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 Tia McCallister Signs with William Woods Softball
(FULTON, Mo., Jan. 13)--Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Tia McCallister to a William Woods University Letter of Intent to play for the Owls in 2010. McCallister comes to William Woods from Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Mo.
McCallister, a 5'5" outfielder, earned two varsity softball letters at Hillcrest. She was named 1st Team All-Conference, All-District, and was a member of the Missouri All-Star game.
"Tia will be another fine addition to our program," said Coach Gastineau. "She has outstanding speed on the bases and in the outfield. She is pretty new to slapping from the left side and we look for her to develop these talents even further in her collegiate career. We feel her personality will gel well with our team and are delighted she will be at William Woods University for the next four years."
Pictured:
Back (L to R) - Coach Gastineau and Hillcrest High School Coach Lee Dishman
Front (L to R) - Rick McCallister (Father), Tia McCallister, and Kim McCallister (Mother)
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 Ashley DePew Signs with William Woods Softball
(FULTON, Mo., Jan. 6)--Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Ashley DePew to a William Woods University Letter of Intent to play for the Owls in 2010. DePew comes to William Woods from Triad High School in Troy, Illinois.
DePew, a 5'4" outfielder and pitcher, earned two varsity letters at Triad. She was selected 1st Team All-Conference (Pitcher), 2nd Team All Area (3A-4A Pitcher), Honorable Mention All-Metro, and 2nd Team All-State (Outfield). DePew was a member of three Conference Championship teams at Triad High School.
"We are excited to have Ashley join our program," said Coach Gastineau. "She is a talented and speedy athlete with valuable experience in the outfield with her summer team; as well as pitching for her high school team. At the plate, Ashley has great slapping fundamentals and is able to keep defenses guessing with her ability to slap or hit from the left side. We look forward to her joining our program next fall."
Pictured:
Back (L to R) - Brett Swipp, Coach Gastineau, Assistant Coach Lewis, and Head Coach Bruce Lewis
Front (L to R) - Eleanor DePew (Mother), Ashley DePew, and Eric DePew (Father
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 Kate McCurren Signs with William Woods Softball
(FULTON, Mo., Nov. 26)--Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Kate McCurren to a William Woods University Letter of Intent to play for the Owls in 2010. McCurren comes to William Woods from Notre Dame High School in St. Louis, Missouri.
McCurren, a 5'5" pitcher and utility player, earned four varsity letters at Notre Dame. She was selected 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Conference as an outfielder in 2007. McCurren was then selected 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Conference as a pitcher in 2008.
"Kate will be a nice addition to our team," said Coach Gastineau. "She has played various defensive positions in her career thus far (pitcher, outfield, and infield) which will be valuable in our program. Kate is also a very good student, which is a priority on our team. We feel Kate will fit in well with our university and softball program and we are excited to welcome her next fall."
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 Carinda Schulte Signs with William Woods University Softball (FULTON, Mo., Aug. 7)--Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Carinda Schulte to a William Woods University Letter of Intent to play for the Owls in 2009. Schulte comes to William Woods from Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Schulte, a 5’5” outfielder and third baseman, earned two varsity letters at Jefferson City High School. She was selected first-team All-District and team captain during the 2007 season. Schulte was a member of the Jefferson City softball team finished second at the 2006 Missouri State Softball Championships. She was also a member of the 2007 team that captured the District Championship.
“Carinda will be a great addition to our program and University,” said Coach Gastineau. “She is an experienced outfielder that will help provide depth in that area for our team. Offensively, she has a powerful swing that we feel will grow as she competes at the collegiate level. Carinda is also an outstanding student which is an important factor in our program.”
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 Region V and NAIA Announces Award Winners
(FULTON, Mo., May 14)--The NAIA and Region V has announced their All-Region, Region V Scholar-Athletes, and National NAIA Scholar-Athletes awards for the 2008 season. Several William Woods student-athletes have received recognition for their accomplishments on and off the field.
Zoe Brittan and Lynnzie Trustee have been named to the NAIA Region V First Team. Brittan, a freshman infielder from Valley Park, Missouri, hit .406 with 29 RBI on the season. Trustee, a senior outfielder from Huntsville, Misouri, hit .406 with 11 RBI for the Owls. This is the third time Trustee has been named to the NAIA All-Region V First Team.
The following softball student-athletes were named Region V and NAIA National Scholar-Athletes:
Elizabeth Baker - Sr. - Maryville, Mo.
Mandy Henke - Sr. - Jefferson City, Mo.
