Softball Receives Buffalo Funds Five Star Award

(FULTON, Mo., July 10, 2009) - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA's 23 championship sports.  The William Woods University softball program was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for its dedication and implementation of the Champions of Character program's five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.  The Owls, who compete in the American Midwest Conference, are led by head coach Tracy Gastineau.  This marks the second time in three years the Owls have won the award.

”Character is vital for our team’s success in so many ways. With character, the young ladies on our team have a common denominator that brings them together and helps them stick together which makes up our team chemistry,” said Gastineau. “They have a common purpose with common goals – to out-work, out-class and out-play our opponents each day. This chemistry has allowed our team to play within themselves and even overachieve, playing for their teammates, coaches and the sport.”  

IIn November, the NAIA recognized William Woods University as a Champions of Character Institution for the 2007-08 Academic Year.

According to the NAIA "199 colleges and universities were named Champions of Character institutions for the 2007-08 school year. The total number of member institutions recognized shows a 20% increase from 2006-07. These institutions share the NAIA’s commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process."

“Champions of Character has a profound impact on student-athletes, coaches and in the communities the NAIA and member institutions serve. I am delighted to see an increase in the number of schools that use the program to intentionally teach character,” said Rob Haworth, NAIA Vice President for Champions of Character. “Champions of Character uses the power of sport to teach lessons for life. I applaud these institutions for their commitment to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics.”

The William Woods Athletic department has a history of excellence with the Champions of Character program.  Senior softball player T.J. Quick was a two-time American Midwest Conference nominee for the LeRoy Walker Award.  Also, last fall, several William Woods student-athletes were featured on the NAIA web site for their testimonials on the five core values.

- Portions of this release have been provided by the NAIA.

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More Awards Announced For Softball Owls

(FULTON, Mo., June 5) - Four William Woods University softball players have earned national recognition from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. TJ Quick and Kelsey Schulte earned First Team All-Region recognition. Tara Schulte and Colleen Dailey received Second Team All-Region recognition.

The NFCA recognizes one player at each infield position, three outfielders, a pitcher, catcher, utility player, designated player and five at-large selections from 31 midwest schools.

Quick, a senior from Fulton, Mo., was selected First Team Outfield. Quick, the American Midwest Conference player of the Year and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, hit .404, had an on-base percentage of .486, scored a team-high 51 runs, and stole a team-high 17 bases this season.

Kelsey Schulte, a freshman from Honey Creek, Mo., was selected First Team At-Large. Schulte, the AMC Freshman of the Year, was 18-7 with a 1.91 ERA in the circle this season. She also hit .313 with a team-high nine home runs and 54 RBI's.

Tara Schulte, a junior from Honey Creek, Mo., was selected Second Team Second Base. Schulte hit .351 with four home runs and 33 RBI's.

Colleen Dailey, a junior from Ellisville, Mo., was selected Second Team At-Large. Dailey, the AMC Newcomer of the Year and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, hit .360 with 17 doubles, six home runs, and 43 RBI's.

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Softball Players Earn National Recognition

(FULTON, Mo., May 20) - Four William Woods University softball players received national postseason awards today.

Senior Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.), senior T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.), and junior Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) have been announced as NAIA Scholar-Athletes for the 2009 season. To qualify for the award, an individual must be of at least junior standing, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 or better.

The NAIA also announced its All-American team today. Quick and junior Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) were recognized as Honorable Mention All-Americans.

Quick, the American Midwest Conference Player of the Year, hit .404, had an on-base percentage of .486, scored a team-high 51 runs, and stole a team-high 17 bases this season. Quick was a second team All-American in 2006.

Dailey, the AMC Newcomer of the Year, hit .360 with 17 doubles, six home runs, and 43 RBI's. Dailey was also an Honorable Mention All-American soccer player in 2007 at William Woods.

Quick was also the recipient of the National Strength and Conditioning All-American Award. The NSCA recognizes collegiate and High School athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments as well as their integrity as student athletes.

