WESTERVILLE, OHIO – The Otterbein softball team has been named part of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top Ten All-Academic Team, announced Monday afternoon.

Through the program, the NFCA honors high school and collegiate teams for their success in the classroom, based on the grade-point averages submitted for the 2008-09 school year.

The Cardinals came in at #6 in the Division III section, holding a team GPA of 3.484.

Kenyon (10th), Wittenberg (59th), and Defiance (65th), were the only other Ohio schools ranked in the top 65, while Marietta was the only other Ohio Athletic Conference school to receive recognition. The Pioneers came in at #75.

“Our team's philosophy is to be successful in all aspects of life,” said head coach Christine Steines, “whether that is on the field, in the classroom, at work, relationships with family and friends, or spirituality.”

“In each aspect of our players’ lives we push for excellence," Steines added. “It is of great honor to be ranked sixth in the nation for our team's academic performance.”

The softball program is planning to host its annual alumni game Saturday, October 24 at the Cardinals home softball field on campus.

Click here to view the complete list of the NFCA All-Academic Teams.

Kelsey Beers Earns Academic All-America Honors
Written May 28, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Kelsey Beers, a senior center fielder from Springfield (Kenton Ridge High School), was named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team, as selected by members of the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA).

“Kelsey is a great example of what our program strives for—success in all aspects of the ‘game’,” said Otterbein head coach Christine Steines. “Being recognized as an Academic All-America student-athlete is just another example of how Kelsey continues to succeed in the classroom and on the field.”

Kelsey Beers runs to first base.

Beers, a nursing major, will graduate in June. While finishing her final season of softball this spring, Beers was also doing her clinical work, which required 145 hours, broken down into two or three 12-hour shifts per week shadowing and assuming the responsibilities of a nurse at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

“Actually in softball when I’m busier, I get more done,” Beers explained on how she was able to manage her nursing schedule and softball at the same time.

“You get on a roll and go,” Beers said. “I set a specific time for each activity that I had to do and gave it 100 percent whether it was softball, in clinical or whatever work I had to do. But I also had fun because you have to incorporate that in too.”

Beers batted .340 this season, second best on the team, and finished her four-year career with a .323 batting average along with 59 runs scored. She ranks eighth on the Otterbein career list for batting average, and seventh in hits (103) and runs scored.

“Kelsey's hard work and determination to be the best in each aspect of life is a good reason why she will be successful all throughout her life,” Steines added. “I am honored to be able to say that I have coached this talented young lady.”

Beers, who has made the Otterbein Dean’s List all 11 terms, plans to take the NCLEX exam this summer prior to starting a critical care internship at The Ohio State University in August. Her decision to go into nursing came in high school. “I knew I wanted to help people and I was okay at science,” Beers said.

Kelsey’s twin sister and teammate, Kendy, was also in the running for All-America honors since both were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV first team this season.

Although only one was awarded the honor of Academic All-America, Kelsey said her sister wouldn’t mind.

“She’s probably more proud of me than anybody else,” Kelsey said. “We are great with that because we both work hard and we both know that. We don’t have control over who gets what.”

Christine Steines Named Head Coach
Written May 19, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein named Christine Steines its new head softball coach, Otterbein athletic director Dick Reynolds released today.

Steines served this past season as the interim head coach.

“The biggest asset that she has brought to the program has been her positive energy,” Reynolds said. “With her philosophy, the wins should take care of themselves. The direction of the program is going in the right way, led by her enthusiasm.”

"I am very excited to continue to be part of the Otterbein athletics department,” said Steines. “I am fortunate to have such great support from both administrators and coaches.”

Steines, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, came to Otterbein from the University of Dayton where she served as assistant softball coach since August 2007. She spent two seasons (2006 and 2007) as an assistant softball coach at her alma mater, Clarke College, before moving on to Dayton. At Clarke, Steines helped coach the Crusaders to back-to-back 20-plus win seasons.

A 2004 graduate of Clarke College, Steines earned four varsity letters and was a three-time first team All-Northern Illinois Conference selection at catcher. She served as team captain and was voted team most valuable player three times.

Steines received her master’s degree in business administration from Clarke in 2006.

“I look forward to building a fundamentally sound softball program and continuing the college’s tradition of excellence,” added Steines. “There's a lot of talent within this area and a lot of potential to do great things here at Otterbein."

Three Earn ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Honors
Written May 11, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Twin sisters Kelsey and Kendy Beers, and Lauren Tibjash were named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV Softball team as selected by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA).

The Beers, seniors from Springfield (Kenton Ridge High School), were selected to the first team and are now eligible for Academic All-America consideration. Tibjash, a senior from Lyndhurst (Brush), was named to the second team.

“As a team we work at being successful in all aspects of the true game of life,” said head coach Christine Steines. “One of our three main team goals includes striving for a 3.6 GPA for spring quarter. As seniors, these three individuals have led and continue to lead good examples for their teammates by obtaining high grades and doing well on the field. Life is all about balance and these three kids have proven that they know how to succeed at this game.”

Kendy, a four-year starter at second base, batted .228 and knocked in 12 runs this season. An accounting major, Kendy has made the Otterbein Dean’s List all 11 quarters. She earned second team ESPN The Magazine all-district honors in 2007.

Kelsey, a three-year starter in center field, batted .340 this season, second best on the team. A nursing major, Kelsey has also made the Otterbein Dean’s List all 11 quarters.  She earned second team ESPN The Magazine all-district honors last season.

Tibjash, a four-year starter at catcher and designated hitter, batted .330, hitting 10 doubles and three home runs this season. She led the team with 19 RBI’s. A public relations major, she has made the Otterbein Dean’s List four times.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Tibjash Named Honorable Mention All-OAC
Written May 4, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Senior catcher Lauren Tibjash has been selected to the All-Ohio Athletic Conference Honorable Mention team, announced the conference office Sunday evening.

This season, Tibjash batted .330 and led the Cardinals in RBI’s (19) and slugging percentage (.538). In addition, she tied for the team lead in doubles (10) and home runs (3).

Earlier this season, she turned in a career game by going 4-for-4 with seven RBI’s, three runs scored, and a home run in the opening game of a doubleheader at Wilmington. On that day as a whole, she batted 5-for-8 with nine RBI’s, four runs scored, and two home runs. For her efforts, she was named OAC Hitter of the Week during that span.

“Lauren's offense continued to improve throughout the season and really came on strong towards the end,” said head coach Christine Steines. “It’s a great honor that she received such an accolade in what is a very competitive Ohio Athletic Conference, and being named honorable mention All-OAC is a great award to put the finishing touch on her senior season.”

Having played in 125 career games, the Lyndhurst native held a .292 career batting average and finished second in the Otterbein record books in career home runs (9) and third in runs batted in (73). Tibjash also ends her career in the top-ten in hits (100), doubles (20), total bases (155), and slugging percentage (.453).

To view the All-OAC teams and Special Award Winners, click here.
 

Cards Look to Improve, Achieve 20-Win Plateau in Final Week of Play
Written April 27, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, Otterbein (18-18) enters the final week of their season still fighting to achieve one of their season goals. With 18 victories this spring, the Lady Cardinals are just two wins shy of winning their 20^th game, a mark that the club has been shooting for since the preseason.

The team won three of their four contests this past week, including a dramatic come-from-behind victory against cross-town rival Capital on senior day. Trailing 3-0 entering the bottom of the sixth inning in game two of a double-header, the club rallied to post a five run inning and take the lead for good. Sophomore pitcher Nadine Bower turned in an impressive performance on the mound, throwing a complete-game three-hitter in front of one of the best crowds this season.

Seniors Erica Walter, Lauren Tibjash, and Tressa Ragor all tallied RBI’s in the sixth inning rally.

Combining the victory with a sweep of Heidelberg earlier in the week allows the team to carry some momentum into this week that includes double-headers against Kenyon and Mount St. Joseph.

“Although our conference play is finished, we are not done working towards our goals’” said head coach Christine Steines. “One of our team goals is to have 20+ wins, and right now we are at 18.”

Bower is coming off a week where she recorded two wins and allowed six runs in three appearances. She currently holds an overall record of 8-4 and an E.R.A of 3.20.

All six seniors have been crucial members of the starting lineup this season, and will be searching for victories this week to conclude their careers here in Westerville. Tibjash, Walter, and Kendy Beers have combined for 46 of the teams' 98 runs batted in this season.

However, as much as the team would love to secure a few more victories over the next three days, the coaching staff and players understand the importance of working hard and getting better each outing, regardless of the game outcomes.

"Although we look at the win-loss column, our overall goal has been to improve each day,” Steines explained. “Being able to compete in four more games just gives us the opportunity to see if we are continuing to make strides in the right direction.”

The team is scheduled to play at Kenyon tomorrow before returning home to host Mount St. Joseph on Wednesday in the season finale.
 

Tibjash Earns Conference Hitter of the Week Honors
Written April 13, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO – Otterbein senior catcher Lauren Tibjash has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) hitter of the week, announced the conference office Monday morning.

This past week, Tibjash helped lead the Cardinals to a 2-2 mark while batting .455 (5-for-11). During a double-header sweep of Wilmington last Wednesday, she went 5-for-7 with nine total RBI’s and four runs scored. In addition, she hit two home runs and recorded two doubles.

In the first contest alone, she tallied both of her round-trippers and one of her doubles in an impressive 4-for-4 performance at the plate.

With her two home runs this past week, Tibjash now stands at nine for her career and sits just one shy of tying Meredith Drexler atop the Otterbein all-time home run list. Drexler hit ten home runs during her career from 2000-2003.

The Lyndhurst native also moved into third place on the Cardinal all-time RBI list, as she currently has 70 career runs batted in.

Otterbein returns to action Wednesday when they host Baldwin-Wallace in a conference double-header. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 pm.
 

Cards Sweep Wilmington--Travel to Muskingum
Written April 09, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WILMINGTON, OHIO—Otterbein picked up a pair of must-win Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) games, defeating Wilmington by scores of 10-0 and 6-4 Wednesday on the road in Wilmington.

The Cardinals, who are scheduled to travel to Muskingum Friday, improved to 14-10 overall, and 3-5 in league play. The squad shares seventh place with Mount Union in the OAC.

Strong pitching and solid hitting propelled the Cards to victory in game one. Senior pitcher Kristina Hayes struck out eight and scattered just three hits in the 10-0 shutout. Senior catcher Lauren Tibjash pounded out two home runs and a double in a 4-for-4 performance at the plate. Tibjash, who is one home run away from the school career record of 10, knocked in seven runs in the win.

In the second game, Otterbein jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings and then held on for the 6-4 win. Junior Brooke Stull, pitching in relief, picked up her third win of the season while Hayes got credit for the save. Tibjash and senior second baseman Kendy Beers each knocked in two runs.

The Wildcats have won eight NCAA Women's College World Series titles, in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2006 and 2007 under head coach Mike Candrea. The team has also appeared in the NCAA National Championship 12 times spanning between the years 1991 and 2007, a feat second only to UCLA. Candrea is in his 24th season at the University of Arizona and has won over 25 awards in honor of his talented coaching skills. Candrea also coached and led the 2004 U.S. Olympic softball team to a gold medal in Athens, Greece.

The Otterbein softball team poses with coach Mike Candrea during spring break.