TJ Quick - Jr. - Fulton, Mo.
Tara Schulte - So. - Eugene, Mo.
Melissa White - Sr. - Columbia, Mo.
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 T.J. Quick Receives Region V Dr. LeRoy Walker Award
(FULTON, Mo., May 12)--William Woods University softball player T.J. Quick (Fulton, Missouri) has been named the NAIA Region V recipient of the Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award.
The award, considered one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA, honors a student-athlete who excels in athletics and academics and is committed to the Champions of Character program’s five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
Quick, a junior outfielder, and a graduate of Fulton High School, has played a key role in the William Woods University softball program’s commitment to the Champions of Character program. She played an important role in the development of the William Woods University Champions of Character website. Quick was one of many student-athletes to post testimonials about the Champions of Character program and how it relates to her and her teammates.
“TJ Quick is a great example of the total person that William Woods University works hard to develop,” said William Woods Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Larry York. “She is talented academically, excellent athletically, a great citizen, and exemplifies strength of character that is second to none.”
Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau said, “This is a great honor for TJ, our softball program, and the University. TJ has been a leader in our Champions of Character program since her freshman year, always bringing ideas to the team for servant leadership, as well as being a role model for young athletes and students in the community. She is a great kid with a kind heart and it is nice to see her activities and involvement with the community and our university being recognized in this way.”
While at William Woods, Quick has also excelled on the field. Here is a list of her accomplishments.
- 2006 Second Team National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American.
- 2006 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Second Team All-American.
- 2006 First Team NAIA All-Region V.
- 2006 NFCA First Team All-Midwest Region.
- 2006 First Team All-American Midwest Conference (AMC).
- 2006 NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete.
- 2006 Academic All-AMC.
- 2007 First Team All-AMC.
- 2007 Academic All-AMC.
- 2007 NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete.
- 2008 First Team All-AMC.
- 2008 Academic All-AMC.
- 2008 NAIA Region V Scholar-Athlete.
- 2008 Recipient of the William Woods University Helen Stephens Award.
- Six-time member of the William Woods University Dean’s List.
- Three-time softball team Champions of Character Representative.
- Member of the William Woods University Athletics Director Counsel of Athletes.
Quick was one of 10 finalists for the national award. Mislav Hizak, a student-athlete from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.), was named the 2008 recipient of the National Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award. This award is named after Dr. Walker, President emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee, who served as president through the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. Dr. Walker is a former president of the NAIA.
The NAIA’s flagship character initiative is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide student-athletes, coaches and parents the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. Champions of Character is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is about reaching your potential and making good decisions consistently in daily life.
The NAIA
 The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.
Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.
Release provided with assistance from the NAIA and the William Woods University Department of Relations
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 Owls Season Ends in Regional
(SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 8)--The William Woods University softball team defeated Evangel University on Thursday afternoon 3-1 to advance in the NAIA Region V Tournament in Springfield, Missouri.
The win set up a showdown with William Jewell College. The Owls would lose 3-2 to William Jewell and end their season with a record of 31-22.
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Owls Open Region Play With Split
(SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 6)--The William Woods University softball team won their opening Region V contest against Lindenwood University on Tuesday evening. Poor weather forced a 6:00 PM start time at Meador Park in Springfield, Missouri. The Owls defeated the Lions 7-1.
William Woods advanced in the winners bracket to face #1 seed Columbia College. The Cougars defeated the Owls 2-0.
William Woods will play at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 7th. The will play Evangel University.
For a Region V Tournament bracket click HERE.
To check on weather delays and updates, please call the Evangel University Weather Hotline: 1.417.865.2811 x7265.
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 Owls Sweep AMC Honors
(LEBANON, Ill., May 6)--William Woods University swept its way to the final American Midwest Conference softball awards for the 2008 season.
For the second consecutive week, Zoe Brittan has been selected as the AMC Softball Player of the Week, while Courtney Vincent earned AMC Softball Pitcher of the Week accolades. The honors were announced Tuesday morning by the conference office.
Brittan, a freshman infielder from Valley Park, Mo., collected three hits in seven at-bats as William Woods split a non-conference doubleheader at home against Central Methodist University. Brittan added four RBI, three of which came in the Owls' 12-4 game two victory. 
Vincent, a freshman from Woodlawn, Ill., gave up three earned runs on eight hits in that 8-4 William Woods win over Central Methodist. Vincent struck out eight batters in six innings of work as the Owls improved to 29-20 on the season.
