A dip into DSU’s Pool
Here’s a quick look at the teams in Pool A at the NAIA national softball championships in Decatur, Ala. Pool play begins today and ends Saturday.
Dickinson State: The eighth-ranked Blue Hawks are making their second consecutive trip to nationals. Boasting a 35-7 record, the Blue Hawks are led by junior first baseman Nikki Marcoux, sophomore third baseman Jody Lantz and freshman pitcher Sara Jane Webster. DSU has been ranked in the NAIA Top 10 all but one week this season. Over the past three seasons, the Blue Hawks have compiled a 110-22 record.
California Baptist: The Lancers are the No. 1 ranked team in the NAIA and sport an incredible 54-6 record. Erin Moore and Sarah Hurlbut have each hit 10 homers for the Lancers. They reached the 2007 national championship game before losing to rival Point Loma Nazarene 4-2 in 12 innings. During last season’s national tournament, Cal Baptist, which is located in Riverside, Calif., defeated DSU 4-0 in pool play. They face the Blue Hawks at 1 p.m. today.
Bethel: The 13th-ranked Pilots have the NAIA’s best record at 49-4 and are the Region VIII champions. Just like DSU, Bethel is led by young talent. Freshman first baseman Katie Boocher bats .507 with 65 RBI while junior pitcher Brittney Hire has 235 strikeouts and boasts a 0.90 ERA. Bethel, based out of Mishawaka, Ind., faces DSU at 6 p.m. today.
Shorter College: The seventh-ranked Hawks, who are 49-11, were the Region XIII runner-up this season. They are led by freshman pitcher Libby Munson, who ranks seventh in the nation with 26 wins and bats .429. Shorter is located in Rome, Ga. The Hawks face DSU at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Indiana Southeast: The 33-11 Grenadiers are led by senior outfielder Carmen Davis, who has hit 11 homers and 31 RBI. Indiana Southeast, which is located in New Albany, Ind., defeated Virginia-Wise to win the Region XII championship. The Grenadiers face DSU at 6 p.m. Saturday.

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