extra innings. Hoffart, who hit a single, double, triple and home run, knocked in two runs and scored four times. The Eagles also received contributions from Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL), Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) and Allison Fitzgerald (freshman; Decatur, IL), who had two hits apiece. Shay scored two runs, Swearingen drove in the winning runs and Fitzgerald had a big triple in the 5th inning to drive in three to put Robert Morris back in the game.
Trailing 6-0, Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) came in relief for Robert Morris and was able to hold Dallas to two runs and keep the Eagles in the contest. Brown picked up the win to improve her record to 5-4 while striking out six over six innings.
In the nightcap, Ali Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) pitched well before tiring and allowing two homeruns in the 6th inning. With the score tied 4-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Kristina Hoffart doubled then advanced to third on a fielder's choice out. University of Dallas attempted to throw Hoffart out at home on the next play and overthrew their catcher allowing Hoffart to score the eventual game-winner. Hoffart went 3-for-3 in the second game making her 7-for-7 for the day. Robert Morris is now 17-7 for the season.
Eagles' Neff boosts record to 7-0!
Robert Morris-Springfield beat MacMurray College 6-1 and Know College 10-2 on Saturday during their Eagle Fest Round Robin Tournament. Allie Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) allowed only one hit and no earned runs to get the victory. Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) and Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) both double for the Eagles. Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) produced 2 RBI's.
Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) pitched five innings to earn the win against Knox College, allowing only two runs on five hits. Jenette Mix, Shannon Settles (freshman; Jerseyville, IL), Jamie Shoot (junior; Lerna, IL) and Stacey Brown had two hits apiece for the Eagles.
USCAA Player of the Week!
Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) has been named Co-Player of the Week for March 19-25, 2007. Hoffart, shortstop for defending USCAA National Invitational Champions Robert Morris-Springfield, was 9-for-16 at the plate, posting a home run, 2 triples and 2 doubles. She also knocked in 6 runners and scored 3 runs in 6 games against Illinois College and Illinois Central College.
Honorable Mention USCAA Player of the Week!
Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) has been named Honorable Mention Player of the Week for March 19-25, 2007. Rich, 3rd baseman for Robert Morris-Springfield, was 9-for-20 on the week. She blasted 2 home runs and 2 doubles and had 8 RBI’s.
CONGRATULATIONS GO OUT TO EACH OF OUR PLAYERS FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS PAST WEEK!
Eagles sweep Angels!
Allison Fitzgerald (freshman; Decatur, IL) hit a home run and a double and Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) had three doubles to lead Robert Morris to a 16-1 victory over Lincoln Christian College in the first game of a doubleheader.
In the second game, Robert Morris scored 13 runs in the sixth inning and went on to win 17-2. Andrea Felix (junior; Williamsville, IL) tripled and Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta), Shay and Ashley Grako (senior; Streator, IL) all doubled for the Eagles.
Robert Morris combined for 36 hits to just nine for Lincoln Christian and the two games.
Eagles sweep Illinois Central College!
Kristina Hoffart's (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) single in the bottom of the seventh drove Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) in for the game-winning run. Jamie Shoot (junior; Lerna, IL) started the bottom of the seventh off with a double to left. Mix advanced Shoot to third on a sac bunt. Illinois College's throw to first got away from them and allowed Shoot to round third and score the tieing run. Mix advanced to second on the error. Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) advanced Mix to third on another sac bunt. Hoffart then delivered the game-winning hit.
Jessie Shay (4-0) picked up her fourth win of the season. Shay kept the Eagles in the ball-game when she retired three ICC batters in their 4th with bases loaded and no-one out.
In the nightcap, Robert Morris pounded out 14 hits in an 8-3 win. Hoffart, Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) and Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) all had three hits for the Eagles. Rich also knocked-in three runs.
Ali Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) allowed six hits, two unearned runs to pick up the victory and improve her record to 3-2.
Robert Morris splits with Illinois College!
Ali Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) and Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) combined to defeat Illinois College in the first game of their double-header 5-3. After giving up the lead, Robert Morris rallied in their 7th inning with two runs. Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) doubled to start the inning, then Shannon Settles (freshman; Jerseyville, IL) singled, Jamie Shoot (junior; Lerna, IL) reached on an error and then Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) drove in two runs.
The Eagles dropped the shortened nightcap game 2-0. Brown allowed only one hit but walked four as the game was called due to darkness.
Shay leads Eagles in split!
Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) doubled and picked up the pitching victory for Robert Morris-Springfield in the Eagles' 9-1 win over Central Methodist in Florida. Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) had a pair of doubles and a triple for Robert Morris.
Central Methodist bounced back to win the second game of the double-header 7-5. Shay added two hits in the second game for the Eagles.
Brayfield, Lady Eagles announce the addition of four signings for 2008!