William Woods will host Lindenwood University on Tuesday, May 6th, in the opening round of the NAIA Region V Championships. The Region V Championships will be held at Meador Park in Springfield, Missouri.
Release provided by the American Midwest Conference.
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 Megan Grissom Recognized as All-American Athlete
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 6)--The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently awarded Megan Grissom, from William Woods University, with its annual All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award - recognizing the student athletes dedication to strength training and conditioning.
This year, the NSCA awarded 239 collegiate athletes from 165 schools with this esteemed award. Koch was selected by the strength coach Robert Jones, CSCS, who said, "Megan is the key to the work ethic for the WWU softball. Her effort, enthusiasm and encouragement are infectious. She has great teammates that have a desire to be good but Megan takes this team to a different level. She has made the most of her ability with effort and desire. She has helped to maintain her team's reputation for working hard in the weight room but this year she helped to take it to a new level. Megan has been a pleasure to work with her four years at WWU."
Robert Jursnick, NSCA's Executive Director adds, "The advantages of strength training and conditioning cannot be denied in collegiate athletics. These student-athletes attest to this understanding, and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication."
The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 29th year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tennessee fitness product leader.
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 Owls and Eagles Split
(FULTON, Mo., April 30)--The William Woods University softball team split a doubleheader with visiting Central Methodist University on Wednesday evening. The Eagles won the opener 3-2 and the Owls won game two 12-4.
Central Methodist received a strong pitching performance from Chelsea Fuemmeler in the opener. She went seven innings, allowed seven hits, two runs, walked two and struck out seven. Liz Baker took the loss for the Owls. She pitched well in the loss. Baker went seven innings, allowed six hits, three runs, two earned runs, walked one and struck out six.
CMU scored all three runs in the top of the fourth inning. WWU answered with two runs in the fifth to close the gap. The Owls had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, but Laura Seipp was thrown out at the plate to end the rally.
Zoe Brittan was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the loss. Shannon Huffman was 1-for-1 with an RBI.
The Owls broke open a tight ball game in game two with seven runs in the bottom of the sixth. Entering the inning, the Owls held a 5-4 lead.
Courtney Vincent earned the victory for the Owls. She went six innings, allowed eight hits, four runs, three earned runs, walked five and struck out eight.
Lynnzie Trustee collected three hits in the win. Megan Grissom was 1-for-1 with a 2-RBI triple for William Woods. Kendra Propst was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI.
William Woods improves to 29-20 on the year. They will return to action on Tuesday, May 6th, in the NAIA Region V Tournament.
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 NAIA Region V Softball Report – Week 7
April 29, 2008
Player of the Week
Columbia, Mo. (April 29) – Zoroya Brittan, a freshman from Valley Park, Mo., has been named the American Midwest Conferenece and Region V Player of the Week. Brittan, a third baseman, helped her William Woods Owls to a 5-2 record on the week. Brittan hit .611 with seven runs batted in and nine runs scored during the week. She also posted three doubles, one triple and one homerun. Brittan was named First Team All-Conference for her efforts.
Release provided by the NAIA Region V.
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Owls Named to the All-Conference Team
(FULTON, Mo., April 28)--The William Woods University softball team collected several individual awards this weekend at the American Midwest Conference post-season tournament. Seven Owls were named to either the First-Team or Honorable Mention All-AMC Team.
First-Team All-AMC:
OF - Lynnzie Trustee - Senior, Huntsville, Mo.
3B - Zoe Brittan - Freshman, Valley Park, Mo.
P - Liz Baker - Senior, Marryville, Mo.
OF - TJ Quick - Senior, Fulton, Mo.
Honorable Mention All-AMC:
P - Courtney Vincent - Freshman, Woodlawn, Ill.
2B - Tara Schulte - Sophomore, Eugene, Mo.
OF - Morgan Parkhurst - Freshman, Millstadt, Ill.
12 softball players were also named to the Academic All-AMC team:
Elizabeth Baker - Senior, Huntsville, Mo.
Mandy Henke - Senior, Jefferson City, Mo.
Chelsea Loethen - Freshman, St. Elizabeth, Mo.
Morgan Parkhurst - Freshman, Millstadt, Ill.
Kendra Propst - Junior, Eugene, Mo.
TJ Quick - Junior, Fulton, Mo.
Samantha Reynolds - Freshman, House Springs, Mo.
Tara Schulte - Sophomore, Eugene, Mo.
Laura Seipp - Junior, O'Fallon, Ill.
Tracie Thomson - Junior, Covington, Wash.
Lynnzie Trustee - Senior, Huntsville, Mo.
