SOFTBALL
2007 News Archives
Three TU Teams Named NAIA Scholar Teams
July 17, 2007
The NAIA announced Monday that over 400 teams were named NAIA Scholar Teams, including 3 from Thomas University. Baseball, Softball, and Women's Golf all surpassed the required 3.0 grade point average for the 2006-07 academic year.
The softball team led the way, not only for TU, but all NAIA Softball teams, with an incredible 3.55 GPA. Baseball was the 5th highest in their sport with a 3.15, and Women's Golf made the grade with a 3.02. The golfers were all freshmen, which makes this accomplishment even more impressive.
"When you combine this achievement in the classroom with the Softball team going to the National Tournament, Baseball going to the regional tournament, and sending a golfer as an individual to the National Championships, this has truly been an extraordinary year", TU Athletic Director Mike Lee said. "All of our coaches have done a great job emphasizing performance in the classroom, as well as on the field. The coaches and students should be commended for a job well done. I really think this shows that we are doing things the right way at Thomas University."
As a department, the athletes finished the Spring semester with a 3.03 GPA, the highest in nearly 2 years.
Two Lady Night Hawks Honored By NFCA
June 13, 2007
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) honored two Lady Night Hawks for outstanding seasons. Senior outfielder Stacey Ward and junior designated player Tiffany DePriest were selected to the 2007 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NAIA All Region Team. Ward, a native of Ocean Grove, Australia, was selected to the East Region First Team. She finished the year batting a team high .444 with 31 runs batted in and led the team with 13 home runs. DePriest, a native of Panama city, FL, was selected to the East Region Second Team. She finished the year batting .315 with 13 runs batted in.
Twelve TU Athletes Named NAIA Scholar Athletes In 2006-07 School Year
May 31, 2007
TU Athletes are not only succeeding on the field they are getting the job done in the classroom as well. Throughout the 2006-07 school year, twelve student athletes were recognized for their achievements in the class room being named NAIA Scholar Athletes. The Athletic Department as completed the spring semester with a cumulative GPA above a 3.0.
Softball had seven players named to the list this season, seniors Kylie Berryman, Brittany Berthold, Tina Donaldson, Stacey Ward, and Revana Rainwater, were joined by juniors Stacie David and Sarah Yingling with this honor. The seven lady Night Hawks gave TU the highest representation of any NAIA institution.
Baseball had three players recognized; senior Eric Johnson (two time honoree), juniors Mike Vitello and Ken Zarrillo. The trio were three of only ten representatives from Region 14. With the three recipients, TU tied Webber International for the most institutional representatives on the list.
Men's and women's soccer each had one honoree. Senior men's soccer player Jonathan Carroll and junior women's soccer player Mandy Ballinger were honored in February for their achievements.
Ward Named 1st Team All-American
May 23, 2007
Senior Stacey Ward was named to the 1st team NAIA All-American by the National Office this afternoon. The native of Ocean Grove, Australia finished the season with a .444 batting average, 31 runs batted in, and 13 home runs. Ward was a member of the Night Hawks 2004 NAIA national championship team.
7 Lady Night Hawks Named 2007 NAIA Scholar Athletes
May 21, 2007
Seven lady Night Hawks were named to the 2007 NAIA scholar athlete softball team by the National Office this afternoon. Seniors Kylie Berryman, Brittany Berthold, Tina Donaldson, Stacey Ward, and Revana Rainwater, were joined by juniors Stacie David and Sarah Yingling with this honor. The seven lady Night Hawks gives TU the highest representation of any NAIA institution.
Trevecca Nazarene University Advances With 9-1 Victory Over TU
May 19, 2007 (Courtesy of Julie Powell, NAIA Media Coordinator)
Brittiany Johnson tossed a one-hitter as Trevecca Nazarene University defeated Thomas University 9-1 in five innings in Pool C action at the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship Saturday (May 19) afternoon at Wilson Morgan Park.
The No. 5 Trojans advanced to 58-9 overall and to 3-1 in pool play while the No. 13 Lady Night Hawks ended their season at 25-20 and 1-3. With the win, TNU earned the No. 2 seed from Pool C and will advance to the double-elimination portion of the tournament that begins Monday (May 21).
Trevecca Nazarene scored twice in the second. Marla Trapani had a sacrifice fly before the Trojans added another run on one of four Thomas miscues. The Lady Night Hawks got their lone hit against Johnson (41-5) in the second as Brittany Berthold connected on a solo homer to left.
The Trojans broke the game open with threer uns in the fourth inning before closing with four more in the fifth as they took advantage of three Night Hawk errors. Kylie Berryman (8-6) took the loss for the Lady Night Hawks.
Bethel College Defeats Thomas University 7-1
May 19, 2007 (Courtesy of Julie Powell, NAIA Media Coordinator)
Corinne Dennison drove in three runs as Bethel (Ind.) College defeated Thomas University 7-1 in Pool C action at the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship Saturday (May 19) afternoon at Wilson Morgan Park.
The No. 21 Pilots improved to 44-10 overall and to 1-2 in the pool while the No. 13 Night Hawks slipped to 25-19 and to 1-2. Both teams wrap up pool play later today. Thomas will face Trevecca Nazarene University at 5:30 PM while Bethel will face Shorter College at 8 PM.
Bethel took a 1-0 lead in the first on a home run to left field by Britney Beneker, who went 3 for 3. Thomas evened the game at one on Joann Tosh's fourth inning infield single.