The Cardinals were able to visit the Wildcats home field at the Hillenbrand Stadium and sit behind home plate to watch practice.
       
The visit was helpful for senior center fielder Kelsey Beers. “I saw it as a learning opportunity and really paid attention to what they were doing,” Beers said. “It was nice to see people who are held to such a high standard and see how they practice to get there, I can learn from them.”
       
The atmosphere at Hillenbrand Stadium moved some of the Lady Cards.
       
“It was exciting to actually be at the university where they’ve been so successful,” said Megan Studebaker, a sophomore shortstop for the Cardinals.  
        
“You got to watch how they prepare for games and what actually goes on,” Studebaker continued. “It was a really neat opportunity.”
       
After the Wildcats finished their practice, Coach Candrea spoke to the Lady Cardinals. As Arizona’s leading man, Coach Candrea has a .832 winning percentage with over 1,100 wins as head coach.
       
Hearing Candrea talk meant a lot for senior Lauren Tibjash. “It was really cool to meet the guy that you see on TV,” she said. “You really can’t put it into words meeting him because he coaches some of the greatest women athletes.”
       
Some Arizona Wildcats alumni include three time All-American and two time player of the year (2001 and 2002), pitcher Jennie Finch, and infielder Jenny Dalton, player of the year (1996) and Academic All-America (1995 and 1996).
    
Sophomore Nadine Bower agreed with the height of the experience.  “It made me feel really close to everything I always thought was so much bigger than me, it made me feel a part of it,” Bower said.
        
Candrea emphasized on the importance of every day. “You never know when your last day on earth may be; so live every moment to the fullest.”
    
“He really related softball to life,” Studebaker said. “He said to always play your hardest because you never know when it’s your last game.”
    
Beers also felt that the Cardinals were affected by Coach’s words. “Nothing can be taken for granted,” Beers said. “He taught us that there is more to life than softball, but when you’re there to love it and play it because you never know when you won’t be able to play again.”
    
Candrea also touched on how uncompromising the game of softball truly is and how an athlete can overcome these struggles.  Coach Candrea highlighted that no one can conquer the game of softball. He pointed out that the game will constantly present its players with struggles but to strive to overcome those challenges.
    
“I think he definitely brought our energy up and made us want to work harder and try harder to do better,” Beers said. “It lit a fire under all of us to listen to what he said to improve our season and it inspired us to do well.”
       
Coach Candrea has produced 79 All-Americans and has received PAC-10 coach of the year 10 times; just a few more accomplishments to add to his already impressive resume.
    
The Cardinals went 7-3 in the Grand Canyon State and have returned back home to continue their 2009 season.
 

Cards to Host Marietta
Written April 03, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, coming off a split with Case Western Reserve, returns to Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) action Saturday, hosting Marietta. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

“Whether it is a conference or nonconference game we play the game the same way and Saturday is just another day for us to work to improve on the 'little things' that make the big difference,” said first-year head coach Christine Steines about Saturday’s double-header with Marietta.

The Cardinals, 12-8 overall, own a 1-3 conference record after dropping two at Ohio Northern Tuesday by scores of 1-0 and 15-1. Marietta, 16-6 overall, sits in a three-way tie for second place in the OAC at 3-1.

Senior pitcher Kristina Hayes scattered four hits, giving up no earned runs, over 6-2/3 innings of work in the 1-0 loss at Ohio Northern. The Polar Bears broke open game two with a six-run second inning.

“We came out tough in game one vs. ONU and showed that we are able to play with top teams,” said Steines. “Now we just have to execute. We will continue to stick to our strategy. When each player executes her role and we come together to finish as a team, we will find success.”

Junior third baseman Felicia Vermaaten collected six hits in eight at-bats and scored three runs in Thursday’s nonconference twinbill with Case Western.

The Cardinals won the first game, 4-3, with Vermaaten scoring the winning run on a sacrifice fly from senior first baseman Erica Walter, but dropped game two, 7-5, called after six innings due to lightening. Senior center fielder Kelsey Beers tallied four hits, two runs and three RBI’s over the two games.

Marietta, meanwhile, swept Wilmington by scores of 3-2 and 7-1 Wednesday at home. The Pioneers split a pair of games with Ohio Northern earlier this season.

Cards Carry Win Streak into OAC Opener
Written March 25, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein, riding a four-game winning streak, opens Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play Saturday with a double-header at John Carroll. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Cardinals wrapped up a 10-game appearance in the Tucson Invitational with a pair of shutouts over St. Catherine, 3-0, and Calvin, 10-0, Tuesday in Tucson, Ariz., to finish their spring break trip with a 7-3 record.

“This trip was definitely a success,” said first-year head coach Christine Steines. “Each person played her role well and that is what led to our success. We also got to see what it is we need to work on to reach our ultimate goals.”

Junior third baseman Felicia Vermaaten and senior first baseman Erica Walter are both hitting over .400. Vermaaten, who leads her teammates with 11 runs and six RBI’s, is batting .447.  She has three doubles and two triples this season. Walter, batting .414, has collected six runs, five RBI’s, three doubles and two triples. She has walked seven times.

Senior pitcher Kristina Hayes, 4-1 overall, leads Otterbein in wins and ERA, checking in at 1.50. Sophomore Nadine Bower sports a 3-0 record and a 1.67 ERA.

Following John Carroll, Otterbein returns home to face Wittenberg March 30 in a non-conference matchup before resuming conference play at Ohio Northern April 1. Both twinbills are scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

“We are excited to come back and begin play in the OAC,” Steines said. “We will continue to build upon each game we play so that we end up where we want to be in the OAC standings at the end of the season.”

OAC Names Vermaaten Hitter of the Week
Written March 23, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO— Felicia Vermaaten, a junior third baseman from Newark (Newark High School), was selected Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) softball hitter of the week, the OAC released Monday.

Vermaaten batted .500 over six games played last week at the Tucson Invitational in Tucson, Ariz. The Cardinals played to a 3-3 record.

The junior hit three doubles, including a game-winning RBI double in a 2-1 win over North Central Saturday. Vermaaten scored four runs and knocked in two runs over the six-game span.

Six Seniors Lead Cardinals into 2009 Season
Written March 2, 2009 by Adam Prescott

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - After three seasons with a record of .500 or better, Otterbein fell below expectations last season as the team posted a 13-23 record, as well as a 6-12 conference record. Now, with six seniors leading the way, the club is excited about the opportunity to get back to their winning ways in 2009.

After losing only two seniors from last season’s club, the Cardinals appear ready to use the talented and experienced returning personnel to make some noise in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).

“We are returning key experience,” said first year head coach Christine Steines. “It will be critical for our veteran players to take solid leadership roles and provide guidance to others in order to continue the development towards success.”

Among the leading senior returnees are twin sisters Kelsey and Kendy Beers, who were both named second team all-conference last season. Kelsey, the team’s returning center fielder, held a .320 batting average last spring in addition to scoring 17 runs and stealing 12 bases. She was also third on the team with 31 hits in 2008. Kendy, the club’s second baseman, batted .309 and tied for the team lead in doubles with seven.

Also returning are seniors Laura Tibjash and Erica Walter, who will be bringing valuable experience to the infield. Tibjash, who started at catcher in all 36 games last season, will look to build on a 2008 season where she posted 32 hits, 22 RBI’s and seven doubles. She also tied for the team lead in home runs with three, one of which was a solo walk-off shot that beat conference foe Baldwin-Wallace. Walter started all 36 games last spring at first base and recorded a team-high 24 RBI’s to go along with 27 hits and 17 runs scored.

Senior catcher Tressa Ragor batted .341 last season in addition to having a .986 fielding percentage while sophomore outfielder Brittany Byers, who was third on the team in runs batted in (18), suffered a broken leg during the offseason and her status for this spring is unknown.

Junior Felicia Vermaaten led the team with 38 hits and 32 runs scored in 2008 and ranked third in the conference in both triples (5) and stolen bases (24). The Newark native also led the club in total bases (57) and walks (10).

With many key and experienced hitters returning, the Cards will focus on being consistent no matter who is at the plate.

“I anticipate getting production throughout our entire lineup, and our offensive attack will be a combination of both speed and power,” Steines explained. “The success of our offense will be determined by how well each player fulfills their specific role.”

Returning pitchers include senior Kristina Hayes, junior Brooke Stull, and sophomore Nadine Bower. The trio combined for a 6-11 record and 80 strikeouts in 2008.

Although the team has an abundance of talent coming back, they will still be looking to mold themselves into a special group under their first year head coach.

“Each year any team develops its own unique identity, and although the identity of our team is still in the process of being shaped, some consistent characteristics are coming forth,” Steines said. "Our team has shown the eagerness to accept new challenges, demonstrated the ability to adapt to change, and is determined to reach new heights."

Otterbein will open their season at home against Denison on March 12 before heading to compete in the Tuscon Invitational Games in Arizona, slated to begin March 19.
 

Christine Steines Named Interim Head Coach
Written Feb. 3, 2009 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein announced today the appointment of Christine Steines as interim head softball coach.

Steines replaces Deb Torman, who left the college in December after 10 seasons with the Cardinals.

“Christine provides us with the knowledge and background to get our program on sound footing,” said Dick Reynolds, director of athletics at Otterbein. “We look forward to her return to Otterbein and help at this time.” Steines served as a graduate assistant softball coach at Otterbein in 2005.

Steines, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, comes to Otterbein from the University of Dayton where she served as assistant softball coach since August 2007. She spent two seasons (2006 and 2007) as an assistant softball coach at her alma mater, Clarke College, before moving on to Dayton. At Clarke, Steines helped coach the Crusaders to back-to-back 20-plus win seasons.

“It is very exciting to be part of the Otterbein College softball program,” Steines said about her new position. “There have been some great accomplishments reached by past Cardinal softball teams and I look forward to continuing to build upon those accomplishments while seeking new heights.”

A 2004 graduate of Clarke College, Steines earned four varsity letters and was a three-time first team All-Northern Illinois Conference selection at catcher. She served as team captain and was voted team most valuable player three times.

Steines received her master’s degree in business administration from Clarke in 2006.

Three Named to All-OAC Teams
Written May 5, 2008 by Zach Manoogian

WESTERVILLE, OHIO— Three Cardinals received All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors for the 2008 season, the OAC released Sunday. 

Kelsey Beers, a junior from Springfield (Kenton Ridge High School), earned second team honors.  Beers, a center fielder, hit .320, stole 12 bases, and scored 17 runs this season.    

Joining her on the second team was sister Kendy Beers, a junior second basemen from Springfield (Kenton Ridge).  Kendy hit .309 and led the Cards with seven doubles.   

Janelle Jones, a junior from Uhrichsville (Claymont), received honorable mention All-OAC honors.  Jones, who plays third base for the Cards, led the team with a .379 batting average and .468 on-base percentage.  Jones previously earned All-OAC honors in 2006, being named Rookie of the Year and first team All-OAC.    . 

“It’s been great coaching the girls,” said Otterbein head coach Deb Torman.  “They are all great leaders and key contributors to our success. We’re very happy for their deserved honors.”
 

Cards to Battle Rival Capital
Written April 18, 2008 by Zach Manoogian

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein continues softball play Saturday with a double-header on the road against Capital scheduled to start at 1 p.m.   