Melissa White - Senior, Columbia, Mo.
The Owls will return to the diamond on Wednesday, April 30th. They will host Central Methodist University at 6:00 PM.
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 Owls Fall to Columbia in Semi-Finals
(Springfield, Ill., April 25)--The William Woods University softball team lost to Columbia College 10-6 in the semi-finals of the American Midwest Conference softball post-season tournament.
William Woods will play play the winner of Mckendree/Williams Baptist. The two teams had their game suspended in the 7th inning due to lighting. Williams Baptist is leading 6-1. They will continue their game at 11:00am. The Owls will play the winner immediately following.
For more information about the AMC post-season softball tournament, visit the tournament website by clicking HERE.
For a tournament bracket, click HERE.
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 Owls Open AMC Tournament With Pair of Wins
(Springfield, Ill., April 24)--The William Woods University softball team defeated Harris-Stowe State University in the opening round of the AMC softball post-season tournament. The Owls defeated the Hornets 9-0 in five innings.
The victory in game one was career victory #400 for Coach Tracy Gastineau.
William Woods concluded day one with a 7-5 victory over the University of Illinois-Springfield.
The Owls will play Columbia College at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25th.
For more information about the AMC post-season softball tournament, visit the tournament website by clicking HERE.
For a tournament bracket, click HERE.
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 Owls Sweep Missouri Baptist
(FULTON, Mo., April 22)--The William Woods University softball team swept an American Midwest Conference doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls won 11-1 and 4-3. The two wins give William Woods a second place finish in the AMC regular season, and an automatic bid to the NAIA Region V Tournament.
The Owls had little problem with the Spartans in game one. The Owls scored seven runs in the second inning and four more in the third inning. The Owls took care of the Spartans in five innings to pick up the victory.
Laura Seipp was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Zoe Brittan was 1-for-1 with three RBI.
Liz Baker earned the win in game one. She worked five innings, allowed five hits, one run, walked one and struck out three.
it was a tougher effort in game two for the Owls. Missouri Baptist took a 1-0 lead after one inning of play. William Woods answered with a run in the second and a run in third to take a 2-1 lead. Missouri Baptist answered with one run of their own in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game.
Chelsea Loethen delivered an RBI single in the top of the sixth to give the Owls a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning. The Owls tacked one additional run in the top of the seventh on a Mandy Henke single.
Missouri Baptist added one run in the bottom of the seventh inning to close the gap, but could get no closer.
Courtney Vincent earned the win in game two. She worked six innings, allowed seven hits, three runs, walked six and struck out two. Baker collected the save in game two. She worked one inning and walked one.
Brittan was 2-for-three with an RBI in the win. Shannon Huffman was 2-for-4 in the victory.
The Owls improve to 25-17 overall and 10-4 in the AMC. The Owls will return to action on Thursday in the AMC post-season tournament.
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 Owls Earn Doubleheader Sweep at Harris-Stowe
(ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 15)--The William Woods University softball team swept an American Midwest Conference doubleheader at Harris-Stowe State University on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls won 11-0 and 7-0.
The Owls jumped on the Hornets with two runs in the first inning, and seven runs in the second to take an early 9-0 lead. The Owls added runs in the fourth and fifth to cruise to an 11-0 victory.
Tara Schulte was 2-for-4 with three RBI in the win. Morgan Parkhurst went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI for William Woods.
Elizabeth Baker picked up the win for William Woods. She worked three innings, allowed three hits and struck out two.
William Woods struck for seven runs in the first inning to run away with game two. Mandy Henke went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the win. Laura Seipp collected two RBI in the Owls victory.
Courtney Vincent collected the win for the Owls. Vincent worked five innings, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one.
The Owls are now 21-14 overall and 7-3 in the AMC. They will return to action on Friday at Williams Baptist College.
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 American Midwest Conference Announces Softball Player/Pitcher of the Week(LEBANON, Ill., April 15)--Valerie Teter of Columbia College and Elizabeth Baker of William Woods University have been honored for their play on the softball diamond for the week of April 7-13.
Teter has been selected as the AMC Softball Pitcher of the Week, while Baker was recognized as the AMC Softball Pitcher of the Week. The honors were announced Tuesday morning by the league office.
Baker, a senior from Maryville, Mo., worked in three games last week for the Owls. In 16 2/3 innings of work, Baker allowed three earned runs on 11 hits with seven strikeouts. Her most impressive performance of the week came in a 1-0 victory against the University of Illinois at Springfield. Baker tossed a four-hit shutout for William Woods with two strikeouts.