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Kaycee Wyatt Signs With William Woods

(FULTON, Mo., May 20) - William Woods University Head Softball Coach Tracy Gastineau has announced the signing of Kaycee Wyatt to a William Woods University Letter of intent to play for the Owls in 2010. Wyatt comes to William Woods from Highland Community College, and Wathena High School.

Wyatt, a 5'9" catcher and outfielder from Wathena, Kans., was a 1st Team All-Conference selection at Highland Community College. She was also a Distinguished Academic All-American at HCC.

 

 

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Softball Falls in Semi-Finals

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., May 3)--The William Woods University softball team lost to McKendree University in the semi-finals of the American Midwest Conference postseason tournament. The Bearcats defeated the Owls 9-6.

Junior Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) put the Owls on the board with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. The Owls added another run in the third and fourth to take a 4-0 lead.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) got the start in the circle for William Woods and held the Bearcats in check until the fifth inning. McKendree would score nine runs in the fifth and sixth inning to take a 9-4 lead.

William Woods rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and had the tying run at the plate, but could not creep any closer.

Schulte took the loss for William Woods. She worked 5 and 1/3 innings, allowed 11 hits, nine runs, walked six and struck out four.

Senior T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) was 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI. Senior Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) was 2-for-2 with a run scored in the loss. Dailey and Kelsey Schulte added two RBI's in the loss for William Woods.

McKendree scored nine runs on 11 hits in the win. William Woods scored six runs on nine hits and committed one error in the loss.

McKendree would eventually defeat Columbia College twice to earn the AMC postseason tournament championship.

William Woods completes the 2009 season with a record of 33-17.

Following the championship game, the AMC announced its postseason awards. T.J. Quick was selected as the AMC Player of the Year. Colleen Dailey was rewarded for her play by being named AMC Newcomer of the Year. Kelsey Schulte completed a stellar season and was awarded AMC Freshman of the Year. For the fourth time in her tenure, Coach Tracy Gastineau was named the AMC Coach of the Year.

Additional Postseason Awards

Honorable Mention All-AMC:

Megan Bote - So. - Wright City, Mo.
Morgan Parkhurst - So. - Millstadt, Ill.
Tara Schulte - Jr. - Honey Creek, Mo.

First Team All-AMC:

Colleen Dailey - Jr. - Ellisville, Mo.
T.J. Quick - Sr. - Fulton, Mo.
Kelsey Schulte - Fr. - Honey Creek, Mo.
Laura Seipp - Sr. - O'Fallon, Ill.

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Owls Split on Day Two

(JEFFERSON City, Mo., May 2)--The William Woods University softball team defeated Harris-Stowe State University 15-1 in the second round of the AMC postseason softball tournament. The Owls then fell 3-1 to Columbia College in the 5 pm game on Saturday afternoon. William Woods will now have to win three consecutive games to take home the AMC postseason softball tournament championship, and earn an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships.

In their first game of the day, freshman Kelsey Schulte went 3-for-3 with eight RBI's for WWU. Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) collected a double and two home runs. She also earned the victory in the circle for the Owls.

In a big offense day, T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) went 3-for-4 with three runs scored, and Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.), Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.), and Carinda Schulte (Jefferson City, Mo.) all added two hits in the win.

The William Woods offense was held in check in the final game of day. Kacey Rehagen and the Columbia Cougars held the Owls to one run on four hits. The Cougars advanced to the AMC championship game with the 3-1 win.

Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.), Tara Schulte, Zoe Brittan (Valley Park, Mo.) and Dailey had a hit apiece for the Owls.

Kelsey Schulte took the loss in game two. Schulte worked seven inning, allowed six hits, three runs, walked four and struck out three.

William Woods will play McKendree University at 12 noon at the Fields of Legends softball complex in Jefferson City, Mo., on Sunday afternoon in the semi-finals of the AMC postseason tournament.

AMC Softball Tournament Day Two Wrap-up

 

Parkhurst Earns AMC Honor

Portions of this Release Provided by the AMC

(LEBANON, Ill., April 28)--Morgan Parkhurst of William Woods University has been named the American Midwest Conference Softball Player of the Week for the week of April 20-26.