Otterbein started the week strong, sweeping a twinbill from Baldwin-Wallace on Tuesday by scores of 7-2 and 5-4.  The second game was highlighted with a solo walk-off home run by Lauren Tibjash, a junior from Lyndhurst (Brush High School).  

Unfortunately, the Cards were not able to build on their momentum later in the week, being swept by John Carroll, 4-2 and 9-4, on Wednesday, and Case-Western, 5-4 and 10-8, on Thursday.  The losses left the Cardinals with an overall record of 9-15, 4-8 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play.

Felicia Vermaaten, a sophomore from Newark, added three stolen bases in the two games against Case, bringing her season total to 18, placing her in the top five in the OAC.  In addition to stolen bases, Vermaaten leads Otterbein in runs (23), hits (28), and slugging percentage (.605). 

Janelle Jones, a junior from Uhrichsville (Claymont), leads the Cards in batting average (.385) and home runs (3). 

Morgan Braun, a senior from Ashland (Mapleton), has been steady on the mound this year for the Cardinals.  Braun leads the team with an earned-run average of 2.26 in 67.2 innings.  With an overall record of five wins and seven loses, Coach Deb Torman notes it is not quite reflective of Braun’s play.  “Morgan has done her job, we need to make plays behind her,” Torman said. 

Coach Torman acknowledges the team is disappointed with its record thus far, but is still hoping to turn things around.  “We start games well, but need to work on finishing them,” Torman said.

Injuries have taken a toll on the Cardinals this season. “Everyone’s been hurting,” Torman said.  “We’ve been changing our starting lineup for the last two weeks.”

Following Capital, Otterbein travels to take on Tiffin Monday in non-conference play.  The double-header is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. 

Cards Seek to Rebound at Wilmington
Written March 31, 2008 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein continues Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play Tuesday, traveling to Wilmington for a twinbill scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

“We have to go after them strong,” said Otterbein head coach Deb Torman about the Wilmington matchup. “We want to get back to .500 in the conference.”

The Cardinals, 5-7 overall, opened OAC play Saturday at Marietta, losing a pair of games by scores of 6-4 and 6-5. The Pioneers had to come from behind in both games, hitting a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to win game one, and scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to overcome a 4-2 deficit in game two.

“We played well against one of the top teams in the league and are optimistic about our chances in the OAC this year,” Torman said. “We played great; it’s just disappointing that we couldn’t hold the lead.”

Third baseman Janelle Jones, a junior from Uhrichsville (Claymont High School), went 4-for-4 at the plate along with one RBI in the first game. Catcher Tressa Ragor, a junior from Mt. Gilead, led the Cards in game two, going 2-for-3, including a double, along with one RBI.

Otterbein headed into the weekend off a 5-5 performance in non-conference games played in Florida last week. The Cardinals closed the week strong, going 5-1 over its last six games.

OAC Names Stull Pitcher of the Week
Written March 24, 2008 by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Brooke Stull, a sophomore from New Philadelphia, Ohio, was selected Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) softball pitcher of the week, the OAC released Monday.

The right-hander recorded a 0.90 ERA over 10 innings of work in two starts last week. She pitched five innings, allowing one earned run in a no decision in the season opener, a 4-2 loss to Staten Island last Thursday in Orlando, Fla. Stull pitched five innings, allowing just one hit to earn the win in a 7-2 victory over St. Benedict Saturday. Over the two games, she struck out eight while walking five.

2008 Season Preview
Written by Ed Syguda

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Otterbein head coach Deb Torman, losing just two players to graduation, heads into 2008 excited about the possibilities for the new season.

The Cardinals, 23-17 a year ago, return 12 letterwinners, including six starting position players and three starting pitchers. Otterbein played to a 9-9 record, finishing sixth in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) in 2007. Among those wins, a 5-2 decision over regular-season OAC champion Muskingum, who advanced into the NCAA Division III regional.

Once again, Torman is pointing her team towards a top-four finish and a berth in the post-season OAC Tournament.

“We play in one of the most dominating conferences in the nation,” Torman said.  “In order to make the conference tournament and win the conference tournament, we have to play well every day.”

Third baseman Janelle Jones, who earned OAC Rookie of the Year honors in 2006, headlines the list of returning position players. Jones, a junior, batted .252 and maintained a .359 slugging percentage last season. She hit eight doubles.

Also returning to the infield are first baseman Erica Walter, a junior, and second baseman Kendy Beers, also a junior. Walter and Beers were the only two players to start all 40 games last season. Walter batted .308 along with eight doubles and 17 RBIs. Beers hit .192 and turned in a .959 fielding average on 169 total chances.

Starters Corey Bernard, a senior, and Kelsey Beers, a junior, return to the outfield. Bernard, who will move from right to left field in 2008, batted .198 a year ago. Beers, who plays center field, turned in the third best batting average among teammates, .333, and stole seven bases last season.

Returning starting pitchers include Morgan Braun, a senior, Kristina Hayes, a junior, and Brook Stull, a sophomore. The trio combined for a 7-8 record in 2007.

In addition to four returning pitchers, both Otterbein catchers are expected back for the 2008 season. Lauren Tibjash, a junior, started 31 games last season, batting .278 along with a .422 slugging percentage. Tressa Ragor, a junior, started 14 games and turned in a perfect 1.000 fielding average on 45 total chances.

Beers Earns Academic All-District Honors
Written May 10, 2007 by Jason Miller

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—Second baseman Kendy Beers, a sophomore from Springfield (Kenton Ridge High School), was named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV second team in softball, released today by the College Sports Information Director’s of America (CoSIDA).

Beers is an accounting major and has made the Otterbein dean’s list all five quarters.

The two-year starter led the team in sacrifice bunts (8) and was second on the team in putouts (102). She started all 40 games for the 23-17 Cardinals and batted .192 while maintaining a .959 fielding average.

Academic All-District IV team members are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000-member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. District IV encompasses the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Rowland and Black Earn All-OAC Honors
Written May 8, 2007 by Jason Miller

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--Two members of the Otterbein softball team earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors this season, the OAC released Saturday.

Shortstop Beth Rowland, a senior from Champion, and outfielder Kristen Black, a sophomore from Canal Winchester (Bloom Carroll High School), were named second team.

Rowland led the team in batting average (.411), slugging percentage (.523), on base percentage (.472), hits (42), RBIs (25), and tied for first in runs scored (22). The shortstop is a three-time All-OAC selection, earning first team honors in 2005 and 2006.

“Beth has been a great leader on and off the field for us,” said head coach Deb Torman. “Beth led our offense this year and was our go-to cleanup hitter. She is a solid defensive shortstop.”

Black was tied for first on the team in runs scored (22). She also led the squad in doubles (9), total bases (57) and stolen bases (11).

Seibel Named OAC Pitcher of the Week
Written April 30, 2007 by Brett Rybak

WESTERVILLE, OHIO— Right-handed pitcher Megan Seibel, a senior from Johnstown, was named the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) “pitcher of the week” in softball, the OAC released today.

Seibel picked up three wins on the week, including a 5-2 decision over ninth-ranked Muskingum, Saturday in New Concord.  She scattered eight hits in 6 2/3 innings of work in the win over Muskingum.  Seibel also earned wins over Denison, 2-1, and Heidelberg, 3-2.

Seibel improves to 8-6 overall.  She has pitched six complete games and owns a 3.35 ERA.

Otterbein, 21-15 overall and 9-9 in the OAC, travels to Kenyon, 3:30 p.m., Tuesday before returning home to host Mount St. Joseph in the season finale, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday.

Cards Win Five of Six Games
Written April 30, 2007 by Liz Goodman

WESTERVILLE, OHIO—After tallying five wins in the six-game week, the Cardinals will tie loose ends this week and complete their 2007 season.

Last week, the Cardinals notched doubleheader sweeps against Heidelberg and Denison, in addition to splitting a pair with ninth-ranked Muskingum College.

“We had a great weekend,” said head coach Deb Torman.

“Emily Kistler had a great weekend with a grand slam against Muskingum that won the game,” Torman said. “Emily also had a save against Heidelberg to preserve the 3-2 win.”

In addition to Kistler, a freshman pitcher and third baseman from Pittsburgh, Pa. (Penn-Trafford High School), shortstop Beth Rowland, a senior from Champion, also tallied high marks for the team. Rowland led the offense with a .438 batting average along with six runs and one RBI.

Despite the missed opportunity to compete in the OAC tournament, Torman finds many positives in this season’s outcome. “We are a young team and have accomplished a lot this year. We play in a very strong conference and hung in there till the end,” she said. “We need to work on being more consistent offensively for next year.”

The Cardinals will wrap up season play this week as they take on Kenyon and Mount St. Joseph in a pair of nonconference twinbills. The Cardinals travel to Kenyon, 3:30 p.m., Tuesday and host, Mount St. Joseph, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Cards Sweep Baldwin-Wallace
Written April 19, 2007 by Liz Goodman

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--After a two-game sweep of the Yellow Jackets, the Cardinals are ready for more conference action.

Defeating Baldwin-Wallace, 3-2 and 7-4, in doubleheader action, Tuesday, head coach Deb Torman credits good all-around play in the victories. “I was very pleased with the two wins at B-W,” she said. “We are really playing good team softball; everyone is contributing. We hit the ball well and played good defense.  We need to keep that up.”

The team will host three more twinbills this week. According to Torman, the Cardinals need to continue to score runs in order to ensure victories, and to reserve a seat in the four-team Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) tournament. 

“In order to make the tournament, we need to keep improving and keep winning.  We need to always look to improve all aspects of the game.  We scored some runs against Ohio Northern and B-W and that has really helped us.  If we can keep getting good pitching and playing good defense we can put ourselves in good position,” she said.

The Cardinals sit sixth in the OAC with a 5-5 conference record. Torman believes the team needs to improve every game. “To be successful against John Carroll and Capital, we need to keep doing what we are doing and try to do it a little better each time out,” she said.

The ladies will see plenty of chances to redeem themselves this week.  They face John Carroll, 3:30 p.m., Friday and Capital, 1 p.m., Saturday. John Carroll Currently sits in seventh place in the OAC, while the Crusaders hold down second place in the standings.

Kistler Named OAC Pitcher of the Week
Written April 10, 2007 by Liz Goodman

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--Right-handed pitcher Emily Kistler, a freshman from Pittsburgh (Penn-Trafford High School), was named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) pitcher of the week in softball, the OAC released Monday.

Kistler (3-0) pitched a two-hit 3-0 shutout in Otterbein’s two-game sweep over Wilmington last Tuesday. Kistler struck out four of the 24 batters she faced in the game, while allowing only two hits and one walk. Kistler also led the team offensively, turning in one run.

The freshman currently leads the Cardinal pitching staff with a 0.68 ERA. On the other side of the ball, Kistler has swatted the team’s only home run of the season and has tallied nine walks. 

The Cardinals, 12-6 overall, sit sixth in the OAC with a 2-2 conference record. Otterbein travels to Alliance, Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., to face Mount Union in a twinbill.

Cards Sweep Quakers--Visit 6th-Ranked Mount Union
Written April 4, 2007 by Liz Goodman

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--After last weekend’s scoreless double-header loss to 16th-ranked Marietta, the Otterbein softball team returned to the field to strike Wilmington Tuesday.