On the season, Baker is 6-6 with an ERA of 2.30.
Release provided by the American Midwest Conference
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Softball Drops Two at Columbia College
(COLUMBIA, Mo., April 11)--The William Woods University softball team dropped a pair of games at #15 Columbia College on Friday afternoon. The Owls lost 4-1 and 6-2.
William Woods falls to 19-14 overall and 5-3 in the AMC. Columbia improves to 23-7 overall and 7-1 in the AMC.
The Owls will return to action on Saturday, April 11th. They will host AMC rival Missouri Baptist University. Game one will begin at 12:00 Noon
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 Owls Split at Illinois-Springfield
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 10)--The William Woods University Softball team split an American Midwest Conference doubleheader at the University of Illinois-Springfield on Wednesday. The Owls took game one 1-0, and lost game two 1-2.
The Owls are now 19-12 on the season and 5-1 in the AMC. William Woods is in a three-way tie for first place in the AMC with Missouri Baptist University and Columbia College. The Owls travel to Columbia College on Friday, April 11th.
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Owls Spilt in Oklahoma
(OKALHOMA CITY, Okla., April 5)--The William Woods University softball team split two games on the final day of the Oklahoma City University Tournament on Saturday afternoon. The Owls defeated Mid-American Christian College 6-3, and lost to Ottawa University 3-0.
William Woods is now 18-11 on the season. They will return to action on Tuesday, April 8th, against American Midwest Conference foe Missouri Baptist University. First-pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
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Owls Drop Two at Oklahoma City Tournament
(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., April 5)--The William Woods University softball team dropped both games on day one of the Oklahoma City University Tournament on Saturday. The Owls lost the opener 7-0 to Houston-Victoria. William Woods dropped game two 5-2 to Southern Nazarene University.
The Owls will conclude the tournament with two games today. They will play Mid-American Christian at 12:00 noon, and Ottawa University at 2:00 PM.
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 Owls Take Three-of-Four Over Weekend
(FULTON, Mo., March 31)--The Owls split a doubleheader at William Jewell on Saturday afternoon. The Owls lost game one 0-4 before winning game two 4-0.
Elizabeth Baker took the loss for the Owls in game one. She worked six innings, allowed seven hits, three earned runs, walked two and struck out five. Lynnzie Trustee went 2-for-3 in the loss.
The Owls bounced back with a 4-0 win in game two. Courtney Vincent picked up the complete game victory for the Owls. She worked seven innings, allowed six hits, walked three and struck out three. Morgan Parkhurst went 1-for-3 with two RBI. T.J. Quick collected two hits in the win for William Woods.
The Owls concluded their weekend with a doubleheader sweep at Benedictine on Sunday afternoon. The Owls won 11-1 and 7-4.
Baker earned her second win of the weekend with a complete game victory over Benedictine. She allowed four hits, one run, walked one and struck out four. Parkhurst continued her torrid season with a 2-for-3 effort with four RBI.
Vincent collected her third win of the weekend with a complete game victory in game two. Vincent worked seven innings, allowed 10 hits, four runs, four walks and five strikeouts. Parkhurst went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Melissa White went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the win.
The Owls will return to action this weekend at the Oklahoma City University Tournament.
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 Owls Sweep McKendree
(FULTON, Mo., March 28)--The William Woods University softball team swept an American Midwest Conference doubleheader against visiting McKendree University on Friday. The Owls won 8-7 in nine innings, and 16-4 in six innings.
Both teams came out swinging in the early stages in game one. McKendree scored two runs in the top of the first, only to have William Woods answer with five of their own in the bottom of the inning. Not to be outdone, McKendree tacked on five runs in the top of the second. William Woods would answer with a run in the bottom of the second, and in the bottom of the third to tie the game at seven. Neither team would score again until they played extra innings.
After giving up seven runs in the first two innings of play, William Woods starting pitcher Elizabeth Baker settled down and shut-out the Bearcats the rest of the way. Amy Quinn did the same for McKendree.
Each team had chances to score in the later innings, but Shannon Huffman came up with a game winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to score Zoe Brittan. Huffman went 3-for-4 with four RBI and a home run in game one. Morgan Parkhurst went 2-for-5 with three RBI and a home run of her own in the win.
Baker picked up her fifth win of the season for William Woods. She worked nine innings, allowed 10 hits, seven runs, walked three and struck out nine.