Coach Mark Brayfield is extremely pleased with the announcement of this first crop of signings for the 2008 softball season. Among the four there are three 2007 high school grads and one Junior College transfer.
New Signings as of March 21, 2007:
Emily Deters – Junior College transfer from Kankakee CC; OF
Ashley Repasz – High School senior from Columbia, IL; Position C/Utility
Brittany Oakes – High School senior from Tolono Unity HS; 1B/3B/Pitcher
Lacie Walcher – High School senior from Warrensburg-Latham HS; C/IF/Pitcher
Lady Eagles win twice!
The Lady Eagles of Robert Morris-Springfield scored 23 runs and pounded out 32 hits to win a pair of games Sunday at the University of Dallas Spring Invitational.
Robert Morris beat Ohio-Chillicothe 13-1 in the first behind a 17-hit attack. Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) was 3-for-3 and Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL), Shannon Settles (freshman; Jerseyville, IL), winning pitcher Allison Fitzgerald (freshman; Decatur, IL) and Ashley Grako (senior; Streator, IL) each had two hits.
Robert Morris knocked off Finlandia 10-0 in the second game thanks to a 15-hit attack. Mix again was 3-for-3, Swearingen had three hits along with Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL). Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) and Settles all had a pair of hits.
Robert Morris-Springfield is 4-4.
Eagles lose two in Texas!
Robert Morris-Springfield dropped two games at the Dallas Spring Invitational on Saturday. Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) went 2-for-3 with a triple and had two RBI’s as the Eagles fell to the Univ. of Dallas 8-5.
In the second game, Jenette Mix (senior; Effingham, IL) and Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) both went 2-for-3, but the Eagles lost to Presentation College 4-3.
Shay pitches no-hitter!
Jessie Shay (senior; Atlanta, IL) threw a five-inning no-hitter and went 2-for-3 with three RBI’s to lead Robert Morris-Springfield past Ohio-Chillicothe 9-0 Friday in the Eagles’ first game at the University of Dallas Spring Invitational. Shay struck out six and walked one.
Shannon Settles (freshman; Jerseyville, IL), Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) and Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonsville, IL) had two hits apiece for Robert Morris.
Robert Morris-Springfield lost its second game on Friday 3-2 to Finlandia, which scored three runs in the sixth to erase a 2-0 deficit.
2007 Robert Morris-Springfield player profiles!
Seniors
Jessie Shay – Major: Business; Senior, Pitcher/Infielder from Atlanta, IL (Olympia HS/Kankakee CC). Jessie has been a winner at every level she has played. While at Olympia HS, her team never failed to make it to State all 4 years. The team won the IHSA State title in 2002 and 2003. She has National and International competition experience while playing with the Bloomington Lady Hearts. She has made All Conference 3 years and All-State Team 1 year in HS. She was the MVP of the IHSA State Tournament her senior year. She is one of 2 players to play at RMC with that distinction. At Kankakee CC she had 84 RBI’s in 2 years and was voted best defensive player. She also had the lowest ERA at KCC her soph. year. Last year at RMC she batted .379 with 29 RBI’s in 2006. She was a USCAA All-American 2nd Team and was chosen to the USCAA All Tournament Team. Jess won 5 games on the mound and will be counted on as RMC’s young pitchers develop.
Jennette Mix – Major: Graphic Design; Junior, Infielder/Outfielder from Effingham, IL (Effingham HS/Parkland CC). One of the most athletic players to play for the Lady Eagles, Jennette was an All-Apollo Conference selection her junior and senior year of high school. While at Parkland, Jennette was a member of their national tournament teams that finished 2nd and 5th. Jennette was voted High School MVP twice. “Jay” was also a standout basketball player in HS. While at Parkland CC her teams made it to the NJCAA National Tournament both years. She led the team in 2006 hitting .400 as a switch hitter. She led the team in runs scored with 38. Jenette was chosen to the 2006 USCAA All-American 1st Team.
Tara Doran - Major: Business; Senior, Catcher/3B from Fairbury, IL (Prairie Central HS/Parkland CC). Tara began her college career at Parkland CC hitting .429 there as a freshman. An injury set her back and she red shirted a year at Parkland. Tara is a gritty player that has great softball instincts, handles pressure and loves the game. She came back from knee surgery to catch again and in fact caught 4 games at the USCAA National Tournament in 2006. She won the Coaches Award and the Courage Award for 2006. She was voted 2nd Team USCAA All-American. She batted .333 with 22 RBI’s in 2006
Ashley Grako – Major: Business; Senior, 3B from Streator, IL (Streator HS/Lincoln College) Ashley transferred from Lincoln College only playing 1 year there due to a knee injury. She was an All-Conference player NCIC at Streator. Ashley is a very good defender at the 3B corner. There isn’t a ball she won’t put her body in front of. She has fought hard to return from knee surgery and we have high hopes for 2007 as she is 100% healthy. Coach Brayfield feels her biggest improvement this year will be on offense.