The Cardinals allowed the Quakers only one run for the day in the two-game sweep. The team improved to 11-5 overall, and 2-2 in conference play.

“I am very pleased with the two wins yesterday. We played great defense and got very good pitching and we were able to put some runs up on the board,” said head coach Deb Torman. “We just had a solid day all around.”

In addition to the all-around performance, the team used its strength on top of the mound to overturn the Quakers.

“Our pitchers really stepped up and did a great job,” said Torman. “They gave up no earned runs in 14 innings and that is tremendous.”

The two “Ws” were collected by Emily Kistler, a freshman from Pittsburgh (Penn-Trafford), and Megan Seibel, a senior from Johnstown. In the first game, Kistler pitched the entirety of the seven innings. She allowed only two hits and one walk against 24 batters, in addition to scoring one run. Kistler improved her record to 3-0 

Seibel closed out the second contest on her own as well, tossing five strikeouts and allowing only three hits and one run against 27 batters. The win was Seibel’s fifth this season as she advanced to 5-2.

On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals saw solid offense from left fielder Kristen Black, a sophomore from Canal Winchester (Bloom Carroll). Black turned in four hits and one RBI in her six at-bats, earning a .666 batting average for the day.

In addition to Kistler and Black, the Cardinals received runs from Corey Bernard, a junior from Medina, Janelle Jones, a sophomore from Urichsville (Claymont), and Kelsey and Kendy Beers, sophomores from Springfield (Kenton Ridge).

The Cardinals host Case Western Monday, 3:30 p.m., in a nonconference matchup before traveling to sixth-ranked Mount Union for an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) doubleheader Tuesday.

“In order to be successful against Mount Union, we have to play great softball in all areas: pitching, defense and offense,” Torman said. “We need to put runs up on the board early to give our pitchers some area to work.”

Cards Host Marietta to Open OAC Play
Written March 27, 2007 by Liz Goodman

WESTERVILLE, OHIO--The Cardinals return from Florida’s sunny skies to open Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) competition against Marietta.

Notching a 9-3 record at the Rebel Games in Kissimmee, Fla., and improving from last year’s 5-7 spring-break record, the team fell to Illinois Wesleyan, Manhattanville and Simpson.

Nine-year Head coach Deb Torman was pleased with the outcome of the tournament and has her sights set high for this season.  “We had a great spring break … we stepped up as a team. We ran the bases well and took advantage of other team’s mistakes,” she said. “We have very high expectations for this year.  We have a great core of leaders and some exciting new players.”

Leading the way for the Cardinals, senior shortstop Beth Rowland (Champion) notched a .424 batting average and a .576 slugging percentage in 10 game. Rowland contributed nine runs, 14 hits and 13 RBIs in her 33 at-bats.

Sophomore first baseman Erica Walter (Piqua) turned in high marks for the Cardinals as well, tallying 89 putouts in her 12 appearances, including 12 against Illinois Wesleyan. Walters also stepped up for the team offensively, earning a .394 batting average and notching six runs, 13 hits, including five doubles, and 13 RBIs to complete her .545 slugging percentage.

On the other side of the ball, senior pitcher Megan Seibel (Johnstown) leads the pitching staff with a 4-1 record. Seibel competed in 21.2 innings to notch 21 strikeouts, and allow only 18 hits and three earned runs.

Freshman pitcher Emily Kistler (Pittsburgh/Penn-Trafford) earned her first two wins in collegiate competition throughout the trip. The freshman tossed eight strikeouts and allowed only nine hits, three runs and one walk in her 10.2 innings pitched.

“Our pitching staff did a great job,” said Torman.

According to Torman, the Rebel Games were the perfect way to prepare for the regular season that lies ahead. “The Rebel Games provide us with the best competition to get prepared for our conference season,” she said. “The OAC is a strong conference all around. I look for Muskingum, Marietta and Mount Union to be strong.”

The Cardinals will debut on their home field and receive their first taste of OAC competition this Saturday, as they host the Pioneers in a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

“We are working hard to fine tune our game and improve on some things from Florida,” Torman said of the upcoming contest. “Saturday should be a real exciting opening to our conference season.”

The Cardinals, 20-18 a year ago, proved they could play with the best in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and the nation in 2006. The squad split a pair of one-run games with OAC regular-season and tournament champion Muskingum, who went on to finish third at the NCAA Division III Softball Championship. The team also split a pair of regular-season games with nationally-ranked Marietta.

This year’s team, according to Torman, returns some solid talent at the plate, on the mound and in the field. “We expect to have a great defense with a solid pitching staff,” Torman said.

As a team, Otterbein finished third in the OAC with a .961 fielding average and fourth with a 2.64 ERA in 2006.

The Cardinals return 12 letterwinners, including five position starters from last season’s squad, which finished fourth in the OAC at 11-7.

Shortstop Beth Rowland, a senior, and third baseman Janelle Jones, a sophomore, headline the list of returning starters. Both were first team All-OAC picks in 2006.

Rowland led her teammates in hitting (.374) for the second straight year and hits (46) last season. Jones, named OAC Rookie of the Year and third team All-Central Region, led the Cardinals in runs scored (22), total bases (59), sacrifice bunts (7), slugging percentage (.546), and home runs (4). She batted .352.

In addition to the left side of the infield, the Cardinals also return two to the outfield, which includes left fielder Corey Bernard, a junior, and center fielder Kendy Beers, a sophomore. Beers will move to second base for the 2007 season.

Bernard, a second team All-OAC selection, batted .239 and committed just four errors in 59 chances. Beers, a .214 hitter, led the team with eight stolen bases and posted a .909 fielding percentage.

Otterbein’s greatest asset this season, however, may prove to be its pitching staff. The Cardinals return all three starters—all right-handers—and have added three freshmen, who could see action this season.

Megan Seibel, a senior, heads the pitching staff. An honorable mention Academic All-OAC pick, Seibel led the team with a 1.78 ERA, fifth best in the OAC last season. She compiled a 6-5 record—including two no-hitters—and led the staff with 85 strikeouts.

Rounding out the group of three returning starters are Kristina Hayes, a sophomore, who led the staff in innings worked, 98.1, while posting a 9-7 record as a freshman, and Morgan Braun, a junior, who compiled a 4-4 record and 3.11 ERA last season.

Jones batted .352 for Otterbein with 38 hits, 16 RBI, seven doubles, a triple, and team-best four home runs. In 18 conference games, Jones led the team in batting (.424) with 25 hits in 59 at-bats. The freshman also earned first team All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors and was named the OAC Rookie of the Year.

Otterbein closed the season 20-18 overall, its third 20-win season under eighth-year head coach Deb Torman, and made its fourth appearance overall into the OAC Tournament.

Jones Named OAC Rookie of the Year
Written May 07, 2006 by Craig Coleman

Freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont High School), was named the Bob Jordan Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Rookie of the Year, the OAC released Sunday. In addition, the freshman also received All-OAC first-team honors.

Jones batted .352 for the Cardinals with 38 hits, 16 RBI, seven doubles, a triple, and team-best four home runs. In 18 conference games, Jones led the team in batting (.424) with 25 hits in 59 at-bats.

“We’re very proud of what she’s done,” said Otterbein’s eighth-year head coach Deb Torman. “As a freshman, she was a leader for us in all capacities—on the field, off the field, and vocally. To get recognized by the entire conference coaching staff is huge. It brings credibility to our program as a whole too. I’m very proud of her and very pleased that she had the year that she did despite her injuries. She pushed through it and did a phenomenal job offensively, defensively, and from a leadership standpoint.”

In the fall, Jones broke the thumb on her right throwing hand and had to have corrective surgery. During her recovery and throughout the season, Jones over-compensated for the injury and developed tendonitis in her forearm.

“That’s an injury where the only thing that makes it go away is rest, and that was something we didn’t have,” Torman said. “The injury wasn’t going to get better. We knew it and she knew it, and to be able to play through that amount of pain really shows the character of Janelle and how much she wants to help this program go forward.”

Jones played through the injury and in the process provided solid defense for the Cardinals at third base. A shortstop throughout her career, Jones had never played third base prior to playing at Otterbein. Despite her inexperience at the position, Jones helped the Cardinals to a .970 fielding percentage against OAC competition, second-best in the OAC.

“She’s taken charge of the position,” Torman said. “To have someone who has the arm strength that she has is huge. It prevents teams from bunting on us and forces them to play more straight up.”

Three Earn All-OAC Honors in Softball
Written May 07, 2006 by Craig Coleman

Three members of the Otterbein softball team earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors, the OAC announced Sunday.

Shortstop Beth Rowland, a junior from Champion (Champion High School), was selected to the first team for the second consecutive season. The junior led the team in batting (.374) and hits (46) with seven doubles, a home run, and 21 RBI.

Third baseman Janelle Jones, a freshman from Uhrichsville (Claymont), also earned first-team honors. The freshman batted .352 for the Cardinals with 38 hits, 16 RBI, seven doubles, a triple, and team-best four home runs and .546 slugging percentage. In 18 conference games, Jones led the team in batting (.424) with 25 hits in 59 at-bats.

Outfielder Corey Bernard, a sophomore from Medina, was selected to the second team. Bernard started 37 games for the Cardinals and posted a .239 batting average with 22 hits, three doubles, and a triple. Defensively, the sophomore solidified left field and helped the Cardinals to a .970 fielding percentage against OAC competition, second-best in the OAC.

Otterbein closed out the season making its fourth appearance in the OAC Tournament Friday in New Concord where it fell to the top two seeds, third-ranked Muskingum and 13th-ranked Marietta. The Cardinals finished 20-18, 11-7 in the OAC and earned the fourth-seed at the OAC Tournament.

Cards Fall to Top-Ranked Teams at OAC's
Written May 07, 2006 by Craig Coleman

Otterbein had a tall order in front of them taking on third-ranked Muskingum and 13th-ranked Marietta in the first round of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament Friday in New Concord.

The order proved to be too much as Otterbein lost game one to Muskingum, 8-5, and game two to Marietta, 3-0.

Despite staking two one-run leads in the second and fourth innings of game one, the Cardinals couldn’t hold off the powerful Muskie’s and finally succumbed. The Muskie’s impressive offensive display included three home runs, two coming on back-to-back two-strike counts to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning.

“It was a disappointing finish for us this year,” said eighth-year head coach Deb Torman. “We played hard. We just had a few mistakes and didn't have some things fall our way.”

Junior pitcher Megan Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), who started the game, was replaced by sophomore pitcher Morgan Braun, from Ashland (Mapleton), after the Muskie’s second home run. The Cardinals avoided further damage in the fourth, but in the fifth the Muskie’s catcher and OAC player of the year, Kari Hoying, launched a first-pitch two-run shot to deep left center for a three-run cushion.

After a scoreless Cardinal sixth, the Muskie’s tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the inning thanks to a couple of uncharacteristic fielding errors. 

Down 8-2, Otterbein fought back for three two-out runs on three hits in the seventh but found the comeback trail too daunting. Freshman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont), doubled in two and junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, singled home freshman Tressa Ragor, from Mt. Gilead, pinch-running for Jones.