Parkhurst, a sophomore outfielder from Millstadt, Ill., batted .600 on the week, collecting six hits in 10 at-bats. She posted four doubles and had five RBI in those contests. Parkhurst scored four runs and drew a pair of walks and she helped the Owls to doubleheader sweeps of Williams Baptist College and Park University.

For the season, Parkhurst is batting .398 with two home runs and 28 RBI. She is second on the Owls' squad with 11 doubles and four stolen bases. This is the second time Parkhurst has won the award this year.

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Softball Sweeps Park
(FULTON, Mo., April 25)--The William Woods University softball team swept a doubleheader from visiting Park University on Saturday afternoon. The Owls won game one 6-5, and game two 10-3.

The Owls fell behind 3-0 in the top of the second inning. WWU scored a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the lead to two runs.

William Woods took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Owls scored three runs to take a 4-3 lead.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) entered in relief of Megan Bote (Wright City, Mo.). Bote worked five innings, allowed five hits, three runs, two earned runs, walked three and struck out one.

Park rallied for two unearned runs in the top of the sixth to take a 5-4 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the game on the line, Kelsey Schulte hit a two-run walk-off home run to win game one for the Owls. Schulte also earned the win in relief for WWU. Schulte (17-5) worked two innings, allowed two hits, two runs, no earned runs and walked two.

Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI’s in the win for WWU. T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) and Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Park scored five runs on seven hits in the loss. WWU scored six runs on 10 hits and committed five errors in the win.

The Owls jumped all over the Pirates in game two. William Woods scored nine runs in the bottom of the first inning, and cruised to a 10-3 win.

Courtney Vincent (Woodlawn, Ill.) took the win for the Owls in game two. Vincent went seven innings, allowed 10 hits, three runs, two earned runs and walked four.

Quick was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the WWU win. Kelsey Schulte was 2-for-4 with two RBI’s. Parkhurst was 2-for-2 with two RBI’s in the win for William Woods. Colleen Dailey also collected two hits for the Owls.

Park scored three runs on ten hits in the loss. William Woods scored 10 runs on 14 hits and committed one error in the win.

William Woods, the regular season American Midwest Conference champion, will be the #1 seed at the AMC postseason tournament. The Owls will host the tournament in Jefferson City, Mo., April 30th-May 2nd. The Owls improve to 31-15 overall.

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Softball Wins AMC Regular Season Championship (Update April 24)
(FULTON, Mo., April 23)--The William Woods University softball team defeated visiting Williams Baptist College in an American Midwest Conference doubleheader on Thursday afternoon. The Owls defeated the Eagles 4-1 and 5-1. The two AMC victories, and a loss from Columbia College on Saturday, clinched the regular season AMC Championship for the Owls. They also earn the #1 seed at the AMC postseason tournament in Jefferson City, Mo., next week. This is the first AMC softball championship since 2006.

The Owls scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning in game one to take a 3-1 lead off starting pitcher Tricia Driver. Driver had allowed only two hits prior to the fifth inning. In the fifth, the Owls scored three runs on four hits.

Senior Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) started the fifth inning with an infield single. Senior T.J. Quick followed with a single of her own. Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) sacrificed Seipp to third, and Quick to second, giving the Owls two chances to tie the game or take the lead. Junior Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) delivered a two-out single scoring Seipp and Quick to give the Owls a 2-1 lead. Junior Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) added an RBI single to give the Owls the 3-1 advantage.

Seipp hit a one-out RBI double in the bottom of the sixth inning to stretch the WWU lead to 4-1.

Kelsey Schulte was stellar on the mound for WWU. She picked up her 15th win of the season working a complete-game. Schulte threw seven innings, allowed nine hits, one run, no earned runs, walked three and struck out four.

Seipp and Tara Schulte were each 2-for-3 with an RBI in the win for William Woods. Dailey was 1-for-3 with two RBI's in the victory.

Williams Baptist scored one run on nine hits and committed three errors in the loss. William Woods scored four runs on eight hits and committed three errors in the win.