Juniors
Andrea Felix – Major: Graphic Design; Senior, Catcher/Utility from Williamsville, IL (Williamsville HS) ‘Drea’ works as hard in the classroom as well as the field. She has not failed to make the honors list each quarter since starting at RMC. She was a 4 year starter at Williamsville and hit .325 her senior year. She changed to bat left handed and used her speed to make herself an even better player hitting .353 in 2006. She was voted Most Improved Offensive Player in 2006 and was instrumental in the USCAA Championship moving to OF due to injuries to other players.
Beth Shackelford – Major: Graphic Design; Junior, Outfield/1B from Lamar, Mo (Lamar HS) Beth was an all around very athletic HS player. She was chosen on the Big 8 All-Conference team, the 3A District Team as an outfielder in 2002 and then at 1B in 2003. Her HS team was sectional champs in 2002 and a State quarter finalist. She was chosen and played in the Annual SW Missouri Senior All-Star Game and was MVP in that game in 2003. In 2006 Beth had a fielding average of .953 and made several great defensive plays at the USCAA Tournament in 2006. Currently she is healing from a shoulder injury suffered in the fall. She helps the team in many other aspects while recuperating. This says much about her devotion to the team.
Jamie Shoot – Major: Business; Junior, Outfielder from Lerna, IL (Cumberland HS/Lake Land College) Jamie has a wealth of experience and has a history of being a tremendous competitor and defensive outfielder. Her JC team last year won their region tournament and went to the NJCAA D1 Nationals. Jamie has a great work ethic and has worked hard on her hitting for 2007. Jamie is very athletic and in fact played on the inaugural Volleyball team this past fall at RMC. Her knowledge of the game and work ethic will be a valuable asset to the Eagles team.
Ashton Swearingen – Major: Business; Junior, 1B/Outfielder from Bartonville, IL (Limestone HS/Illinois Central CC) Ashton has size and power and also runs well. She played Volleyball this past fall at RMC. At ICC, Ashton was voted NJCAA Player of The Week twice. Her freshman year at ICC she was voted 1st Team NJCAA All-American, 2nd Team All-Region. Her soph. year at ICC she was awarded All-Region and Region Tournament Team. Ashton is a hard worker in the classroom as well as on the field. Ashton is a triple threat to steal bases, hit for average and hit for power.
Megan Rich – Major: Business; Junior, 3B/Catcher from McLean, IL (Olympia HS/Olney Central CC) Megan comes from a winning HS program and played with Jess Shay at Olympia HS. This resulted in 2 IHSA State Titles. She has much high level summer experience. While at Olney CC she had a shoulder injury that slowed her down. Now healthy she should contribute for the Eagles this year. She was voted All-Conference and All-Bloomington Pantagraph All-Star Team in 2004. She made the All- Region Team as a Designated Hitter her freshman year at Olney Central. Megan is capable of putting up huge RBI numbers and has plenty of power.
Sophomores
Renae Krueger – Major: Business; Sophomore, Outfielder/from Mt. Pulaski, IL (Mt. Pulaski HS/Okawville HS). A switch hitter, Renae has worked hard to develop herself into an accomplished left slap/bunt type hitter. Coach Brayfield states, "Renae's running speed will help our overall plan of getting faster and developing more team speed." Renae benefited from winter workouts and is stronger this year. She was an Honorable Mention All-Conference player in the Sangamo and Tomahawk Conferences in HS. She batted .306 in 2006 for RMC
Stacie Brown – Major: Graphic Design; Sophomore, Pitcher/Outfielder from Pleasant Plains, IL (Pleasant Plains HS). All-Sangamo Conference 1st Team in 2004 & 2005. Member of the State Journal Register HS All-Star Game. Stacie should really come into her own this year after a 9-4 record last year as a freshman. Coach Brayfield and staff believe Stacie has the right stuff to excel at this level. She is an underrated position player and made an outstanding game saving catch in the outfield at the USCAA tournament last year. Her ERA was 2.35 in 2006 and hit .279 with 11 RBI’s at RMC.
Kristina Hoffart – Major: Business; Sophomore, Infielder from Chestermere, Alberta/Canada. Kristina is tremendous all-around athlete being voted Female Athlete of the School for four straight years. Kristina spent the summer as part of Team Alberta that made it to the final game of the Canada Cup in 2006 losing to Chinese Taipei. She has been on Bronze Medal Team Alberta twice in 2003 and 2005 in the West Canada Summer Games. She was voted to the Canada Cup All-Star team in 2005 and made the Canadian All-American Honorable Mention Team. Last summer Kris played for the Great Britain National Team playing in England, Italy and finally the World Cup in Beijing, China against the likes of Team USA. She plans to return to play for Great Britain as they hope to be a qualifier for the 2008 Olympics. Last year Kris made the All- Tournament USCAA team and Honorable Mention USCAA All-American. She hit .317 with 25 RBI’s as a freshman at RMC in 2006.