Dennison, who went 2 for 3, gave Bethel the lead in the bottom of the fourth with her bases clearing double to right center field. Bethel extended its lead to 6-1 with RBI hits by Britney Fisher and Sarah Rassi, who went 2 for 3, in the fifth. Emily Kramer added a run-scoring single in the sixth for the pilots. Brittney Hire (25-6) scattered three hits and struck out six for the pilots while Kylie Berryman (8-5) took the loss for the Lady Night Hawks.
Shorter Edges TU 3-2
May 18, 2007 (Courtesy of Julie Powell, NAIA Media Coordinator)
Shorter College edged Thomas University 3-2 in the final Pool C contest Friday evening at the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championship being played at Wilson Morgan Park.
The ninth ranked Hawks improved to 44-10 while the 13th ranked Lady Night Hawks fell to 25-8. Both teams stand at 1-1 in pool play after the first day of the tournament. Both teams play again on Saturday (May 19). Thomas will face Bethel (Ind.) College at 12:30 PM while Shorter will entertain Houston Baptist University at 3 PM.
Shorter touched up Thomas starter Stacie David (10-9) for two first innings runs. Jessica Sanders drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly to right field. Kerry Hammond added a RBI single to right center field.
Thomas got one of the runs back in the fourth on a solo home run to left by Stacey Ward. Shorter added an insurance run in the top of the sixth to take a 3-1 lead on a RBI single by Dana Abrams, who went 2-3. That run was huge as Thomas scored a run in its half of the sixth on a Candice Wimmer home run to center. Missy Duke (23-6) scattered four hits and struck out eight as she picked up the win.
TU Knocks Off #6 Houston Baptist
May 18, 2007
TU Softball (25-17), NAIA #13, got off to a strong start at the NAIA National Tournament on Friday afternoon in Decatur, AL, knocking off NAIA #6 Houston Baptist University 5-2. The Lady Night Hawks will next face NAIA #9 Shorter College in game #2 of Pool C play on Friday evening at 8:00PM.
The Lady Night Hawks took advantage of two HBU errors in the second to take a 3-0 lead that would not be overcome. Senior center fielder Stacey Ward (2-4, 2 R, SB) singled to right with one out and advanced to second when a groundball off the bat of senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (0-4, R) was booted for an error, giving TU runners on first and second. Junior designated player Tiffany DePriest (1-3, R) then bounced a grounder to short that was misplayed as well loading up the bases for Thomas. After a strike out, senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (2-3, 3 RBI, 2B) singled to center scoring Ward and Berthold. Senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (1-4, RBI, 2B) then followed with a double to second scoring DePriest from second base.
Houston Baptist trimmed the lead to one scoring single runs in the fourth and fifth. TU put the game away with two runs in their half of the sixth. Ward led off with a single and then stole second. With two out, she was driven in on a dropped fly ball off the bat of junior catcher Sarah Yingling (0-2, R, RBI, SH). Yingling would then score on a double to center by Donaldson to stretch the score to 5-2 and wrap up the game for TU. Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (8-4) went seven innings allowing two earned runs while striking out five for the victory.
Lady Night Hawks Set To Begin National Championship Quest
May 17, 2007
The NAIA #13 Lady Night Hawks (24-17) are set to begin the quest towards the second national championship in the program's history. TU will face NAIA #6 Houston Baptist University (Tx.) in their first game of Pool C play at 12:30PM on Friday afternoon at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, AL.
Thomas face NAIA #9 Shorter College (Ga.) on Friday evening at 8:00PM to conclude day one. TU will round out Pool C play on Saturday afternoon when they face NAIA #21 Bethel College (Ind.) at 12:30PM and NAIA #5 Trevecca Nazarene at 5:30PM. Each qualifying team will play four games in pool play competition, with the best two records from each of the four pools moving on to double-elimination bracket play. Sunday, May 20 will serve as an off-day in the tournament, with bracket play beginning on Monday May 21.
Fans can catch all of the tournament action, including live statistics, box scores, tournament statistics, game recaps and daily recaps at www.naia.org, by clicking on the championship central link. Live statistics links will be provided at the Championship Central home page.
Softball Receives At Large Bid To National Championships
May 12, 2007
Thomas University Softball (24-17) has received one of seven at large bids for the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championships to be played at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, AL May 18-23.
TU the No. 1 seed, NAIA #13, lost 5-2 in the region 14 championship against the No. 2 seed, NAIA #15, Savannah College of Art and Design on Friday afternoon. Seeding for the championship will take place Sunday morning May 13 with pool-play schedules to follow. Fans can view the entire tournament and its championship bracket at www.naia.org, and live statistics will be provided from the tournament using Daktronics webcasts. Link will be provided at www.naia.org.
SCAD Knocks Off Lady Night Hawks, Captures Region 14 Championship
May 11, 2007
The No. 2 seeded, NAIA #15, Savannah College of Art and Design knocked off the Lady Night Hawks (24-17), 5-2, to capture the 2007 Region 14 Championship and an automatic bid to the 2007 NAIA Softball National Championships to be played in Decatur, AL May 18-23.
TU scored scored twice in the bottom of the first to take the early 2-0 lead. Senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (0-3, R) led off the inning and reached on a SCAD error. She would advance to second on a passed ball, sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (0-2, R, BB) would then reach first with a base on balls. Senior third baseman Jo Tosh (1-3, 2 RBI, 2B) then drove in both runners with a double to deep center field. Tosh would be stranded on second, TU would have only one more base runner reach second the rest of the game.