The victory in game one gave the Owls a chance to win a share of the regular season AMC championship. Columbia College, Williams Baptist, and William Woods entered the day all tied for first place in the AMC with a record of 11-3.

WWU again fell behind 1-0 in game two. Williams Baptist scored a run in the third inning to take the early lead. WBC starter Kim Emmons, who had only lost one game this season, kept the WWU bats in check until the sixth inning.

The Owls began their rally with two outs and Quick at second base. Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) drew a walk to put the tying, and go-ahead runners on base. Dailey delivered another clutch RBI single, scoring Quick to tie the game at one. WWU received RBI singles from Tara Schulte and sophomore Chelsea Loethen (Meta, Mo.) to give the Owls the lead for good.

Kelsey Schulte added an RBI double in the seventh to give the Owls a 4-1 lead. Parkhurst also added a seventh inning RBI to give the Owls a 5-1 lead.

Kelsey Schulte earned her second win of the day for William Woods. Schulte (16-5) went seven innings, allowed four hits, one run, two walks and three strike outs.

Parkhurst and Loethen each went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the win for the Owls. Kelsey Schulte, Dailey and Tara Schulte all had RBI's for WWU.

William Woods scored five runs on nine hits in the win. Williams Baptist (21-16, 11-5) scored one run on four hits in the loss.

The Owls (29-15, 13-3) will return to action on Saturday. The Owls will host Park University at 2 pm.

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Schulte Earns AMC Softball Honor

Release Provided by the American Midwest Conference

(LEBANON, Ill., April 21)--The American Midwest Conference has announced its April 20 honorees as the league's Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week.

Kelsey Schulte of William Woods University has been selected as the AMC Softball Player of the Week, while Kim Emmons from Williams Baptist College has collected AMC Softball Pitcher of the Week accolades.

Schulte, a freshman infielder/pitcher from Honey Creek, Mo., powered  her way to Player of the Week honors with three home runs and 14 runs batted in during a six-game stretch last week. Schulte also had a double and two triples and scored six runs. She batted .391 (9-for-23) and slugged 1.000 for the week.

In 2009, Schulte has posted a batting average of .298 with five home runs and 37 RBI's. She is tied for the team lead in home runs and leads the Owls in RBI's.

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Softball Wins Two at Tournament

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 18)--The William Woods University softball team won two games at the University of Illinois-Springfield tournament on Saturday. The Owls won game one versus Rogers State 4-3 in nine innings. The Owls defeated Robert Morris College 4-3 in game two.

William Woods and Rogers State went to extra innings in the first game of the day. The Owls scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at two. Neither team would score in the seventh.

Rogers State scored a run in the top of the eighth inning to take a 3-2 lead. WWU answered with a run of its own to send the game to the ninth.

In the ninth, sophomore Chelsea Loethen (Meta, Mo.) hit a one-out RBI single to score pinch runner Whitney Eufinger to give the Owls the extra innings victory.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) earned the victory for the Owls. Schulte (14-5) worked nine innings, allowed four hits, three runs, walked five and struck out seven.

Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) went 2-for-3 in the win for the Owls. Loethen went 2-for-4 with the game-winning RBI.

Rogers State scored three runs on four hits and committed two errors in the loss. William Woods scored four runs on six hits in the win.

The Owls had to rally from a 3-0 deficit in their second game of the day against Robert Morris College. Trailing 3-0 in the top of the sixth inning, Kelsey Schulte hit a two-run home run to pull the Owls within one run.

The Owls tied the game in the top of the seventh on a lead-off solo home run from Junior Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.). Then with two outs, senior Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) hit an RBI single, scoring Whitney Eufinger to give the Owls the lead.

Sophomore Courtney Vincent (Woodlawn, Ill.) took the win for the Owls. Vincent (6-6) went seven innings, allowed eight hits, three runs, walked three and struck out three.

Senior T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) went 2-for-4 in the win. Loethen went 2-for-3 for the Owls. Tara Schulte and Seipp each had an RBI in the win.

Robert Morris scored three runs on eight hits in the loss. William Woods scored four runs on eight hits and committed four errors in the win.