The Cardinals had a promising start in the second inning with the potential for more damage. Freshman designated player Lauren Tibjash, from Lyndhurst (Brush), singled to right field, advanced to second on a groundout, and came home on freshman outfielder Kendy Beers triple down the left field line.

Beers, from Springfield (Kenton Ridge), was stranded at third but it took a great defensive play from the Muskie’s to hold the run. Sophomore outfielder Corey Bernard, from Medina, battled for nine pitches and lined a full-count shot down the first base line only to see it snared by the first baseman for the final out.

“We had two line drive outs in game one, and had those fallen in I think it would have been a different game,” Torman said. “We hit the ball well; we just couldn't get our hits together.”

After the Muskie’s tied the game in the second, the Cardinals regained the lead briefly in the fourth before the Muskie’s flexed their offensive muscles and shut the door.

In game two, Otterbein struggled to string hits together against top-ranked Marietta and OAC pitcher of the year, Kristen Quintana.

Otterbein did not advance any runners to third base while striking out six times to the Pioneers’ star pitcher.

“It is hard to win when you don't score any runs,” Torman said. “Marietta did a good job of keeping our offense off balance.”

Marietta scored each of its runs in the third inning with two outs and the help of a defensive miscue. Freshman pitcher Kristina Hayes, from Upper Arlington, started and went three innings for the Cardinals, allowing just two earned runs with a strikeout.

Seibel started the fourth and pitched three hitless innings, similar to her first encounter with the Pioneers when she pitched a no-hitter.

Despite the season ending losses, the Cardinals can still find lots of positives from the season, including their return to the OAC Tournament for the first time since 2002.

“The season was definitely a positive one,” Torman said. “We made it back to the tournament, which was our initial goal. That was huge for our program. Making the tournament this year gives us a lot of momentum and confidence going into next year with the core of our team returning.”

Three senior Cardinals will not return, however, with the graduations of second baseman Andrea Davis, from Johnstown (Monroe), first baseman Sarah Baltzly, from Wauseon, and outfielder Jessica Ebright, from Columbus (Hamilton Township).

“We will miss the seniors,” Torman said. “They have done a tremendous job for us the last four years. Not only will we miss their play, but also their leadership and experience.”

As Otterbein says goodbye to its seniors, it looks forward to a new incoming freshman class and the return of an experienced core with a year of playoff experience under its belt.

Otterbein closes the season 20-18 overall, its third 20-win season under Torman, and made its fourth appearance overall into the OAC Tournament.

Cards Sweep, Earn No. 4 Seed in OAC's
Written April 30, 2006 by Craig Coleman

The Cardinals needed one win Saturday against Heidelberg to qualify for the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament, and was determined to go after it aggressively.

They decided two wins were better, knocking down the Berg, 8-1 and 3-2, at Rike Field.

If the Cardinals were nervous before game one, they didn’t show it.

“I’ll be completely honest, they really weren’t nervous,” said eighth-year head coach Deb Torman. “I was surprised. They had the attitude of being on a mission.”

Otterbein struck quickly in game one, scoring three runs in the third and one in the fourth to give junior pitcher Megan Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), all the run support she would need.

The Cardinals inflicted all of their damage in the third inning with two outs. Junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, led off with a single to right field and moved to second on a sac bunt.

After a strikeout, Rowland took third on a single from senior first baseman Sarah Baltzly. Baltzly, from Wauseon, took off for second on the next pitch, enticing a throw from the Berg catcher who accidentally threw the ball into the ground allowing Rowland to steal home. In the fracas, Baltzly advanced to third. The Cardinals then strung together three more singles for the 3-run cushion.

Rowland added a RBI-single in the third, and then after a scoreless fourth, the Cardinals added four runs on four hits in the fifth to cruise to victory.

Seibel finished the complete game allowing just four hits with a walk and 13 strikeouts. Offensively, the Cardinals knocked out 12 hits (11 singles), including five players with multiple hits.

“We’re real excited to make the tournament,” Torman said. “It’s the main goal of the season, because from there it’s the only way to make the postseason and get into the national championship.”

With the victory—and Marietta’s split with Capital—Otterbein earned the conference tournament’s fourth-seed and its first foray into the tournament since 2002. None of the current Cardinals played on that 2002 team.

In game two, the Berg grabbed a 2-1 lead in the fourth before the Cardinals answered with two in the bottom of the sixth. With the bases loaded, sophomore outfielder Missy Kanz, from Garfield Heights, wrapped a two-run single to center. Sophomore pitcher Morgan Braun, from Ashland (Mapleton), earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont), continued her solid week at the plate with three hits in game two.

“I’m very pleased with the season,” Torman said. “We’ve been kind of up and down more than I would like, but we’ve managed to pull it out when we needed to. We’ve scored runs when we needed it, and our pitching staff has been phenomenal all year. They’ve kept us in every game; and our defense as well.”

Otterbein (18-16, 11-7 OAC) takes on third-ranked Muskingum (34-4, 16-2 OAC), who earned the No. 1 seed, 1 p.m., Friday in New Concord. The Cardinals and Muskies played a doubleheader just a few days ago with both teams earning hard-fought wins.

Marietta (30-8, 13-5 OAC) earned the No. 2 seed and will play No. 3 seed Mount Union (28-8, 12-6 OAC), 11 a.m., Friday in New Concord. The OAC Tournament is a double-elimination format.

Except for two losses at home to Mount Union, Otterbein has played the top three seeds competitively, including a split against 13th-ranked Marietta. Torman thinks the Cardinals have as good a chance as anybody to win the tournament.

“You know—the No. 1 seed, we beat. The No. 2 seed, we beat,” Torman said. “And everybody starts over on that day. Who’s beat who doesn’t matter once you get there because it’s a completely different environment.”

One thing Torman said the Cardinals will look to work on in the next week is their consistency at the plate and generating runs.

“We’ve been working on adjusting to the situation, whether it’s hitting the ball to the right side, getting our bunts down, or getting the ball out of the infield when we need to score runs. It’s not always about getting the hit. That’s what we’re working on; to get the hitters to understand that an out is what you need sometimes if it’s sacrificing a runner over. That’s what we need to do.”

If Otterbein attacks the tournament with the same aggressiveness it came out with against Heidelberg, they just might have a chance to win its first OAC Tournament in school history.

“Something we haven’t done on an overall basis this year is come out strong,” Torman said. “So that’s really a positive thing for us going into the conference tournament.”

Cards Need One More Win to Make OAC's
Written April 27, 2006 by Craig Coleman

Last season, the Otterbein women’s softball team beat Muskingum for the first time in head coach Deb Torman’s seven seasons at Otterbein. At the time, the win gave the Cardinals a sense of confidence in knowing they could compete with some of the best teams in the nation.

Wednesday in New Concord, the Cardinals surprised the third-ranked Muskies again, storming back twice from deficits to win game one of the doubleheader, 5-4. Otterbein grabbed an early 3-0 lead in game two, but fell, 4-3, in the bottom of the seventh to a determined Muskingum squad.

The victory was Otterbein’s third over a top 25 opponent this season, which includes victories over Marietta (No. 13) and Illinois Wesleyan (No. 24).

“Our offense and our pitching were excellent,” Torman said. “We had a few miscues on defense and that cost us in the second game, but I’m very proud of our team for coming back in game one.”

Junior pitcher Megan Seibel went seven strong innings and freshman third baseman Janelle Jones had four hits (4-for-4) to pace the Cardinals.

In the bottom of the second inning, Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), surrendered two home runs to give Muskingum a three-run lead. The Cardinals responded with three runs in the top of third on singles from senior Andrea Davis, from Johnstown (Monroe), Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont) and junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion.

“Playing the third-ranked team in the nation it is real easy to get down when they put three runs up on the board,” Torman said. “We didn’t get down, and that determination paid off in the end.”

The Cardinals tied the game and still had the bases loaded with just one out but couldn’t push across anymore runs.

Muskingum answered with a two-out run in the third before Seibel settled down and struck out the final batter of the inning. Seibel would go on to retire nine straight batters.

Otterbein manufactured two runs in the top of the fifth with the help of two Muskie errors. After placing runners at second and third with two outs, Corey Bernard, from Medina, reached safely on an error by the Muskie second baseman. In a continuation of the same play, both Cardinal runners advanced and scored on a throwing error by the right fielder.

With a precarious one run lead, Seibel retired the side in the fifth and sixth, and induced a double play grounder to end the game with runners at first and second. Jones, who finished with three putouts and five assists, cleanly fielded the hit, stepped on third and fired across the diamond for the final out.

“Janelle had a tremendous day both offensively and defensively,” Torman said. “I can not say enough good things about what she brings to this team.”

In the nightcap, sophomore pitcher Morgan Braun, from Ashland (Mapleton), took the mound for the first conference start of her career and went 6.2 innings with four runs (one earned), no walks and a strikeout.

“Morgan and our entire pitching staff have done a tremendous job this entire year,” Torman said. “Morgan really stepped up and gave us a chance to win. That is all you can ask from your pitcher.”

Braun blanked the Muskies through the first three innings and two outs into the fourth before the Cardinals allowed two unearned runs. The Cardinals had grabbed a 3-0 lead in the fourth on a double from freshman catcher Lauren Tibjash, from Lyndhurst (Brush), which scored two runs.

Braun escaped the fourth, stranded a runner at third in the fifth, and allowed her first conference earned run—over a span of 16 innings—in the sixth which tied the game.

The Cardinals loaded the bases in the seventh with one out, but failed to push across the go ahead run.

Otterbein, 16-16 overall, sits fourth in the OAC at 9-7 with a one game lead on Baldwin-Wallace, 17-16, 8-8 in the OAC. B-W plays at Wilmington (4-31, 2-14 OAC) Saturday, while Otterbein hosts Heidelberg (13-23, 5-11 OAC) at 1 p.m.

With one win, however, Otterbein gains the fourth-seed by virtue of the OAC tiebreaker rules and its sweep over B-W earlier in the season.

“Yesterday’s result will help us Saturday in the sense that it has raised our confidence and expectation level,” Torman said. “We need to win one game to get into the tournament and reach our team goal. We’re going to go after it aggressively.”

Cards Tournament Fate Rests in Their Play
Written April 25, 2006 by Craig Coleman

It’s a cliche: if you want to be the best, you must beat the best.

With that said, Otterbein takes on fifth-ranked Muskingum, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday on the road. Four conference games remain and Otterbein, 15-15 overall, sits in fourth place of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) at 8-6, with Ohio Northern and Baldwin-Wallace nipping at its heels. Only the top four teams advance to the OAC Tournament.

Muskingum, 31-3 overall, rests comfortably in first of the OAC at 13-1 with its only loss coming at B-W April 1.

Ohio Northern, 15-17 overall, sits sixth in the OAC at 8-8 and plays at B-W, 16-15 overall, fifth in the OAC at 7-7, Wednesday to finish its conference schedule.

If the Cardinals are to advance—for the first time since 2002—their pitching and defense must continue to perform well.

Led by the re-emergence and dominant pitching of junior pitcher Megan Seibel, the Cardinals rank fourth in the OAC in overall team ERA (2.67) and third in team fielding (.965 fielding percentage). Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), carries a 0.50 conference ERA into Wednesday’s matchup, while sophomore pitcher Morgan Braun, from Ashland (Mapleton), has yet to allow an earned run in 11 innings of relief.

