May 15, 2010
Box Score
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ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - The Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman softball picked up their first MEAC Title under Head Coach Allison Garcia earned Most Outstanding Performer, and Garcia, Ferguson, and Gamch were named to the All-Tournament team.
“I'm just really, really happy for our players, because nobody has worked harder for this than they have,” said a notably overjoyed Head Coach Chris Cochran. “I'm so thankful that I get to coach such a great group of players.”
Bethune-Cookman put the first strike on the board, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning, as Sabrina Ferguson reached base on a fielding error which sent two Wildcats home.
The Lady Aggies were quick to respond, as Jennifer Luper collected an RBI single in the top of the second. The run put A&T back in the game, but still down. However, the Lady Aggies did climb on top in the top of the fourth, with Britney Reddick's two-RBI single to center field putting NCAT on top 3-2.
The Lady Aggies kept B-CU quiet offensively for four innings, but the Wildcats ended their silence in the bottom of the sixth, exploding for five runs to take a commanding lead. Setting of the scoring, Michelle Banuelos-Smith, Joanna Hernandez, and Briana Leverett. Went the dust settled and the inning closed, the Wildcats had gained the upper hand with a 7-3 lead over the Lady Aggies.
In the top of the seventh, the Wildcats collected three quick outs, downing the leadoff batter to open. Allowing one batter on base, the Wildcat defense turned the next at-bat into a double play and finished out the Championship Final with the win, and the 2009-10 MEAC Championship.
By no means did the Lady Aggies go down without a fight, tallying nine hits in the game. The NCAT offense was led by Jennifer Luper with two hits, one run, and one RBI. Also with solid at-bats, Britney Reddick came away with a hit and an RBI, while Hope Fletcher and Channing Statham each earned two hits.
The Wildcats had opportunities throughout, but really capitalized on two big innings. As a team, B-CU collected ten hits, led by Sabrina Ferguson with two hits, one run, and two RBI. Allie Garcia had two hits and two runs, while Ashton Hinds had two hits and one run. On the mound, Garcia (24-14) pitched her tenth consecutive complete game, with two strikeouts, two walks, and three earned runs.
With the final out in the books, the MEAC honored several Wildcats in the post-tournament awards. Coach Allison Garcia received honors as the Most Outstanding Performer.
“We worked so hard to get here,” said Garcia, beaming with positive emotion, “I can't thank my team any more for what they've done for me. I go on the mound and do my job, and can always count on them to come through with hits. It's an amazing feeling to know that my team will always be there for me.”
In addition to the top awards, three Wildcats were named to the All-Tournament Team. Repeating from last season, but now at a different position, Sabrina Ferguson earned her second consecutive spot on the list. Making her debut, in addition to her MEAC Rookie of the Year, Aurelia Gamch was named, while Garcia was also noted.
“I'm so proud of Chris [Cochran] and the entire softball program for the manner in which they battled this year,” said B-CU Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson. “They were consistent performers this season, and came here and took care of business in the tournament. You can see in the players' eyes that they believe in themselves and this team. Now this generation of Wildcats understands what it takes to win a championship in softball, and I think the best is yet to come.”
The Wildcats overall record moves to 32-22 on the year, as the Wildcats collect their sixth overall MEAC Softball Championship, and first since the 2004 season. North Carolina A&T moves to a record of 28-27 on the year. The Wildcats next destination will be in the NCAA Tournament Regionals, with the automatic bid as MEAC Champs. The pairings will be announced Sunday at 10:00 p.m. on ESPNU during the tournament selection show.
"We're going to enjoy this today. It's no small achievement, and we'll be thankful wherever we get to go play. We're going to prepare and put our best effort out on the field, like we have all year," Coach Cochran concludes, showing her expectation that this season is not over and there is more work to be done for the Wildcats.
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