 The Owls needed no late game heroics in game two. William Woods jumped on McKendree 6-1 after two innings of play. The Owls added three more in the fourth, one more in the fifth, and pulled away with six runs in the sixth inning.
Tara Schulte went 4-for-4 with six RBI and a home run in the victory. Parkhurst went 3-for-5 with two RBI in the win.
Freshman Courtney Vincent improved to 4-3 on the year. She worked six innings, allowed 11 hits, four runs, walked four and struck out five.
William Woods improves to 14-7 on the year, and 4-0 in the AMC. McKendree falls to 10-6 on the year, and 4-2 in the AMC.
The Owls will return to action on Saturday, March 29th, at William Jewell. They will also travel to Benedictine on Sunday, March 30th.
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Owls Win Two on Day Three of Rebel Spring Games
(KISSIMMEE, Fla., March 19)--The William Woods University softball team won two games on day three of the Rebel Spring Games on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls defeated Philadelphia Biblical University 7-1, and Holy Family College 9-0.
The Owls scored four runs in the third inning of game one to break a scoreless tie with PBU. William Woods added three more in the bottom of the fourth to secure the win. Elizabeth Baker (3-2) picked up the complete game victory for the Owls. Baker allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven. Mandy Henke went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the win.
The Owls cruised to a 9-0 victory against Holy Family College in the final game of the day. The Owls scored four runs in the top of the third inning and never looked back. Rachel Nachtweih (4-0) earned the complete game victory. She struck out five, walked two, and surrendered three hits in the shutout win. Melissa White was 1-for-3 with a triple and three RBI.
William Woods (11-4) will return to action on Wednesday, March 19th, versus Concordia University (Neb.).
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 Parkhurst Earns AMC Player of the Week Honors
(LEBANON, Ill., March 18)--Morgan Parkhurst of William Woods University has been named the American Midwest Conference Player of the Week for March 17.
Parkhurst, a freshman outfielder from Millstadt, Ill., led the Owls to a 4-1 record last week by posting a batting average of .571. Included in her 8-for-14 effort at the plate were two triples, a home run, nine runs batted in and seven runs scored. Parkhurst slugged an impressive 1.071 for the week. For the season, she is hitting a robust .565 with 11 RBI.
Release provided by the American Midwest Conference.
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Owls Split on Day Two of Rebel Spring Games
(KISSIMMEE, Fla., Mar. 18)--The William Woods University softball team opened day two of the Rebel Spring Games with a 4-1 loss at the hands of Tiffin College (Ohio).
Tiffin was in control from the start, scoring a run in the top of the first and second inning. Tiffin added two more in the top of the fifth to push the lead to four.
William Woods scored their only run in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI from Kendra Propst.
Courtney Vincent took the loss for the Owls. She worked five innings, allowed four runs on five hits, walked five and struck out two. Vincent falls to 3-2 on the year.
The Owls defeated New Haven College (Conn.) 8-2 in their second game of the day. The Owls scored five runs in the top of the 4th to erase a 2-0 deficit. The Owls would tack on another run in the fifth, and two more in the sixth.
Megan Bote picked up her first win of the year for the Owls. She worked four innings, allowed two runs on five hits and walked one. Liz Baker picked up the save. Baker worked the final three innings allowing three hits.
Melissa White went 2-for-3 with three RBI in the win.
William Woods improves to 9-4 on the season. They will play Philadelphia Biblical University and Holy Family College on day three of the Rebel Spring Games.
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Owls Roll Past Stephens College
 (FULTON, Mo., Mar. 13)--The William Woods University softball team defeated visiting Stephens College 16-0 on Thursday evening. Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was rained out.
The Owls jumped on Stephens College early and often on Thursday evening. William Woods scored four runs in the first, three in the second, two in the third, and seven in the fourth inning.
Freshman Zoe Brittan continued her torrid pace with a 3-for-4 effort for the Owls. She also drove in two runs in the win. On the season, Brittan is hitting .583 with eight RBI.
The William Woods Owls collected 16 hits on the evening. Laura Seipp went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the win. Morgan Parkhurst went 2-for-3 with three RBI for the Owls. Senior Melissa White went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the winning effort.
Rachel Nachtweih picked up the win for the Owls. She worked the final two innings and did not allow a hit. Nachtweih recorded three strikeouts and walked none.
William Woods improves to 7-2 on the year.
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Owls Open AMC Play With Two Wins
 (FULTON, Mo., Mar. 11)--The William Woods University softball team opened American Midwest Conference play with a double header sweep of visiting Hannibal-LaGrange College on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls defeated the Trojans 6-0 and 11-2.