SCAD would get runs in the third, fourth, and fifth to take the lead and wrap up the championship. The Lady Night Hawks managed only two more hits the rest of the game as the Lady Bees pitching took control of the game. Junior pitcher Stacie David (10-8) relieved once again but would take the loss after going three 2/3 innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits.
The Lady Night Hawks must now await their fate for a possible at large bid to the National Championship. Thirteen region champions qualify and seven at large bids are awarded to the six day tournament in Decatur, GA.
TU Holds Off Bobcats
May 11, 2007
Thomas University softball (24-16) held off the gritty St. Thomas University Bobcats 8-7 to advance to game six of the NAIA Region 14 Tourney at the Diamond Plex in Winter Haven, FL on Friday afternoon.
TU took the early lead going up 3-0 in the second inning. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (1-4, R, 3B) led off the inning with a triple and was driven on a single by junior designated player Tiffany DePriest (2-2, R, 2 RBI, 2B). Junior catcher Sarah Yingling (1-3, R, 2B) followed with a double to give TU runners on second and third with no outs. DePriest would then score from third on a STU error and Yingling would later score from third on base hit by senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (1-4, R, RBI).
St. Thomas would come right back to take the lead in the top half of the third scoring five runs on six hits but would leave two costly base runners in scoring position. Thomas would creep back within one in the bottom half of the inning when senior center fielder Stacey Ward (2-4, 2R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) scored on a DePriest double after leading off the inning with a double.
In the bottom of the sixth TU would get the runs needed to take over the game. With one out, Pickelsimer reached on an error and then scored on a base hit by senior second baseman Revanna Rainwater (2-3, R, RBI, 2B). Rainwater would advance to thirs on consecutive passed balls by the STU catcher. Sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (0-2, R, 2 BB) would then reach on a walk to give TU runners at first and third. Wimmer would then advance to second on a fielders choice to the shortstop. Now with two runners in scoring position but two outs in a tied game, the Lady Night Hawks needed a big hit and they got just that. Ward on the very first pitch of the at bat would drill a deep shot way beyond the left field fence to give TU the 8-5 lead and some insurance.
STU would not go quietly. In the top of the seventh, the Bobcats would score two trimming the lead to one. Junior pitcher Stacie David (10-7) buckled down and forced the next Bobcat batter to ground out, wrapping up the game and stranding the game tying run in scoring position. David picked up the victory in relief after going four 2/3 and allowing three runs, two earned, while striking out four.
The Lady Night Hawks advance to the championship game at 5PM but will need to knock off NAIA #15 Savannah College of Art & Design two times to capture the Region 14 championship and an automatic bid to the NAIA Softball National Championship in Decatur, AL May 18-23. TU is 4-1 on the season head to head against SCAD this year but dropped game three of the tourney to them yesterday.
Lady Night Hawks Drop Heartbreaker To SCAD
May 10, 2007
The Lady Night Hawks (23-16) , NAIA #13, dropped game three of the 2007 Region 14 Tourney, 2-0, against NAIA #15 Savannah College of Art and Design on Thursday night at the Diamond Plex in Winter Haven, FL.
In a game dominated by tough pitching with both teams combining for only six hits, it was SCAD who capitalized on five TU errors to capture the victory. SCAD would get single runs in the third and fifth innings, while their starting pitcher Kristen Curette mowed down six TU batters in seven innings pitched. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (2-3) got two of the three Thomas hits and only three TU runners advanced to second in the whole game. Junior pitcher Stacie David (9-7) took the tough loss allowing only two runs, one earned, on three hits in six innings pitched.
TU drops into the losers bracket and must now face the winner of game four, an elimination game between No. 3 St. Thomas University and No. 4 Webber International University, at 2PM on Friday afternoon. The winner of the game #5 between TU and the STU/WIU winner will face SCAD in game six of the region championship at 5PM on Friday afternoon. SCAD is undefeated and will need to be defeated twice. Game #7, if necessary is scheduled for 7PM on Friday evening. Be sure to log onto the tournament page at http://www.webberathletics.com/sidebar.asp?id=453&path=softball and follow the instructions for live streaming audio of the action.
Softball Opens Region 14 Tourney With Victory Over Webber
May 10, 2007
NAIA #13 Thomas University Softball (23-15), the No. 1 seed, opened up the 2007 NAIA Region 14 Tourney with a 4-0 blanking of the Webber International University Lady Warriors at the Diamond Plex in Winter Haven, FL on Thursday afternoon.
The Lady Night Hawks were led by a strong pitching performance by senior Kylie Berryman (7-4) allowing only three hits in seven innings. TU took the lead in the bottom of the second when senior third baseman Jo Tosh (3-3, 2 R, 2B) led off with a single and then advanced to third on a double by senior center fielder Stacey Ward (2-2, R, 2 RBI, 2B, SF). Tosh would score on a one out sacrifice fly by catcher Sarah Yingling (1-2, RBI, SF), Ward advanced to third on the play. Senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (2-3, RBI) would then single to drive in Ward and give TU the early 2-0 lead. A lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game. In the third, senior second baseman Revana Rainwater (1-3, R) would score on a sacrifice fly by Ward after singling to lead off the inning and advancing to third on an error by the WIU leftfielder on a single by Tosh. Ahead by three TU would tack on another run in the fifth when Ward drove in her second run on a single that scored Tosh.