William Woods (27-15) will return to action on Thursday. The Owls will host Williams Baptist College in their final regular season American Midwest Conference doubleheader.

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Softball Splits With Columbia College
(FULTON, Mo., April 16)--The William Woods University softball team split an American Midwest Conference doubleheader with 22nd ranked Columbia College on Thursday. The Owls won the opener 7-1, and lost game two in extra innings 9-8 (8).

William Woods led 1-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning in game one. Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) gave the Owls a 4-0 lead with a three-run home run off starter Kacey Rehagen. Sophomore Chelsea Loethen (Meta, Mo.) added another three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth the put the game out of reach.

Kelsey Schulte earned the win in the circle for WWU. Schulte (13-4) went seven innings, allowed six hits, one run, walked two and struck out four.

Freshman Carinda Schulte (Jefferson City, Mo.) added two hits in the win for William Woods.

Columbia scored one run on six hits and committed two errors in the loss. William Woods scored seven runs on seven hits in the win.

It came down to the last at-bat in the second game of the evening. Both teams took turns taking, and then giving up a lead. It took eight innings to finally decide a winner.

Columbia College took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Owls battled back to take a 5-3 lead in the top of the third. Columbia answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game at five.

The offense continued for both teams in the fourth inning. William Woods scored a run to re-take the lead, only to lose it in the bottom of the inning. Trailing 7-6, the Owls re-took the lead in the top of the fifth, scoring two runs.

WWU took an 8-7 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning. Linda Diller hit a fly ball into shallow center field scoring Krista Vlasak with one out to pull the Cougars even.

William Woods could not score in their half of the eighth. In the bottom of the inning, Vlasak singled home Ashley Farmer with two outs to give the Cougars the victory.

Kelsey Schulte took the loss in relief for the Owls. Schulte (13-5) worked three and 2/3 innings, allowed nine hits, and two runs. She also went 2-for-5 with two RBI's in the loss.

Sophomore Zoe Brittan (Valley Park, Mo.) went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Carinda Schulte went 1-for-4 with two RBI's in the loss for WWU.

William Woods scored eight runs on ten hits and committed three errors in the loss. Columbia College (23-8, 9-1) scored nine runs on 15 hits and committed one error in the win.

The Owls (25-15, 11-3) will return to action on Saturday and Sunday. WWU will travel to Springfield, Ill., and compete in the University of Illinois-Springfield Tournament.

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Softball Sweeps Harris-Stowe

(FULTON, Mo., April 14)--The William Woods University softball team swept an American Midwest Conference doubleheader against visiting Harris-Stowe State University on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls defeated the Hornets 8-0 (5) and 11-4. William Woods has now won eight consecutive games, including six straight AMC contests.

William Woods made quick work of Harris-Stowe in game one. The Owls scored two runs in the first, three runs in the second, and three runs in the fourth to run-rule the Hornets in five innings.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) earned her 12th victory of the season for William Woods. Schulte (12-4) worked five innings, allowed two hits and walked two.

Junior catcher Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, two doubles and three RBI's. Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) went 2-for-3 with three RBI's for WWU. T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the win for the Owls.

Harris-Stowe had two hits and two errors in the loss. William Woods scored eight runs on 10 hits in the win.

The WWU offensive continued its hot approach in game two. William Woods scored five runs in the top of the second inning to race out to the early lead. The Owls added two runs in the fourth, three runs in the sixth and one run in the seventh.

Sophomore Megan Bote collected the win for the Owls. Bote (8-4) worked seven innings, allowed seven hits, four runs, walked four and struck out five.

Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) and freshman Kelsey Schulte led the Owls at the plate. Parkhurst went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a home run and five RBI's. Schulte went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a triple and four RBI's. Quick completed a good day for the Owls going 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Harris-Stowe scored four runs on seven hits and committed one error in the loss. William Woods scored 11 runs on 13 hits. WWU was perfect defensively on the day.

HSSU falls to 11-15 overall, and 2-6 in the AMC. WWU improves to 24-14 overall, and 10-2 in the AMC.

