The University of the Cumberlands Softball team ended their season after competing in the Mid-South Conference tournament in Georgetown, KY. The Patriots’ overall record ended at 21-20 and 11-10 in conference play. In the Conference Tournament the Patriot ladies had a good start with high expectations after defeating West Virginia Tech 10-0 in the first round of play. They took their first loss from Campbellsville University with a score of 3-6. The ladies had one last chance due to double elimination but they fell short to Lindsey Wilson College 1-7.

Several of the Patriot ladies have been honored for their accomplishments during the season. Senior Whitney Piar (Lancaster, OH) grabbed the Mid-South Conference Pitcher of the Year award. Over the season, Piar pitched a total of 22 games for the Patriots recording 12 wins. She averaged an ERA of 2.36 and struck out 181 opponents. Piar also recorded five shut-outs. Next, junior Samantha Kooch (Powell, TN) received First Team All-Conference and the Academic All-Conference awards. Kooch played in a total of 39 games on the season recording 20 runs, 12 doubles, one triple, two homeruns, and 17 RBI. In addition, Kooch was able to break the record for number of doubles hit on the season over the previous 11. Also receiving Academic All-Conference was freshman Lacey Walters (Williamstown, KY).

Receiving Honorable Mention were junior Brittany Turner (London, KY) and senior Whitney Kirby (Franklin, OH). Turner serves as the team’s catcher and a strong batter. She has competed in 29 games this season accumulating 11 runs, one double, five homeruns, and 20 RBI. Kirby has held the position of first baseman for the Patriots. This season she has tallied four runs, one double, one homerun, and eight RBI out of 33 games played. Senior Tiffany Meadors (Lancaster, KY) earned the Champion of Character Award for being a leader that parallels with the NAIA Champion of Character core values. For the season, Meadors competed in 38 games to record 18 runs, eight doubles, three homeruns, and 26 RBI.

The team will lose five strong Patriot athletes due to graduation this season. These include starting pitcher Whitney Piar, first baseman Whitney Kirby, catcher Marie Cordero (London, KY), right fielder Tiffany Meadors, and second baseman Jessica Taulbee (Greenville, SC). Needless to say, head coach Angie Dean and Assistant Julie Morton will have a busy recruiting year trying to find athletes to fill these positions.

The 2008 season was full of ups and downs for the team. The softball Patriots were voted to finish fourth in the Pre-Season poll and did one better ending the season in third place. The coaches and veterans will be trying to reorganize as new recruits come in and balance the team that will serve as our 2009 Softball Patriots.

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