TU will next have to face the No. 2 seed, NAIA #15, Savannah College of Art and Design in game three of the tourney at 7PM tonight. SCAD advanced after defeating the No. 3 seed St. Thomas University in game two of the tourney.
TU Seeded #1 At Region 14 Tourney
May 1, 2007
TU (22-15) will be seeded #1 in the 2007 Region 14 tourney to be held May 10-11 at the Diamond Plex in Winter Haven, FL. Thomas will face the #4 seed Webber International University in game one at 5PM on Thursday May 10. The winner of game one will face the winner game two between Savannah College of Art and Design and St. Thomas University at 7PM. TU must win three games to to capture the region championship.
Winner of the 2007 Region 14 tourney qualifies for the 2007 NAIA National Championship to be played at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, AL May 18-23.
Lady Night Hawks Move Up To #12 In National Poll, Back At #1 In Region 14
April 25, 2007
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (22-15) moved up 5 spots to #12 in the NAIA National Poll released on Wednesday afternoon by the national office. TU swept a double header from then #7 Savannah College of Art & Design this past weekend helping them to take over the #1 spot in the region 14 poll and moving them up the national poll.
Thomas will play one final tune up on Saturday April 28 as they face NJCAA Gulf Coast Community College in a exhibition double header at Armory Field beginning at 1PM. TU ends their regular season at 22-15 and now awaits their seeding for the region 14 tournament to be held May 10-11 in Babson Park, FL.
Lady Night Hawks Send Off Their Seniors With "Sweep" Sensation
April 21, 2007
The Lady Night Hawks (22-15) sent off their seven seniors with a "sweep" sensation after taking a double header, 2-1 & 10-6, from #7 Savannah College of Art & Design on Saturday afternoon at Armory Field.
In game one, senior starting pitcher Kylie Berryman (6-4) allowed one earned run on seven hits in a complete game victory. TU managed only three hits in the game but was able to capitalize on them. In the first senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (1-3, R, 2B) doubled to lead off the inning and then advanced to third on single by second baseman Revana Rainwater (1-3). Pickelsimer would score on a sacrifice by senior third baseman Joann Tosh (0-1, SF, HBP). SCAD tied the game in the sixth but TU struck back in their half of the inning. Sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (0-3, R) led off the inning and reached on an error. With one out Tosh was hit by a pitch, SCAD then chose to intentionally walk senior center fielder Stacey Ward (0-2, BB) to load the bases. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (1-2, RBI, HBP) drove in the game winning RBI with a single to give TU the lead and eventual victory.
The senior class, accompanied by family members and loved ones, was honored in between games for their accomplishments. Messages from every underclassman were read as a tribute to their significance on the team. "This is a class of seven starters who are a major impact", said head coach Tania Black. "They have all stepped up in helping to get us back on track and have played a major role in creating a unified family atmosphere on our team. All of them will be deeply missed on and off the field, I can only hope that the underclassman will follow in their footsteps".
SCAD exploded out the blocks in game two scoring four runs in their first at bat. TU got two back in their half of the inning when Rainwater (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B) singled in Pickelsimer (3-3, R, 3 RBI) after she had singled to lead off the game. Rainwater advanced to second on the throw home and would then advance to third on a ground ball out by Tosh (1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR). Ward (3-4, R, RBI) would drive in Rainwater when the SCAD third baseman committed one of the eight total errors in the game between both teams. In the second junior designated hitter Tiffany DePriest (2-3, 2 R, 2B) would score on a passed ball after singling with one out and advancing to second on a sacrifice by senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (2-2, 2 R). A single by Pickelsimer would then advance her to third. After SCAD stretched their lead to 5-3 in the third. Berthold (1-4, R, RBI) would tie the game at five in their half of the inning with a two run home run that scored Ward who had singled to reach base. In the next inning TU would take over the game for good. Donaldson singled to start the inning and would score on two out double by Rainwater. Tosh then extended the lead by homering to drive in Rainwater, increasing her team lead in runs batted in to 34. SCAD got one back again in the fifth but TU would get twomore insurance runs in their half of the inning to sure up the game. Junior pitcher Stacie David (9-6) would pick up the victory in relief of junior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips who lasted only 2/3 of an inning. David went 6 1/3 allowing only two runs, one earned, on two hits.
TU ends their regular season at 22-15 and now awaits their seeding for the region 14 tournament to be held May 10-11 in Babson Park, FL. Thomas will play one final tune up on Saturday April 28 as they face NJCAA Gulf Coast Community College in a exhibition double header at Armory Field beginning at 1PM.
Seven Lady Night Hawk Seniors To Play Final Home Games
April 20, 2007
Seven seniors of the #17 Thomas University Lady Night Hawks will be playing their final home games of their collegiate career tomorrow afternoon in a double header against #9 Savannah College of Art & Design. Pitcher Kylie Berryman, left fielder Brittany Berthold, first baseman Tina Donaldson, shortstop Katie Pickelsimer, second baseman Revana Rainwater, third baseman Joanne Tosh, and center fielder Stacey Ward will look to go out on a winning note and at the same time solidify their position for a #1 seed in the Region 14 tournament in Babson Park, FL. Ward is the only remaining team member from the 2004 NAIA National Championship team. TU will honor their seven seniors in between game one and two of the double header. First pitch of game one is set for 12PM. Good Luck Seniors!!
Lady Night Hawks Drop To #2 In Region 14 Poll
April 17, 2007
TU (20-15, 9-4 region 14) dropped from the top spot in the regional poll. The Lady Night Hawks dropped to the #2 spot and Savannah College of Art & Design moved up to #1. Thomas will likely drop from their #13 spot in the national poll when it is released later this week.