Elizabeth Baker had little trouble with the Trojan offense throwing a complete game shutout for the Owls. Baker worked seven innings, allowed only two hits, struck out six and walked one. Baker improves to 2-1 on the season.
Lynnzie Trustee went 4-for-4 with one RBI for William Woods. Morgan Parkhurst went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the winning effort.
William Woods scored solo runs in the second and third innings before pushing across two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Owls added a run in the fifth and the sixth to secure the win.
The Owls used a four-run fifth inning to break open a scoreless game two. William Woods tacked on three more in the sixth, and four in the seventh to close-out the Trojans.
William Woods received another strong pitching performance in game two. Courtney Vincent did not allow a hit until the bottom of the seventh inning. Vincent improved to 3-1 with the complete game victory.
Trustee completed her perfect day with a 3-for-3 effort in game two. Zoe Brittan went 2-for-5 with three RBI in the win. Laura Seipp went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the winning effort.
William Woods improves to 6-2 overall, and 2-0 in the AMC. Hannibal-LaGrange College falls to 1-6 overall, and 0-2 in the AMC.
The Owls will return to the diamond on Thursday, March 13th, vs Stephens College. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
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Owls Take Two From #22 Olivet Nazarene
 (FULTON, Mo., Mar. 1)--The William Woods University softball bounced back from a doubleheader sweep on Friday, and swept #22 Olivet Nazarene on Saturday. The teams finished their four-game weekend series by sweeping each other.
William Woods needed some late inning heroics to pull out the win in game one. Olivet Nazarene jumped on the board with two runs in the top of the third inning. They added two more in the top of the fifth to take a 4-0 lead.
William Woods began their comeback with three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Owls scored all their runs with two outs. T.J. Quick put the Owls on the board with an RBI single, scoring Morgan Parkhurst. Melissa White singled later in the inning, scoring Quick. Sam Reynolds drove in Zoe Brittan to pull the Owls within one run.
The 4-3 ONU advantage would hold until the bottom of the seventh inning. Brittan led-off the inning with a single. White followed with a single to left field. ONU’s left fielder missed the cut-off and the ball went to the right field fence. Brittan scored on the error and White moved to third base. ONU intentionally walked the next two hitters setting the table for Tara Schulte. Schulte hit a groundball that went under the glove of the ONU first baseman scoring the winning run.
Brittan went 2-for-3 in the win. White colleted three hits and one RBI in the victory for William Woods. Courtney Vincent (1-1) picked up the win in relief. Vincent worked 2.2 innings. She struck out three, walked one, and did not surrender a hit.
The Owls and Tigers were locked in a pitchers duel in the final game of their four-game series. The Owls were able to take advantage of an ONU error and take a 1-0 lead after one inning. Brittan tripled to right with two outs in the bottom of the inning. White followed with a fly ball to shallow right. The ONU second baseman could not secure the catch, and Brittan scored on the play.
William Woods added another run in the bottom of the fourth. Morgan Parkhust singled to score Chelsea Loethen to give WWU a 2-0 lead.
Freshman Megan Bote cruised through the first four innings on the mound for William Woods. ONU mounted a threat in the top of the fifth. The Tigers led off the inning with a walk. After a pop-out on the infield, the Tigers stole second, and collected back-to-back singles. The latter scored their first run of the game. After a wild pitch and another single, Vincent made another appearance for the Owls out of the bullpen. This time she took the mound with one out, the bases loaded, and clinging to a two-run lead. Vincent stuck out the first hitter she faced. The next Tiger grounded out and the threat was over.
William Woods added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Owls were led by Brittan with a 2-for-3 effort. Huffman also went 2-for-3 in the win. Vincent (2-1) earned her second with of the day in relief. She worked 2.2 innings, struck out one, walked none, and did not allow a hit.
William Woods improved to 2-2 on the season. They will host Westminster College on Sunday, March 2nd.
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Owls Drop Opener to #22 Olivet Nazarene
(FULTON, Mo., Feb. 29)--The William Woods University softball team dropped both ends of their opening day doubleheader to visiting Olivet Nazarene University. The Owls lost game one 6-2, and game two 9-6. Olivet Nazarene entered the game as the 22nd ranked team in the NAIA.
Olivet took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off starter Liz Baker. Laura Seipp scored Morgan Parkhurst on a sacrifice fly, and Melissa White drove in T.J. Quick to even the game at two in the bottom of the third inning for the Owls.