Freshman
Shannon Settles – Major: Graphic Design; Freshman, Infielder from Jerseyville, IL (Jerseyville HS) Shannon is a very talented offensive and defensive player. She has the speed to steal bases and has HR power at the plate. She was a St. Louis Post Dispatch top 5 hitter in the St. Louis area for batting average. She had a varsity letter all 4 years in HS. She was voted All-St. Louis Metro, Mississippi Valley All-Area, All- Conference and Academic All-Conference. She was her HS MVP. She plays select ball out of St. Louis and has been invited to travel to Europe in summer 2007 to play in Holland and Germany.
Chelsea Crowl – Major: Graphic Design; Freshman, Outfielder/Pitcher from Ketchikan, Alaska. Chelsea is a long ways from home. Being from a remote area doesn’t allow much time for obtaining playing experience. This young lady has a love for the game and is determined to learn to play at the college level. As she gets more game action she will improve. She also helped the inaugural volleyball team at RMC playing this past fall. That’s testament to her willingness to try to succeed no matter what it takes. She hits left which could speed her along in her progress.
Ali Neff – Major: Medical Assisting; Freshman, Pitcher/Infielder from Decatur, IL (Macon Meridian HS) Ali played Varsity all 4 years in HS. She was voted “Rookie of The Year” her freshman year. She made the Okaw Valley All-Conference Team and Macon County Team her senior year at HS. She gains valuable experience playing for the CIGS Rebels select team. She adjusted to the college pitching distance for fall very well and could contribute immediately. Look for big things from Ali over the next few years.
Allison Fitzgerald – Major: Medical Assisting/Business; Freshman, Outfielder/Pitcher from Decatur, IL (Eisenhower HS) Allison is a very talented strong player. She has HR power and a great arm. She can pitch and may give some valuable innings on the mound. She was an all around athlete in HS playing volleyball and basketball. She made the Big 12 Conference Team all 4 years in HS. She was voted County Player of the Year her senior year. She was her HS MVP for her junior and seniors years. She traveled to Hawaii on a select team during the 2005 summer. She also plays for CIGS Rebels in summer ball. She was a team captain and received hustle awards on defense in HS.
Lacy Logsdon – Major: Business; Freshman, Catcher/Outfielder from Beardstown, IL (Beardstown HS) Lacey played Varsity all 4 years on her HS team. Beardstown made it to IHSA State placing 4th her freshman year. In her junior year she made Jacksonville Courier All-Area Team and her senior year she was awarded All- Conference. Lacy has strength and puts the ball in play well. She will contribute early on in her collegiate career.
Lady Eagles split to start 2007 campaign!
In unfavourable conditions, the Robert Morris-Springfield women's softball team split their games on the road with John Logan College winning the first 16-8, then dropping the second game 9-1. Both contests were 5-inning games.
Stacey Brown (sophomore; Pleasant Plains, IL) got the victory for Robert Morris in the first game while Ali Neff (freshman; Decatur, IL) suffered the defeat in game two. Offensive contributors in game 1 included Megan Rich (junior; McLean, IL) who went 3-for-4 while both Andrea Felix (junior; Williamsville, IL) and Kristina Hoffart (sophomore; Calgary, Alberta) were 2-for-3. Ashton Swearingen (junior; Bartonville, IL) was 2-for-4.
Robert Morris-Springfield is 1-1.
Fall Dedication Set!
On Sunday, September 24th there will be a dedication at Rochester Community Park for the 2005-2006 Lady Eagles who claimed the 2006 USCAA National Invitational Championship. The Lady Eagles will face cross-town school University of Illinois-Springfield at 2:00pm in fall ball action. The ceremony will take place prior to the first pitch, please arrive early. Agenda for the afternoon will be the unveiling of the new RMC signage at Rochester Community Park along with the medallion presentation to the 2006 Lady Eagles.
2006-2007 Fall Season on the Way!
Congratulations go out to Kristina Hoffart from Calgary, Alberta. The RMC-Springfield shortstop recently returned from Bejing, China where she competed for the Great Britain National Team in the ISF World Cup. Kristina traveled and played with the Great Britain Team most of the summer training in Italy. Kristina commented, "It was quite an honor to even be on the field with Olympic caliber players." The players and coaches of RMC are proud to be able to have that honor as well.
Congratulations Kris!