The Lady Night Hawks will look to move back to #1 in the region this coming weekend, hosting SCAD in a double header on Saturday April 21 beginning at 12PM.
TU Sweeps WSC
April 13, 2007
NAIA # 13 TU (20-15) swept an afternoon double header, 10-5 & 5-4, against Warner Southern College on Friday afternoon in Lake Wales, FL.
Behind 3-1 after four innings in game one, the TU bats came alive to score nine runs over their last three innings to secure the victory. Fellow seniors, center fielder Stacey Ward (3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B) and left fielder Brittany Berthold (2-5, R, 2 RBI), each had two runs batted in. Tied at five in the top of the seventh, junior catcher Sarah Yingling (2-3, R, RBI, 2B) drove in Ward with the game winning run. TU went on to score four more insurance runs in the inning. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (8-5) picked up the victory in relief, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits.
With the game tied at one in the top of the fifth of game two, the Lady Night Hawks exploded for four runs to take a 5-1 lead. WSC got two back in the bottom half of the inning to cut the lead to two and would get one more in the sixth but TU would hold on for the one run victory. Ward (3-4, 2 R, 2 3B) had three hits and four Lady Night Hawks drove in one run each; Berthold (1-3, RBI, 2B), senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (2-4, R, RBI, 2B), sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (1-4, R, RBI) & junior designated hitter Tiffany DePriest (1-3, R, RBI, 3B). Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (4-4) picked up the victory.
TU will next face region 14 rival Savannah College of Art & Design on Saturday April 21 in a double header beginning at 12PM. The two games will go a long way in deciding region tournament seeding in May. Thomas swept a double header in Savannah earlier in the season.
Webber Sweeps Thomas
April 12, 2007
Webber International University swept a region double header, 3-2 & 8-7, from Thomas (18-15) on Thursday afternoon in Babson Park, FL.
Both teams combined for only seven hits in game one but WIU got three runs in their half of fifth to put the game away. TU had home runs by fellow seniors, third baseman Jo Tosh (1-3, R, RBI, HR) and center fielder Stacey Ward (1-1, R, RBI, HR) to account for two of their four hits. Junior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (6-5) took the loss after pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing three earned runs.
In game two TU racked out twelve hits but committed three errors. Webber held a commanding 6-1 lead till the top of the fifth when junior catcher Sarah Yingling (3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR) and senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI) hit homeruns to help TU get within two. Webber scored two more in the bottom half of the inning to open up a four run lead. TU got within one in the top of the sixth but WIU shut the door and wrapped up the one run victory. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (1-3, R, RBI) hit a solo home run in the second. Junior pitcher Stacie David (8-6) took the loss lasting only 2 1/3 innings and allowing four runs.
The Lady Night Hawks continue their road trip tomorrow at Lakes Wales, FL for a double header against Warner Southern College. First pitch is set for 2:30PM.
Lady Night Hawks Move Up In National Poll
April 11, 2007
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (18-13) moved up 6 spots to #13 in the NAIA National Poll released on Wednesday afternoon by the national office. TU swept a double header from #6 Savannah College of Art & Design this past weekend helping them to take over the #1 spot in the region 14 poll and moving them up the national poll.
TU prepares for it's final six games of the regular season looking to secure a #1 seed for the Region 14 tournament in Babson Park, FL May 10-11. The Lady Night Hawks face Webber International University in a double header on Thursday April 12 at 2:30PM to begin the final stretch towards the post season.
TU Takes Top Spot In Region 14 Poll
April 10, 2007
Coming off of a double header sweep of Region 14 #1 Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA this past weekend, TU (18-13, 7-2 region 14) has taken over the top spot in the regional poll. The Lady Night Hawks move up to the #1 spot and SCAD drops to #2. TU will likely move up up from their #19 spot in the national poll when it is released later this week.
Thomas will look to improve it's regional record with a pair of road double headers against regional opponents this week. On Thursday April 12 in Babson Park, FL the Lady Night Hawks will face off against Webber International University in a double header beginning at 2:30PM. TU will finish their road trip in Lake Wales, FL with a double header against Warner Southern College on Friday April 13. First pitch is set for 2:30PM.
# 19 TU Sweeps #6 SCAD
April 7, 2007
NAIA # 19 TU (18-13) swept a double header, 9-2 & 10-4, from the host #6 Savannah College of Art & Design on Saturday afternoon in Savannah, GA.
The Lady Night Hawks bats came out swinging in game one taking an early 6-0 lead that would not be challenged. SCAD would close the gap by four but could not get any closer. Junior designated hitter Tiffany DePriest (2-3, R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR) drove in two runs and a had a home run. Senior center fielder Stacy Ward went 3-5 with a run scored and junior catcher Sarah Yingling (1-4, 2 R) added another two runs scored. Two TU pitchers shut down the SCAD bats, junior starting pitcher Brittani Phillips (7-4) went three innings for the victory allowing four hits and two runs while senior Kylie Berryman pitched four scoreless relief innings.
In game two the bats once again came out swinging for TU combining for ten runs on fourteen hits. The Lady Night Hawks had three RBI games from fellow seniors, shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (3-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) and first baseman Tina Donaldson (3-4, R, 3 RBI). Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold went 2-4 and scored two runs. Junior pitcher Stacie David (8-5) went all the way for the victory allowing four runs, three earned, while striking out four.