The Owls return to action on Thursday, April 16th. The Owls host 22nd ranked Columbia College at 2 pm. The Cougars are in first place in the AMC with a record of 8-0. William Woods is in second place in the AMC (10-2) with two conference doubleheaders remaining.

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Quick Receives AMC LeRoy Walker Nomination

Portions of this release provided by the NAIA

(FULTON, Mo., April 10)--Senior T.J. Quick received the American Midwest Conference nomination for the NAIA's Dr. LeRoy Walker 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 graduate of Benedict College (S.C.) and is a former president of the NAIA.

T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) also received the AMC, and NAIA Region V nomination last year. The NAIA has abolished Regions, and will not award a Region nomination this year.

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. 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.

Today, the NAIA announced that Micah Johnson, a student-athlete from Central Christian (Kan.) College, has been named the NAIA National 2009 recipient of the Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award.

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Softball Sweeps Missouri Baptist

(ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 8)--The William Woods University softball team won both ends of an American Midwest Conference doubleheader at Missouri Baptist University on Tuesday. The Owls won 6-4 and 10-6.

WWU trailed 4-0 after five innings of play in game one. The Owls scored three runs in the sixth, one in the seventh to send the game to extra innings, and two in the eighth to complete the comeback.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) collected her 11th win of the season for WWU. Schulte went eight innings, allowed two hits, no earned runs, walked one and struck out nine. Schulte improves to 11-4 on the year.

Freshman Carinda Schulte (Jefferson City, Mo.) went 4-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI's in the win for the Owls. T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.), Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.), and Chelsea Loethen (Meta, Mo.) all had two hits apiece in the win.

WWU scored six runs on 13 hits and committed three errors in the win. MBU scored four runs on two hits and committed two errors in the loss.

William Woods used a six-run fourth inning to secure the 10-6 win in the second game of the doubleheader.

Sophomore Megan Bote (Wright City, Mo.) took the win for the Owls. She pitched seven innings, allowed seven hits, six runs, walked four and struck out three. Bote improves to 7-4 on the season.

Parkhurst was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI's for the Owls. Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) was 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI's.

WWU scored 10 runs on nine hits in the win. MBU scored six runs on seven hits and committed one error in the loss.

Missouri Baptist falls to 23-13 overall, and 3-5 in the AMC. William Woods improves to 22-14 overall, and 8-2 in the AMC. The Owls will return to action on Friday, April 10th. WWU will host AMC rival Williams Baptist College at 1 pm.

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Softball Drops Two AMC Games

(LEBANON, Ill., April 1)--The William Woods University softball team dropped a pair of American Midwest Conference games at McKendree University on Wednesday afternoon. The Owls lost game one 4-12, and game two 2-4.

McKendree scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to break-open game one. Heading into the bottom of the fourth, the Owls trailed 5-3.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) took the loss for William Woods. Schulte (8-4) was roughed-up for 11 hits and eight earned runs in three and 1/3 innings pitched. Schulte also walked six Bearcats in the loss.

Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) and junior Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) each went 1-for-3 with an RBI for the Owls in the loss. Freshman Carinda Schulte (Jefferson City, Mo.) was 1-for-1 with an RBI for WWU.

William Woods scored four runs on six hits and committed four errors in the loss. McKendree scored 12 runs on 12 hits in the win.

The Owls and Bearcats were tied at two heading into the top of the seventh inning in game two. McKendree pushed across two runs in the top of the inning to secure the doubleheader sweep.

Sophomore Megan Bote took the loss for William Woods. Bote (5-4) worked seven innings, allowed six hits, four runs, walked four and struck out four.

Parkhurst and senior Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) each went 2-for-3 in the loss for the Owls. Tara Schulte was 1-for-3 with two RBI's for WWU.

William Woods scored two runs on seven hits and committed one error in the loss. McKendree scored four runs on six hits and committed one error in the win.

McKendree improves to 14-9 overall, and 4-2 in the AMC. William Woods falls to 16-14 overall, and 4-2 in the AMC.