Freshman pitcher Kristina Hayes, from Upper Arlington, leads the Cardinals with five conference wins and posts a 3.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts and just one walk in 40 innings of work.

Defensively, senior first baseman Sarah Baltzly, from Wauseon, leads the OAC with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, including 207 putouts and 16 assists in 223 chances.

Offensively, the Cardinals will look for a spark from junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, who leads the team and ranks in the top 10 of the OAC in batting (.396). Rowland has put together 38 hits on the season with seven doubles, a home run, and 16 RBI.

Junior catcher Kristen Pawlus, from Brookpark (Midpark), leads the team in RBIs (23) and is batting .319, while freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont), is batting .325 and leads the team in home runs (4).

Despite an injury to her hand in the offseason that limits her abilities, Jones has also performed admirably in the field. During Saturday’s second game against Ohio Northern, Northern fans were heard cheering for their batters to get hits, but “to not hit it to third base!” It was a credit to Jones performance in the field during the sixth inning which she had three consecutive putouts and/or assists.

After Muskingum, Otterbein hosts Heidelberg (11-23, 3-11 OAC), 1 p.m., Saturday to close out the conference regular season, while B-W plays at Wilmington (4-29, 2-12 OAC).

Seibel Key to Cards Mid-Season Surge 
Written April 20, 2006 by Kyle Durban

Otterbein, a winner in three of its last four conference games, finds itself in fourth place in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).  Part of the reason for this mid-season surge has been the pitching provided by Megan Seibel.

Seibel, a junior from Johnstown (Monroe High School), has posted quality numbers with a 4-2 record and  1.28 ERA.  More impressive, however,  are the two no-hitters that she’s thrown in the month of April.

On April 9 against Baldwin-Wallace, Seibel tossed five innings of no-hit ball in a game that was shortened by the OAC’s 8-run mercy rule.  The Cardinals went on to win the ballgame, 10-0.

Ten days later, Seibel did it again, throwing a seven-inning no-hitter in a 3-0 win over Marietta.

“Megan looks like the same pitcher that we recruited to come to Otterbein,” said head softball coach Deb Torman.  “She’s done a phenomenal job for us.”

Seibel, who missed the majority of last season because of a hip-flexor injury, has recorded 48 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings of work in 2006.  She currently  holds a 2-1 record against conference opponents with a team-best 0.40 ERA. 

“With her being injured last season, the question of whether or not she would return to form did come up,” Torman said.  “We were a little worried that her injury might pop back up, but thankfully it hasn’t.

“She gives us a sense of confidence and with her being an upperclassman, she has that lead-by-example attitude.”

Most recently, Seibel earned a no-decision after throwing nine innings against Capital University on Thursday.  The Cardinals went on to win the ballgame, 2-1, in 12 innings.

“She keeps us close in tough games,” Torman said.  “She mixes up her pitches well and hits spots. When she does that, it helps us on the defensive end.”

Seibel said the key to her success has been a combination of comfort level and working ahead of batters.

“I feel much more comfortable on the mound,” Seibel said.  “I’m just getting ahead, throwing the pitches that I want to throw and going after hitters 

“Right now, the conference is close and we need to pull sweeps to get into the tournament,” Seibel said. “Every game is important.”

Torman agrees, but said it’s getting tougher for the team to sneak up opponents -- especially with Seibel on the mound.

Cards Move Up To 4th in the OAC
Written April 20 by Craig Coleman

What a difference a week makes.

A week ago, the Otterbein women’s softball team lost two homes games to Mount Union, dropped to fifth in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), and was preparing to face doubleheaders against a strong Marietta squad at home and cross-town rival Capital on the road.

But after a week of superb pitching and timely hitting, the Cardinals have crept back into fourth place in the OAC with a split against Marietta and sweep of Capital with three conference matches left in the regular season. Only the top four teams of the OAC advance to the conference tournament.

“I am very pleased with our performance this week,” said eighth-year head coach Deb Torman. “Our pitchers have done a wonderful job, and Megan Seibel has been a huge key to our success.”

Otterbein nearly swept Marietta, which sits second in the OAC, led by junior pitcher Megan Seibel’s second no-hitter of the season in game one of the doubleheader. Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), pitched seven innings, walked two, and struck out four while hitting just one batter. Only one Pioneer reached second base.

The big hit of the game came in the Cardinal fifth, when freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont), connected for a two-run home run.

The Cardinals got down by two in the second game and nearly tied it in the sixth. Three consecutive singles narrowed the deficit to one and put runners on first and second with no outs. The Pioneers switched to their star pitcher, Kristen Quintana, who set down the next three batters and retired the side in the seventh, earning her fourth save of the year.  

Seibel continued to dominate at Capital, holding the Crusaders scoreless for eight innings before surrendering a single run in the ninth. In nine innings, Seibel scattered seven hits, fanned five, and didn’t allow a runner past second base until the ninth.

Sophomore pitcher Morgan Braun, from Ashland (Mapleton), replaced Seibel in the 10th and pitched three scoreless innings for her second win of the year. In three conference appearances, Braun has yet to allow an earned run.

Freshman catcher Lauren Tibjash, from Lyndhurst (Brush), got the game-winning hit in the top of the 12th, a double that scored junior Kristen Pawlus, from Brookpark (Midpark), who had singled earlier in the inning. Jones hit a solo home run in the top of ninth, her fourth of the year.

“Our offense hasn’t been overpowering but it has been there when we have needed it,” Torman said. “Our defense has also been great and helped us this week.”

In the twinbill, the Cardinal bats came alive, led by Pawlus’ three hits (3-for-4) and four RBI, including her second home run of the season. Junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, went 2-for-4 and is now hitting a team-best .395.

Freshman pitcher Kristina Hayes, from Upper Arlington, picked up her seventh win of the season, allowing four hits and one earned run in seven innings. She set down 14 of the final 16 batters she faced, fanned two, and did not walk a batter.

Defensively, Otterbein committed just three errors in the four games after committing seven in two games against Mount Union.

Otterbein (14-12, 7-5 OAC) returns to conference action against Ohio Northern, 1 p.m., Saturday at Rike Field. The Polar Bears, 12-14 overall, currently sit sixth in the OAC at 7-7.

Cards Disappointed in Losses to MTU 
Written by Craig Coleman 04/13/06

As elated as the Otterbein softball team was to sweep Baldwin-Wallace last Sunday, they were just as disappointed in falling twice to Mount Union, 9-2 and 2-1, Wednesday at Rike Field.

Under extremely windy conditions, the Cardinals committed seven errors between the two games, five in the first game. Offensively, after scoring 18 runs at B-W they managed just three against the Raiders, who are now 22-6, 8-4 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).

Despite the two losses, the Cardinals showed spirit and determination in fighting for the win in game two Wednesday.

Junior pitcher Megan Seibel, from Johnstown (Monroe High School), took the mound and started off where she left off against B-W, setting down the first four Raiders in order. The fifth batter, Lindsey Royer, however, took Seibel’s pitch deep to left field for her third home run of the season, giving the Raiders a 1-0 advantage.

Royer, who pitched seven innings in the first game, returned to the mound in the second match and fanned eight in eight innings. The Cardinals did have their chances early on against Royer, however.

Freshman outfielder Kelsey Beers, from Springfield (Kenton Ridge), led off the first with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Andrea Davis, a senior from Johnstown (Monroe). After a strikeout, junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, singled to center field, but Beers was cut down at the plate on a nice throw from the centerfielder.

Otterbein tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth on a RBI single from sophomore outfielder Missy Kanz, from Garfield Heights. Freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont), led off with a double to the wall in left center, Rowland walked, and after junior catcher Kristen Pawlus, from Brookpark (Midpark), sacrificed them to second and third, Kanz singled home Jones.

On the play, Rowland stayed at second, which was important because Sarah Baltzly, a senior from Wauseon, followed with a single. Instead of taking the lead, the Cardinals had loaded the bases.

Unfortunately, Royer buckled down and struck out the next two batters.

Seibel matched Royer’s efforts and kept the Raiders scoreless until the eighth inning. Lee Negrelli reached base on an error, and with two outs scored the winning run from second base on a single from the Raiders Erin Duignan.

Otterbein managed two singles in the bottom of the eighth from Jones and Rowland, but eventually came up short in the rally.

Seibel went eight innings and gave up just one earned run on seven hits, no walks, and fanned three. Jones and Rowland each finished with two hits apiece.

Otterbein, 11-11 overall, 4-4 in the OAC, returns to the field, 1 p.m., Friday to take on Capital, (14-13-1, 3-5 OAC), in Columbus.

Seibel Leaves Injuries Behind with No-Hitter 
Written by Kyle Durban 04/11/06

Plagued by injury during the latter part of last season, Megan Seibel, a junior pitcher from Johnstown (Monroe High School), used her first Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) start of 2006 to pitch more like herself--throwing a 10-0 no-hit shutout of Baldwin-Wallace in Berea on Sunday. 

“I finally felt like I pitched like myself,” Seibel said about her no-hitter against B-W. “My curve ball was working well and I had great control.

“I had a lot of problems with my hip flexor last season and went through all the therapy,” Seibel added. “It just felt like everything kind of fell into place this weekend.”

Seibel tossed five innings of no-hit ball Sunday before the game was called because of the OAC’s 8-run mercy rule. In her five innings of work, she recorded 9 strikeouts and took a perfect game into the fourth inning.

“You can never really tell how you’re going to pitch until you start throwing in the game,” Seibel said. “I felt pretty relaxed with the defense behind me and went after their best hitters.”

Baldwin-Wallace failed to hit a ball out of the infield Sunday and only two batters were able to reach base.  One did so after an error and the other was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning.

With the victory, Seibel improves her record to 3-1. She’s struck out 36 batters in 30-2/3 innings of work this season which is a team best. Opponents are hitting just .212 when Seibel’s on the mound.

Seibel Throws No-Hitter to Earn OAC Honor 
Written by Ed Syguda 04/10/06

Right-handed pitcher Megan Seibel, a junior from Johnstown (Monroe High School), was named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) pitcher of the week in softball, the OAC released today.

Seibel pitched a no-hit 10-0 shutout to give Otterbein a two-game sweep of Baldwin-Wallace in fast-pitch softball Sunday in Berea. Seibel struck out nine of the 17 batters she faced in the game, which was shortened to five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule used by the OAC. She did not allow a walk, but hit one batter.

Otterbein won the first game 8-4.

Seibel leads the Cardinal pitching staff with a 1.83 ERA.

Cards Carry .500 OAC Mark to B-W
Written by Craig Coleman 04/07/06

The Otterbein women’s softball team looks to get over and stay over .500 with a double-header at Baldwin-Wallace, Sunday.

The Cardinals, 9-9 overall, 2-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), went 2-2 in their last four games, splitting the series against Wilmington on the road and John Carroll at home.

The Cardinals lost the first game of each series, scoring just one run in each loss, but rebounded offensively in the second games to pull out the victories.

“We were a little disappointed with the first games against Wilmington and John Carroll,” said eighth-year head coach Deb Torman. “We felt that we could have played better, but we are improving and making progress.” 

As a team, Otterbein collected 20 hits against Wilmington, nine in the first and 11 in game two, but didn’t put things together until the third inning of game two.