TU continues their road swing on Thursday April 12 in Babson Park, FL with a double header against Webber International University beginning at 2:30PM.
Lady Night Hawks Take Game One, Lose Second
April 6, 2007
The Lady Night Hawks (16-13) split a Friday afternoon double header, 1-0 & 4-6, against Rheinhardt College in Waleska, GA.
Junior pitcher Stacie David (7-5) came up big for TU pitching seven shutout innings for the victory in game. In game two, senior second baseman Revana Rainwater cut the Lady Night Hawks deficit to two in the top of the seventh with a two run homerun, her first of her career, but it was not enough as Rheinhardt shut the door on TU. Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (3-4) took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing six runs.
Thomas returns to regional action tomorrow against #6 Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA. SCAD is currently ranked #1 in region 14 while TU sits at #2. The double header is set to begin at 2PM.
#7 Shorter Sweeps TU
April 5, 2007
NAIA #7 Shorter College swept #19 TU, 8-2 & 4-2, in a double header on Thursday evening in Rome, GA.
In game one, Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (6-4) pitched six innings and allowed eight runs, all earned, in the losing effort. Junior catcher Sarah Yingling went 3-3 with a run driven in and a run scored. Sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (1-3, RBI) drove in the other run for TU.
Down 4-0 in the top half of the sixth inning of game two, senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (1-2, R, 2 RBI) got the Lady Night Hawks back in the game with a two run home run that cut the deficit in half. Shorter shut the door on TU in the seventh to wrap up the sweep. Thomas out hit Shorter 5-4 but could not mount significant run scoring opportunities throughout the game. Junior pitcher Stacie David (6-5) took the loss pitching six innings and allowing four runs, three earned, on four hits.
TU continues their three day road trip tomorrow afternoon in Waleska, GA with a double header beginning at 12PM against Rheinhardt College.
Lady Night Hawks Rained Out
March
31, 2007 The #19 Lady Night Hawks (15-10) had a Sunday afternoon double header versus Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL rained out. No make up date has been scheduled. TU will be back on the road Thursday April 5 in Rome, GA for a double header against Shorter College. First pitch will be at 5PM.#9 Mobile Sweeps #19 TU
March 31, 2007
TU (15-10) was swept, 7-3 & 9-1, by NAIA #9 University of Mobile on Saturday afternoon in Mobile, AL.Senior third baseman Joann Tosh (1-3, R, 2 RBI) hit her fifth home run of the year and drove in two runs in game one for TU in the losing effort. Thomas managed only three hits in the game. On the mound senior Kylie Berryman (3-3) took the loss allowing six runs, five earned, in 3 1/3 innings.
In game two, the TU bats were once again cold managing only two hits. Junior pitcher Stacie David (6-4) allowed nine runs, five earned, in 4 2/3 innings for the loss. David struck out six. Tosh (1-2, RBI) drove in the only run for the Lady Night Hawks.
Thomas continues their weekend road swing in Mobile, AL on Sunday afternoon facing off against Spring Hill College in a double header beginning at 1PM (EST).
TU Splits Home DH
March 30, 2007
Thomas University (15-8) split a home region 14 double header, 2-8 & 5-2, with the visiting St. Thomas University Bobcats (13-1) on Friday afternoon at Armory Field.In game one STU pitcher Melissa Steuber struck out seven Lady Night Hawks and allowed four hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched to pick up the victory. TU senior centerfielder Stacey Ward (1-3, R, RBI) hit her team leading tenth home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth. Junior pitcher Stacy Ward (6-3) went 4 2/3 innings allowing seven runs, four earned, in the losing effort.
Senior second baseman Revana Rainwater (2-3, R, 2 RBI) tied the game up at two in the bottom of the sixth inning of game two, with a run scoring base hit that gave Thomas runners on the corner with only one down. With two on and two out Ward (1-3, R, 3 RBI) completed the rally and put the game away for TU with her second home run of the day and her eleventh of the season for a four run Lady Night Hawk inning. On the mound senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (3-2) went seven innings and allowed two unearned runs on only four hits for the victory. Steuber took the loss for the Bobcats allowing four earned runs over two innings.
TU travels to Mobile, AL on Saturday afternoon to face defending NAIA National Champions University of Mobile in a double header beginning at 6PM (EST).
Lady Night Hawks Remain #2 In Region, Move To #19 Nationally
March 29, 2007
In the second NAIA national ranking release of the year the Lady Night Hawks remained at #2 in region 14 but moved up in the national poll by one spot to #19.The Night Hawks moved up one spot without playing a single match this past week and are 14-7 overall, 4-1 in the region. Ratings are released once a week till the end of the season.
St. Thomas University travels to Thomasville for double header on Friday March 31 between the #2 and #3 teams in region 14. The last time both teams met, STU defeated TU 7-2 to eliminate them from the 2006 region 14 tournament. Game one begins at 12PM.
Softball Ranked 20th Nationally, #2 In Region 14
March 22, 2007
The NAIA national office announced the release of it's first regional and national ranking of this season on Wednesday afternoon. TU is ranked 20th nationally and second in region 14. The Night Hawks are 14-7 overall and 4-1 in the region. Ratings are released once a week till the end of the season.
TU will look to improve it's regional record this coming Friday March 30th as they host St. Thomas University in a double header starting at 12PM.
TU Takes Game One, Drops Second
March 17, 2007
TU (14-7) hosted the defending NAIA National Champion University of Mobile in a Saturday afternoon double header splitting the games, 7-4 & 3-11.