William Woods will return to action on Friday, April 3rd. They will travel to Hannibal-LaGrange College for another AMC doubleheader.

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Parkhurst Named AMC Player of the Week

Release Provided by the American Midwest Conference

(LEBANON, Ill., March 30)--Morgan Parkhurst from William Woods University has been honored by the American Midwest Conference for her play on the softball diamond for the week covering March 23-29. Parkhurst was selected as the AMC Softball Player of the Week.

Parkhurst, a sophomore outfielder from Millstadt, Ill., helped lead the Owls to an AMC doubleheader sweep over the University of Illinois at Springfield. Parkhurst went 3-for-5 in the twinbill for a .600 batting average. Two of her three hits went for doubles, while she drove in a pair of runs. Parkhurst also scored twice and added a stolen base as well.

 

 

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Softball Takes Two

(FULTON, Mo., March 27)--Frigid temperatures and strong winds greeted the Owls and Prairie Stars on Friday afternoon. Battling tough conditions, the William Woods University softball team defeated visiting University of Illinois-Springfield 3-1, and 9-7, in an American Midwest Conference doubleheader on Friday afternoon.

The Owls scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the early 2-0 lead. After UI-Springfield scored a run in the top of the third inning, WWU answered with a run of its in the bottom of the third to push the lead to 3-1.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) earned the complete game victory in game one. Schulte worked seven innings, allowed seven hits, one run, struck out 11 and walked five. Schulte improves to 8-3 on the year.

Tara Schulte (Honey Creek, Mo.) went 2-for-2 with two RBI's in game one. T.J. Quick (Fulton, Mo.) and Colleen Dailey (Ellisville, Mo.) each added two hits in the win for William Woods. Kelsey Schulte was 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI.

William Woods scored three runs on seven hits in the win. UI-Springfield scored one run on seven hits and committed one error in the loss.

The Owls fell behind early in game two. WWU scored eight runs over the last three innings, including four unearned runs in the top of the seventh, to erase a 7-1 deficit.

William Woods trailed 7-5 with one out and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh. Kristy Pluchinski (Wright City, Mo.) hit a ground ball to first base. The ball was fielded and thrown home for a force out, but went off the glove of the Prairie Stars catcher. Two Owl runners scored on the play to tie the game at seven. Laura Seipp (O'Fallon, Ill.) followed the fielder's choice with an RBI ground-out to give WWU an 8-7 lead. A wild pitch from relief pitcher Brianne Moeller scored Pluchinski from third to end the scoring for WWU in the seventh.

Megan Bote (Wright City, Mo.) pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh to earn the victory in relief for WWU. Bote pitched four innings, allowed three hits, two runs, walked five and struck out three. She improves to 5-3 on the year.

Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst (Millstadt, Ill.) went 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI's for William Woods in the win. Kelsey Schulte went 1-for-3 with two RBI's for WWU. Dailey and Leslie Taylor (Hat Creek, Calif.) each collected two hits in the win for the Owls.

William Woods scored nine runs on 11 hits and committed three errors in the win. UI-Springfield scored seven runs on six hits and committed one error in the loss.

UIS fall to 0-14 overall, and 0-4 in the AMC. William Woods improves to 16-12 overall, and 4-0 in the AMC.

Tomorrow's doubleheader with Benedictine College has been cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather. At this time, no make-up date has been announced. Also, Sunday's doubleheader at Central Methodist University has been cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather. At this time, no make-up date has been announced.

William Woods will return to action on Tuesday, March 31st, at AMC rival McKendree University.

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Kelsey Schulte Named WWU Student-Athlete of the Month

(Fulton, Mo., March 6th) -- Freshmen softball player Kelsey Schulte ( Honey Creek, Mo.) has been named the WWU Student-Athlete of the Month for February.

Schulte was outstanding on the mound for the Owls going 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA while pitching two complete games and striking out 19 batters. Additionally she plays shortstop or DP when not pitching and had a .458 Batting Average with, 7 runs scored, 11 hits, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 8 RBI's and had a .875 slugging percentage.

Defensively she added 8 putouts, 7 assists and no errors, in leading the Owls to a 7-1 record for February.