The Cardinals knocked out six hits for six runs and were assisted by two Quaker errors in the inning. Sophomore outfielder Corey Bernard, from Medina, came up with the big hit, a triple that scored two runs. Bernard finished with two hits and a run scored. Freshman third baseman Janelle Jones, from Uhrichsville (Claymont High School), led the Cardinals with five hits (5 for 8) over the two games.

Freshman pitcher Kristina Hayes, from Upper Arlington, picked up her fourth win of the year, going five innings while allowing just three hits.

Back at home Tuesday, Otterbein came back from down two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie John Carroll in game two, and then got a game-winning single from senior second baseman Andrea Davis, from Johnstown (Monroe), with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Senior third baseman Jill Shellabarger, from Plain City (Jonathan Alder), scored the winning run after walking to begin the inning.

Hayes got the win, allowing 15 hits over eight innings, but most importantly kept the Blue Streaks scoreless in the top of the eighth.

Junior catcher Kristen Pawlus, from Brookpark (Midpark), led the Cardinals with four hits (4 for 4), including the double that scored two runs and tied the game in the bottom of the seventh.

“Kristen had a tremendous day,” Torman said. “She really led our offensive attack in game two against John Carroll.”

Junior shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion, went 3 for 4 in game one of the doubleheader, added another hit in game two, and bumped her batting average to a team-best .424.

“Our defense has been very strong and we look for that to continue,” Torman added. “We are looking forward to the game against B-W. Our offense was very strong in the second game against John Carroll and we hope that will carry over.”

The Cardinals lost 4-3 in nine innings and 8-0 to B-W last season at home. The Yellow Jackets are 11-8 overall, tied for second in the OAC at 3-1.

Cards Take On Wilmington in OAC Opener
Written by Craig Coleman 03/31/06

After taking two games from Case Western Wednesday, the Otterbein women’s softball team opens conference play, 1 p.m., Saturday at Wilmington.

The Cardinals opened the season going 5-7 at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla. Eighth-year head coach Deb Torman has been pleased with the Cardinals’ performance, pointing out that the defense and pitching has carried the team so far.

“We are looking for our offense to step up a little in the games to come,” Torman said. “We are real excited to open conference this weekend. We had two big wins Wednesday, which we hope will give us some momentum for Saturday.”

Otterbein (7-7) received two strong pitching performances against Case Western (6-12-1) from freshman Kristina Hayes and sophomore Kaitlyn Lloyd. Lloyd pitched all seven innings in game one, allowing seven hits, one earned run, three walks, and recorded seven strikeouts. Hayes followed Lloyd's performance with five strong innings in game two, allowing five hits, three runs, one walk, and striking out one.

In just her first season, Hayes has pitched 43 innings, allowed just seven walks, recorded 18 strikeouts, and has a 2.93 ERA in nine appearances. Lloyd has four appearances, 19.1 innings pitched, five walks, 15 strikeouts, and a 2.33 ERA.

Torman added that some of the Cardinals top performers have been junior shortstop Beth Rowland (.386 avg., 4 doubles), junior catcher Kristen Pawlus (.289 avg., 5 doubles, 10 RBIs), and freshman third baseman Janelle Jones (.278 avg., 2 home runs).

Wednesday, Jones hit her second home run of the season in the first inning to give the Cardinals the early lead, while Pawlus went 3 for 4 in the second game with two doubles and two RBIs.

Wilmington (2-11), which has lost six straight games, is looking to rebound from a rough 2005 season. The Quakers finished 2-33 a year ago, just 2-16 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).

The Cardinals split their doubleheader last season against the Quakers, winning 3-0 in game one and falling 11-8 in game two.

Rowland Named Team MVP--22 Earn Letters
Written by Ed Syguda 06/06/05

Sophomore shortstop Beth Rowland, from Champion (Champion High School), was selected the team’s “most valuable player” for the 2005 season.

Rowland and her teammates were recently honored at the annual softball award’s picnic held on the campus of Otterbein College. Twenty-two players from the 16-16 Cardinals were awarded letters.

Receiving team special awards were:

Rowland, who led Otterbein in hitting (.327), runs scored (19), slugging percentage (.490), on-base percentage (.381), runs-batted in (21), and stolen bases (10), was named “Most Valuable Player”. The shortstop also earned first team All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and third team All-Central Region honors this season.

Melissa Heckel, a freshman pitcher from Marysville (Marysville High School), was named “Rookie of the Year”. The right-hander led the pitching staff in earned-run average (1.40), wins (11), appearances (25), innings pitched (130), and strikeouts (67). She started 15 games, completing 14, on her way to an 11-8 record.

Nicole Jones, a senior right fielder from Amherst (Marion L. Steele High School), was selected “Most Improved Player”. Jones, who started 29 games, batted .278, which was third best among teammates. She collected six doubles and 10 RBIs.

Andrea Davis, a junior second baseman from Johnstown (Johnstown-Monroe High School), received the “Hustle Award”, presented to the player who gives 110 percent effort all the time. Davis started all 32 games, batting .259. She scored 17 runs.

Kristen Pawlus, a sophomore third baseman from Brookpark (Midpark High School), received the “Clutch Award”, presented to the player who comes through in key situations. Pawlus turned in the second-best batting average, .323, on the team. She started all 32 games, collecting 15 runs, six doubles, two home runs, and 19 RBIs.

Twenty-two players were awarded letters. The complete list follows:

Four-year letterwinners were Jones; Kristi Feasby, a senior center fielder from Convoy (Crestview High School); and B.J. Thomas, a senior catcher from Dundee (Garaway High School).

Three-year letterwinners were Davis; Sarah Baltzly, a junior first baseman from Wauseon (Wauseon High School); Amy Corbett, a junior infielder from Columbus (DeSales High School); Katie Karpowicz, a junior infielder from Hilliard (Bishop Ready High School); and Jill Shellabarger, a junior utility player from Plain City (Jonathon Alder High School).

Two-year letterwinners were Rowland; Pawlus; Jessica Ebright, a junior outfielder from Columbus (Hamilton Township High School); and Megan Seibel, a sophomore pitcher from Johnstown (Johnstown High School).

Rowland Earns All-Region Honors
Written by Ed Syguda 05/2/05

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) named Otterbein shortstop Beth Rowland to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division III All-Central Region third team.

Rowland, a sophomore from Champion (Champion High School), led Otterbein in many offensive categories this season and was selected the team’s “most valuable player”.

The shortstop led the Cardinals in hitting (.327), runs scored (19), slugging percentage (.490), on-base percentage (.381), runs-batted in (21), and stolen bases (10). Rowland tallied seven doubles, two triples and two home runs; and held a .949 fielding percentage.

Cards Improve to 3-1 in the OAC
Written by Justin Hamilton 04/07/05

What a difference a year and the addition of a freshman arm has made to the 2005 Otterbein softball team.

After being swept by John Carroll by scores of 10-4 and 11-2 last season in Westerville, Otterbein turned the tables on the Blue Streaks, winning both games in University Heights Tuesday by 1-0 margins.

With the wins, the Cardinals improve to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).  John Carroll dips to 4-8 overall and 0-4 in the conference, losing all four league games by scores of 1-0.

The Cardinals picked up a ninth-inning victory in game one before scoring a run in the top of the seventh inning to take game two.

In the first contest, junior second baseman Andrea Davis came up with an RBI-single to plate freshman outfielder Hallie Robins for the game’s lone run with two outs in the top of the ninth.  Freshman pitcher Melissa Heckel, who lowered her earned-run average to 0.67 on the day, earned the victory with a complete-game shutout.

“Melissa has done a tremendous job for us this year,” said seventh-year head coach Deb Torman.  “She has great control of all of her pitches and excellent location.  She also reads batters very well and pitches to the batter’s weakness and our defense’s strength.”

The nightcap between the two teams featured another pitching duel.  This time sophomore Megan Seibel took the mound for the Cardinals, pitching four innings of shutout ball before giving way to Heckel, who went the last three innings and collected her eighth win of the season.

Sophomore infielder Beth Rowland started the top half of the seventh with a double and was moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore third baseman Kristen Pawlus.  Senior centerfielder Kristi Feasby completed the inning with an RBI-single to give Otterbein the eventual 1-0 victory.

“Every win in the conference is an important win,” Torman said.  “Our pitching and defense was excellent, which put us in a great position to win.  When you win like that, it helps with momentum and, hopefully, we can take that momentum into Saturday’s games against Baldwin-Wallace.”

Otterbein will host Baldwin-Wallace, 1 p.m., Saturday before traveling to Alliance next Wednesday to take on Mount Union.

“I am very pleased and excited with the possibilities that this team brings,” Torman said.  “We have great team chemistry and with solid play, we hope to get back to the OAC Tournament this year.”

Two Earn OAC Player of the Week Honors
Written by Ed Syguda 03/28/05

Shortstop Beth Rowland and pitcher Melissa Heckel earned Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) player-of-the-week honors, the conference office released today.

Rowland, a sophomore shortstop from Champion (Champion High School), was named “hitter of the week”. She batted .539 over four games, scored four runs and collected two RBIs.

Heckel, a freshman pitcher from Marysville (Marysville High School), worked 18 innings and allowed no earned runs while striking out 15. She threw a one-hitter in a 5-1 win over Augsburg (MN) March 22 in Orlando, Fla.

2005 Season Preview
Written by Justin Hamilton 03/11/04

Seventh-year head coach Deb Torman will field a much different team in 2004.

Otterbein returns 14 letterwinners, including seven starters, from last season’s squad, which finished 17-21 overall and 8-10 in the Ohio Athletic Conference.  The Cardinals opened 2004 with just two returning starters.  

“I believe that our returning experience will help us to be a stronger team,” Torman said.  “Our team has very good chemistry and cohesiveness, which is allowing us to progress as a team.  I am very excited about our squad this year.”

The Cardinals batted .259 as a team last season with 130 RBIs and scored 154 runs. Otterbein was 37 of 47 in stolen base attempts.

Otterbein’s ability to move runners along the base paths as well as get the occasional big hit may be a defining characteristic to this year’s team.

“I believe that we will have a little bit of both power and contact hitters in our lineup,” Torman said.  “We are returning Alanna Fenton and Leanna Hambrick, both left-handed slap hitters, who, along with Andrea Davis, allow us to have a solid short game and to be a threat on the base paths.”

Fenton, a junior utility player, batted .236 and scored 11 runs in 2004.  She was third on the team with four stolen bases.

Davis, a junior second baseman, was third on the team with a .292 batting average, and shared the team lead with seven doubles.  She led the team with 10 stolen bases.

“We also are returning Kristen Pawlus, Beth Rowland and Kristi Feasby, who all bring tremendous power to the plate,” Torman said.

Pawlus, a sophomore utility player, led the team with a .329 batting average and was second with 21 RBIs.  She recorded a .486 slugging percentage, which was second on the team, and posted a .967 fielding percentage at catcher and third base.

Rowland, a sophomore infielder, batted .266, with seven RBIs, and tied for the team lead with 23 runs scored.  She was second on the team with seven stolen bases.

Feasby, a senior center fielder, batted .238, with 14 RBIs, and led the team with three home runs.  She recorded a .981 fielding percentage and made just one error in 54 chances.    