In game one, a home run by senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (1-1, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR) helped give the Lady Night Hawks a early 3-0 lead after two but TU allowed UM to get back in the game with two runs in their half of the third. A home run by sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR) in the bottom half of the inning gave Thomas a two run lead. The Lady Night Hawks then scored three more runs over the next two innings to put the game out of reach. Senior center fielder Stacey Ward (1-3, R, RBI, HR) added her team leading ninth home run in the sixth for TU. Junior pitcher Stacie David (6-2) went seven innings for the victory allowing two earned runs.
UM dominated game two scoring five early runs and then putting the game out of reach in the seventh with six runs. Ward (2-3, R, RBI, HR) hit her second home run of the day. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (6-3) went 6 2/3 and picked up the loss. TU managed only five hits in the game.
Thomas will not play again for thirteen days, returning to action on Friday March 30 in a region double header beginning at 12 PM against the visiting St. Thomas University Bobcats.
Thomas Splits With Webber
March 12, 2007
Thomas University (13-6) split an afternoon region 14 double header with the visiting Webber International University Warriors, winning game one 3-2 in extra innings and dropping the night cap 3-1 at Armory Field.
Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (6-2) pitched eight innings, allowing two unearned runs on eight hits. Senior second baseman Revana Rainwater (3-3, 2 RBI) won the game with a walk off base hit in the bottom of the eight that scored senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (1-4, R).
Two WIU pitchers combined in game two to hold the TU bats to three hits. Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (2-2) took the tough loss for the Lady Night Hawks going seven innings, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out four Warriors. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold went 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
The Lady Night Hawks will next be in action on Saturday March 17 against the defending the NAIA National Champion University of Mobile. First pitch will be at 12PM.
Lady Night Hawks Sweep Warner
March 10
, 2007The Lady Night Hawks (12-5) swept a double header, 4-0 & 5-2, from region 14 foe Warner Southern College on Saturday afternoon.
In game one senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (2-1) threw seven solid innings for the victory, allowing three hits and striking out four. Senior third baseman Joann Tosh went 2-3 and drove in two runs. TU also had two runs driven in by senior centerfielder Stacey Ward (1-3).
The Thomas bats exploded in the bottom of the second inning of game two racking out five runs on four hits after falling behind 2-0 in the top half of the inning. Senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR) provided the biggest hit of the inning belting a two run homer. Warner kept the TU bats at check the rest of the way allowing only one more hit the rest of the game but junior pitcher Stacie David (5-2) was up to the task holding Warner to five scoreless innings the rest of the way to earn the victory.
TU will once again be at home for a double header on Monday March 12 starting 1PM against region 14 foe Warner Southern College.
Columbia Knocks Off TU
March 4, 2007
Columbia College (MO) ended the Gulf Coast Invitational for TU (10-5) handing them a tough 3-2 defeat on Sunday morning in Orange Beach, AL.
Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (5-2) took the loss allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four. Senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer carried the TU offense going 4-4 with a double, a home run and a run batted in. Thomas ends the Invitational with a 2-3 mark.
The Lady Night Hawks return home for a double header against region 14 foe Warner Southern College on Saturday March 10 beginning at 12PM.
Lady Night Hawks Lose To Lee, Defeat Reinhardt
March 3
, 2007The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (10-4) split a pair of games today at the Gulf Coast Invitational in Orange Beach, AL., losing game one to Lee University (11-3) 4-0 and then beating Reinhardt College in game two 6-2.
TU was held to three hits by the Lee pitcher in the opener. Senior center fielder Stacy Ward went 2-3 with a triple and junior pitcher Stacie David (4-2) took the loss pitching just two innings allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits. Thomas committed four errors in the game.
Ward (2-3, R, 3 RBI, HR) helped the Lady Night Hawks rebound against Reinhardt driving in three runs. Senior third baseman Joann Tosh (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR) drove in two runs. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (5-1) threw seven innings and struck out four in the victory.
Action in Orange Beach continues tomorrow for TU as they face Columbia College (MO) at 10AM (EST).
TU Splits
March 2
, 2007TU softball (9-3) fell by a score of 4-1 this morning to St. Gregory's University (5-0) in game one of the Gulf Coast Invitational in Orange Beach, AL. The Lady Night Hawks then beat William Carey College (6-6), 7-2, in the afternoon game.
Junior pitcher Stacie David (4-1) went all seven innings for the loss, striking out five and allowing four runs. The TU bats were kept in check once again striking out ten times. Senior center fielder Stacy Ward (2-3, HR, RBI) continued her hot start to the season belting her sixth home run and driving in her eleventh run of the season.
Senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (4-4, RBI) and senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (2-3, 2 R, RBI) helped lead the Lady Night Hawks to victory in game two. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (4-1) went the distance to pick up her fourth victory of the season.
Thomas is back in action tomorrow morning at 10AM (EST) against Lee University in day two of the Gulf Coast Invitational in Orange Beach, AL.
Night Hawks Lose Two
February 24, 2007
The Thomas University softball team (8-2) dropped their final two games in the Faulkner University Tournament on Saturday afternoon, falling in game one to the defending NAIA National Champion University of Mobile (6-2) 5-2 and then to William Carey College (5-5) 6-1.
TU took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning of game one with runs batted in by senior left fielder Brittany Berthold (0-2, RBI, SF) and sophomore right fielder Candace Wimmer (0-2, RBI). The Night Hawks could not hold on the lead allowing four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (3-1) took the loss allowing four runs on four hits in five innings. The TU offense only managed to scrath out two hits.