Olivet Nazarene added one run in the fifth on a solo home run from Rachel Comoglio, and three more in the top of the sixth to pull away with the victory.
Baker (0-1) took the loss for the Owls. She worked seven innings, allowed nine hits and six runs. Baker struck out six and walked eight. White led the Owl offense with a 2-for-4 effort.
The Tigers (2-0) jumped on the board early again in game two. ONU took a 2-0 lead after one inning of play. They expanded their lead to 6-1 in the fourth inning. William Woods answered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth to close the gap.
After ONU pushed the lead to 7-3 in the top of the fifth, William Woods answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth. Zoe Brittan doubled and drove in two runs in the inning. Later that inning, Laura Seipp grounded out, scoring Brittan and moving Lynnzie Trustee to third base with two outs. The rally would end there as Melissa White flew out to end the inning, and the threat.
Clinging to a one-run lead, ONU scored two insurance runs in the top of the 7th to preserve their second win of the day.
Courtney Vincent (0-1) took the loss for the Owls. She worked six innings, allowed eight runs (four earned) on eight hits. Vincent struck out seven and walked six. Tara Schulte went 4-for-4 in the loss. Kendra Propst went 3-for-4 for William Woods.
The two teams will play another doubleheader on Saturday, March 1st. First pitch is at 1:00 PM.
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Softball Tournament Cancelled
(FULTON, Mo., Feb. 14th)--The William Woods University softball team will have to wait to begin their 2008 season. The Evangel University softball tournament has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The tournament has not announced a make-up date.
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William Woods Ranked 5th in Pre-Season Region V Rankings (Jan. 22)
 (FULTON, Mo., Jan. 22)--The William Woods University softball team is currently ranked 5th in the Pre-Season NAIA Region V rankings. The Owls are behind McKendree University, Evangel University, Columbia College, and Culver-Stockton College. The NAIA National Rankings will be made available on Wednesday, January 30th.
The Owls finished the 2007 season with a record of 34-14 and advanced to the NAIA Region V Tournament.
William Woods will open the 2008 season on February 15th and 16th in the Evangel University Tournament.
Complete Region V Pre-Season Poll:
1. McKendree University (AMC)
2. Evangel University (HAAC)
3. Columbia College (AMC)
4. Culver-Stockton College (HAAC)
5. William Woods University (AMC)
6. MidAmerica Nazarene University (HAAC)
7. William Jewell College (HAAC)
8. Central Methodist University (HAAC)
9. Missouri Valley College (HAAC)
10. Hannibal-LaGrange College (AMC)
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 (FULTON, MO., Jan. 11)--Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Kristy Pluchinski to a William Woods University Letter of Intent to play for the Owls in 2009. Pluchinski comes to William Woods from Wright City High School in Wright City, Missouri.
Pluchinski, a 5'9" infielder, was a three-sport athlete at Wright City High School. She was selected to the All-Conference and All-District softball team three times. Kristy was also a two-time All-Region selection.
Pluchinski was a member of the 2005 District Softball Championship team, and the 2005 Region Softball Championship team.
"Kristy is a very nice addition to our program," Coach Gastineau said. "She is a strong athlete with a solid swing and power at the plate. Kristy has good presence at first base and is a vocal leader. These skills along with her enthusiasm for William Woods will allow her to blend well with our team and program. We are excited to have her join our university and softball team."
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Softball To Hold Winter Camp
Softball to hold Winter Clinic. For more information click HERE.
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Softball Recognized for Academics (Oct. 3)
(STARKVILLE, Miss., Oct. 3)-- The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the Top 10 All-Academic Teams, based on cumulative grade-point averages submitted by NFCA member head coaches for the 2006-2007 academic year.
The William Woods University softball team finished second in the NAIA, and sixth nationally among all four-year colleges. The William Woods softball team finished the 2006-07 academic year with a 3.533 team grade-point average.
“At the beginning of last year when our softball team sat down to make goals for the 2007 season, academics and team grade point average were two of the first things we talked about,” said Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau. “They set challenging goals for team grade point average for the year and team cumulative grade point average. They made their hard work and dedication in the classroom a priority; then reached and exceeded both of those academic goals. While I am excited that this team was recognized as the #2 Academic team in the NAIA, the proudest part as their coach is that they had a vision, then went out and worked to accomplish that goal.”
The University of Rio Grande led all four-year colleges for the second-straight year as the NAIA program claimed a 3.648 cumulative grade-point average.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play.
Click on the link provided to view the entire poll: http://www.nfca.org/news/?id=2824.
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