The Otterbein pitching staff gets a huge lift with the return of sophomore Megan Seibel. Seibel led the team in earned-run average (2.69), shutouts (4), strikeouts (53), and complete games (8).  She held opponents to a .273 batting average, also a team best.

“Megan is definitely the leader of our pitching staff and we look for her to continue her success this year,” Torman said.  “Megan is so effective because she has tremendous control of all of her pitches.  She also has confidence in herself and in her teammates to pitch to our team’s strengths.”

Along with Seibel, freshmen Melissa Heckel and Morgan Braun should see time on the mound.

“Melissa is a power pitcher and brings good speed along with control,” Torman said.  “Morgan is a control pitcher with good movement and placement of her pitches.”      

One of the focal points for the Cardinals this season will be improving upon their .934 fielding percentage from a year ago.  Otterbein ranked eighth in the conference in fielding, committing 78 errors in 1,183 chances, but did make 10 double plays, second best in the OAC.

“We definitely need to stress solid defense this year,” Torman said.  “Our defense hurt us last year and we will really focus on our defensive play this year.  I believe that the returning starters will help us improve upon that.”

The Cardinals open their season at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.  Otterbein will play 12 games during the trip, beginning with Hamilton College (NY) March 17.  The Cardinals will open OAC play at home versus Wilmington Apr. 2.  

“We are playing our typical non-conference schedule, which includes some power teams from the North Coast Athletic Conference in Denison and Ohio Wesleyan, along with some regionally and nationally-ranked teams on our spring trip to Florida,” Torman said.  “I feel that these games will really help us prepare for our OAC schedule, and we hope to be at full strength when we open conference play.”

Cardinals Back on Winning Track in OAC
Written by Justin Hamilton 04/15/04

Otterbein scored a combined two runs in its Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) doubleheader with Marietta on Thursday afternoon in Westerville, but the tallies were good enough to give the Cardinals a sweep over the Pioneers.   

The Cardinals pulled out dramatic 1-0 victories in both games, which extended to 12 and eight innings, respectively.  

Otterbein now moves to 13-13 overall and 6-6 in the OAC.  Marietta drops to 14-15 overall and 5-7 in league play.

In the first game, Otterbein freshman Megan Seibel (Johnstown/Johnstown) pitched all 12 innings, allowing just five hits while striking out eight.  Seibel upped her record to 5-2 on the year.

The Pioneers had a chance to strike first, but Sue Schwamberger was stranded at third after Seibel struck out Mindi Littleton to end the top half of the 12th inning.

Otterbein took advantage of the missed opportunity in its half of the 12th.   Sophomore Alanna Fenton (Springfield/North) singled and moved to second after sophomore Andrea Davis (Johnstown/Johnstown-Monroe) grounded out to short.  Sophomore Sarah Baltzly (Wauseon/Wauseon) delivered a one-out, RBI single two batters later to give the Cardinals a thrilling 1-0 victory. 

The nightcap of the doubleheader followed the same pattern of game one, with the Cardinals again pulling out a dramatic victory.  

Freshman Brittani Stai (Pataskala/Watkins Memorial) pitched a complete game, seven hitter in earning her fourth win of the season (4-3).

The game was nearly suspended because of darkness, but the Cardinals made sure the outcome was decided before the night was over.

Freshman Beth Rowland (Champion/Champion) led off the top of the eighth inning with a walk, and moved to second on a sacrifice by Baltzly.  Senior Lynne Huck (Columbus/Warren) followed with a single, moving Rowland to third with just one out.  

Senior Crissi Myers followed with a seemingly routine groundout to the pitcher, but Rowland sprinted for home on the throw to first and slid under Katie Moriarty's tag at home to give Otterbein a 1-0 lead.  

With darkness rearing its ugly head, Marietta put runners on second and third with two outs in its half of the eighth inning.  However, the comeback attempt was thwarted when Candice Miller lined out to Baltzly to end the game.

Otterbein will be back in action on Friday, 3:30 p.m., hosting Case Western Reserve in a non-conference doubleheader.      

Baltzly Named OAC Hitter of the Week
Written by Ed Syguda 04/05/04

Sarah Baltzly, a sophomore from Wauseon, was named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) hitter of the week in softball, the league office released today.

The first baseman collected three hits and five RBI’s to help lead her team to a twinbill sweep of Heidelberg at home last Saturday. Baltzly balanced her good day at the plate with consistent fielding, handling 17 chances without an error at first base.

Youth Ready to Step Forward for Cardinals in 2004
Written by Justin Hamilton 01/27/04

The Otterbein Cardinals return 16 letterwinners to a squad that finished 24-15 and 9-9 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). 

Those letterwinners will be asked to fill the void left behind by seven departed starters.

“With a new starting lineup, adjustments will definitely have to be made,” said sixth-year head coach Deb Torman.  “The younger players will have to step up to the challenge, but they are looking forward to it.  We have tremendous speed this year and we will look to use that to our advantage. 

“Having a JV schedule last year has helped the younger players.  They got some experience last year and will step in this year and do a great job.”

Leading the list of returnees will be juniors Kristi Feasby and B.J. Thomas.  Feasby was fifth on the team with a .330 batting average, and she led the squad with five stolen bases.  Thomas tied for the team lead with three home runs and led the Cardinals with a .569 slugging percentage.  Feasby and Thomas were second and third on the team, respectively, in RBIs.

Seniors Crissi Myers and Lynne Huck will help to add experience to a young Cardinal squad, which includes nine sophomores and nine freshmen.  Myers is a three-year letterwinner and was named to the 2002 OAC All-Tournament Team.  Huck was a two-year letterwinner at Columbus State before transferring to Otterbein last season. 

The top four hitters for the Cardinals are gone from a year ago, but Torman is confident that there are players waiting to step in.

“I look for Kristi Feasby, Crissi Myers and Jill Shellabarger to have a good year,” Torman said.  “All three are hitters that can put the ball in play, but they also bring power to the plate.”

The pitching staff for the Cardinals is led by sophomore Trista Steed, who picked up some valuable experience last season and will be one of the top pitchers for the Cardinals in 2004.  Steed was 9-6 with a 3.85 ERA.

“Trista Steed’s success will be very important to us this year,” Torman said.  “She will be the pitcher coming back with the most experience and we look for her to lead this young staff. 

“We also brought in two freshman pitchers, Brittani Stai, and Megan Seibel who will share the pitching duties with Trista.” 

One of the biggest keys for Otterbein will be eliminating errors and unearned runs.  The Cardinals allowed 32 unearned runs last season and look to improve upon that mark this spring.

“We are definitely going to concentrate on defense because our defense needs to be better for us to have success,” Torman said.  “We are a faster and more aggressive team than we have been and our players are ready to step out of the shadow of our past teams and make a name for themselves.”

Otterbein did build up some momentum at the end of last season as the Cardinals finished by winning seven of their last eight games.

“You always look to build on positive momentum, but this is a new year and a new team and they are looking forward to building their own momentum starting right away with our spring trip to Florida,” Torman said.

The Cardinals will open their season in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games March 18-25.  Otterbein will open OAC play at Baldwin-Wallace March 27. 

“Our goals are very team oriented, to build on the successes of our program and to learn from the mistakes,” Torman said.  “We want to work hard and get back to the OAC Tournament to fight for our first championship.”

Hayes, Dean & Lowe Named All-OAC
Written by Ed Syguda 05/05/02

Three members of the Otterbein softball team were selected All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) the league office announced Saturday.

Outfielder Justyn Hayes, a senior from Baltimore (Liberty Union High School), was named to the first team. First baseman Cari Dean, a senior from Canal Winchester (Canal Winchester High School), and right-handed pitcher Angie Lowe, a senior from Sullivan (Black River High School), landed on the second team.

Hayes turned in the best season of her four-year career at Otterbein, batting .339 along with 17 RBI and a .929 fielding average. She was the team’s co-leader with 26 runs scored.

Dean led the Cardinals in hitting (.384), slugging percentage (.571), fielding (.981) and runs scored (26); and shared second on the team with 20 RBI. She hit 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs this season.

Lowe, the workhorse of the pitching crew, compiled a staff-leading 2.23 ERA. She finished the season with a 15-8 record and made three saves. Lowe struck out 123 while walking just 16.

In addition to their honors for athletics, Dean and Lowe were both named first team Academic All-OAC. Dean carries a 3.68 grade-point average and is majoring in molecular biology. Lowe, a sport management major, sports a 3.67 average.

Otterbein closed out the 2003 season strong, winning seven of its last eight games. The Cardinals tallied a 24-15 record—just one win off the school record—and finished in a tie with Ohio Northern for sixth place in the OAC, each 9-9.

Lowe & Feasby Selected OAC Players of the Week
Written 04/30/02

Angie Lowe, a senior from Sullivan (Black River High School), and Kristi Feasby, a sophomore from Convoy (Crestview High School), were selected Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) “players of the week” in softball.

The players helped lead Otterbein (23-14) to six victories in eight games played last week.

Lowe was selected “pitcher of the week”. The right-hander compiled a 4-1 record and a 1.46 earned-run average while striking out 29 over 33-2/3 innings of work.

Feasby was selected “hitter of the week” after hitting safely in all eight games. The shortstop went 15 for 22 (.682), including three doubles, at the plate. She scored eight times and knocked in another seven runs.

Cards Enter 2003 with Strong Senior Class
Written by Scott Rex 12/17/02

Following back-to-back record-breaking seasons, fifth-year head coach Deb Torman is preparing her Cardinals to take the final step toward an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) championship.

“Every year you hope to get a little bit closer to a championship,” Torman said.  “I think with our returning starters, and our large freshman class, we’re going to have some depth, which we haven’t had a lot of in the past.”

For the second straight year, the Cardinals set a new school record for wins (25), while advancing to the championship round of the OAC Tournament.  As in 2001, Otterbein fell to Muskingum in the championship round of the tournament.

Torman plans to open camp with 13 returning letterwinners, including eight seniors.

Leading the way are senior first baseman Cari Dean and senior pitcher Angie Lowe.

Dean followed up her 2001 season, in which she batted a conference-best .477, with a .439 average in 2002.  She collected 50 hits, including 10 doubles, drove in 37 runs and scored 31 times.  In the field, Dean committed just one error in 242 chances.  Dean was a second team all-conference selection in 2002.

Lowe, the ace of the Cardinals’ staff, went 13-7 last season, with a 1.98 earned-run average.  She threw complete games in 18 of her 20 starts.  Lowe struck out 110 batters, while walking only 23, in 141-2/3 innings of work a year ago.  Lowe also earned second team All-OAC honors.

Vicky Ross, who also earned second team all-conference honors, returns for her junior season.  Ross batted .339 a year ago, driving in 27 runs and scoring 20 times.  She was second on the team with 10 stolen bases.

“I think a lot of our success has come from not having to depend on one or two people,” Torman said.  “We pride ourselves on having different people step up when they need to.”

Otterbein will play its home games in a new, on-campus facility this season.  Construction of the Clements Recreation and Fitness Center forced the Cardinals off their field a year ago.

“I think it’s a huge advantage for us to be back at our home field site,”  Torman said. “The seniors have looked forward to the new field and are excited to open it up this season, which will be a nice completion to their careers.”