In game two WCC took the early lead and cruised to victory. Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (1-1) took the loss pitching three and a third innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits. Wimmer went 1-2 with a runs scored.
Thomas will next face St. Gregory's College on Friday March 2 at 10AM (EST) in the Gulf Coast Invitational to be held in Orange Beach, AL.
Softball Stays Unbeaten
February 23, 2007
Softball (8-0) remained unbeaten in the young season by winning a pair of games on Friday at the Faulkner University Tournament in Montgomery, AL. In game one TU knocked off William Carey College (3-4) 8-0 in five innings and in the night cap held on to beat Spring Hill College (1-7) 6-4.
Junior pitcher Stacie David (4-0) continued her dominating pitching in game one, going five innings of one hit ball while striking out eight. Senior center fielder Stacy Ward (2-3, 2B, HR, R, RBI), senior first baseman Tina Donaldson (2-3, 2B, R, RBI), senior shortstop Katie Pickelsimer (2-3, RBI), and sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer (2-3, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI) each had multi hit games for the Lady Night Hawks.
In the night cap TU was led at the plate once again by Ward going 4-4 with a double, triple, run batted in and two runs scored. Senior second baseman Revana Rainwater (2-4, 2 R) contributed with two hits and two runs scored. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (3-0) went all the way for the victory.
TU returns to action tomorrow afternoon in day two of the Faulkner Tournament, facing the University of Mobile at 4PM (EST) and William Carey College at 6PM (EST).
Lady Night Hawks Take Double Header
February 20, 2007
The Thomas University Lady Night Hawks (6-0) took a double header, 6-5 & 3-1, over the visiting Spring Hill College Badgers (1-5).
TU was led in game one by senior third baseman Joann Tosh who went 3-4 with a run scored and five runs batted in. Junior pitcher Brittani Phillips (2-0) picked up the win in relief pitching three innings of hitless ball. Phillips had relieved senior starting pitcher Kylie Berryman (1-0) after she went four innings allowing five earned runs on ten hits.
Junior designated hitter Tiffany DePriest drove in two runs and went 2-3 in game two to help lead the Lady Night Hawks to victory. TU also had a run batted in by junior catcher Sarah Yingling (1-2, 1 R). On the mound junior starting pitcher Stacie David (3-0) went all the way for the victory allowing one run on seven hits while striking out four.
Thomas will next be in action on Friday February 23 as they travel to Montgomery, AL. to participate in the Faulkner University Tournament.
TU Routs Edward Waters
February 17, 2007
TU softball (4-0) routed the visiting Edward Waters College Tigers (0-5) in a home double header on Saturday afternoon, 27-0 & 23-0.
Senior center fielder Stacy Ward continued her hot start to the season in game one by going 3-4 with with five runs scored, two runs batted in, and a home run. Sophomore right fielder Candice Wimmer drove in five runs on two hits and senior third baseman Joann Tosh went 1-4 with four runs batted in and a home run. Senior pitcher Kylie Berryman (1-0) pitched five innings of no hit ball while striking out twelve Tigers.
Game two saw much off the same with four Lady Night Hawks having a multi hit game, including junior designated hitter Tiffany DePriest who went 3-4 with four runs scored and a run batted in. Tosh (1-2, 2 R, 4 RBI) and Ward (2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI) each had a home run. Senior first baseman Tina Donaldson drove in four and scored three runs on two hits including a home run. Junior pitcher Stacie David improved to 2-0 on the season, pitching five shutout innings while allowing only one hit.
The Lady Night Hawks will next host the Spring Hill College Badgers on Tuesday February 20 for a double header beginning at 1PM.
Softball Drops Two
February 3, 2007
TU softball was swept in an exhibition double header by Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City Beach, FL on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Night Hawks dropped the exhibition games 6-4 and 5-4.
The Lady Night Hawks will open the regular season next Saturday February 10 at home with a double header against the visiting Faulkner University Eagles. Game one is set for 1PM.
Exhibition Game Rained Out
February 1, 2007
TU softball exhibition double header against the Valdosta State University Blazers on Thursday February 1 in Valdosta, GA has been rained out. The game will not be rescheduled.
Lady Night Hawks will face Gulf Coast Community College on Saturday February 3 for a exhibition double header in Panama City Beach, FL. First pitch is set for 1PM(EST).
Lady Night Hawks Wrap Up Training Camp And Prepare For Exhibition Game
January 25, 2007
The Thomas University Softball team winds down their pre season training camp and begins final preparations for their 2007 season. TU will spend this final week preparing for a exhibition double header against the Valdosta State University Blazers on Thursday February 1 in Valdosta, GA.
"I feel real good about the work we have put in the last couple of days," Tu head coach Tania Black said. " You can tell that the season is right around the corner the intensity is rising by the day. Our players are ready to play someone other than ourselves".
Student Athletes Ready To Give Back To Community
September 29, 2006
Over 40 Thomas University student athletes are ready to give back to the Thomasville community while participating in the Hands on Thomas County Day on Saturday September 30. Members of TU's baseball, men's soccer and softball teams will roll up their sleeves and join a large contingent of faculty and staff led by Thomas University's President, Dr. Gary Bonvillian. Men's golf, women's golf and women's soccer teams will be unavailable to participate due to match schedules. However, men's golf was able to pitch in by taking on some preparation projects before their departure for a road trip.