Schulte is majoring in Sports Management.

 

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14th Ranked Owls Drop Two at #6 William Carey

(HATTIESBURG, Miss., March 19)--The William Woods University softball team dropped a doubleheader at William Carey University on Thursday. William Woods entered the doubleheader ranked 14th in the NAIA. William Carey entered the day ranked 6th in the nation.

William Carey took game one 7-0, and game two 7-1 to improve to 21-4 on the year. William Woods falls to 14-8 on the season.

Sophomore Megan Bote took the loss for William Woods in game one. Sophomore Zoe Brittan went 2-for-4 in the loss.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte took the loss for the Owls in game two. Junior Colleen Dailey went 2-for-3 with a run scored in the loss. Sophomore Chelsea Loethen collected the lone RBI for William Woods.

The Owls will return to the diamond on Friday, and Saturday, at the Belhaven University Tournament in Jackson, Miss. William Woods will play Thomas University at 4 pm, and host Belhaven University at 6 pm on Friday. The Owls will play Lambuth University at 1 pm, and Bethel College (Tenn.) at 3 pm on Saturday.

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Owls Share Player of the Week Honors

Portions of this release have been provided by the AMC

(FULTON, Mo., March 18)--William Woods University senior pitcher Cody Morrow, and freshman pitcher Kelsey Schulte, have each been named American Midwest Conference baseball/softball pitcher of the week.

Morrow, a senior pitcher/first baseman from Eugene, Mo., was an important factor in his only pitching outing of the week, a 9-7 win Owls' win against Ohio Dominican University. Morrow worked one inning to pick up his second victory of the year. He allowed just one hit with a strikeout. In addition to his two wins, Morrow has posted a team-leading four saves.

Schulte, a freshman from Honey Creek, Mo., registered a pair of complete-game victories on the road last week for William Woods. Schulte allowed just two earned runs in 14 innings of work, giving up just five hits in the process. Schulte struck out eight batters in the wins.

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Softball Splits, Ranked 14th

(Orange Beach, Ala., March 17)--The William Woods University softball team split a doubleheader with Grand View College on Tuesday afternoon. The Owls lost the opener 3-1. William Woods came back with an 8-0 win in six innings in game two.

After the game, the Owls learned that they have moved up in the NAIA Softball Rankings. Last week the Owls were among others receiving votes. This week they are the 14th ranked team in the country.

Complete Poll

William Woods (14-6) will return to action on Thursday. The Owls will play #6 William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss.

 

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Softball Goes 3-2 at Tournament

(Orange Beach, Ala., March 16)--The William Woods University softball team went 3-2 at the Gulf Coast Invitational Tournament over the weekend. Thirteen of the 20 teams in the tournament were either ranked or receiving votes in the 2009 NAIA Softball Top 25 Preseason Poll.

The Owls opened the tournament on Friday with a 4-5 loss at the hands of host, and #6, University of Mobile. William Woods scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to close the gap, but could pull no closer. Sophomore Courtney Vincent took the loss for the Owls. Freshman Whitney Eufinger was 1-for-3 with two RBI's for William Woods. Junior Colleen Dailey was 2-for-4 with an RBI for WWU.

William Woods defeated Auburn University-Montgomery in the late game on Friday. The Owls won 6-2. Freshman Kelsey Schulte earned the win for William Woods. Senior Laura Seipp went 2-for-3 in the WWU victory. Dailey added two RBI's for William Woods.

The Owls opened play on Saturday with a 7-0 victory over St. Thomas University. Kelsey Schulte earned another victory for the Owls. Schulte also went 2-for-3 with an RBI at the plate for the Owls. Seipp went 2-for-4 with four RBI's in the win.

WWU ran its winning streak to three games with a 7-3 win over Ohio Dominican University in the afternoon game. Sophomore Megan Bote earned the win for the Owls. Sophomore Zoe Brittan and freshman Carinda Schulte each went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Sophomore Morgan Parkhurst and Kelsey Schulte added two RBI's apiece in the victory.

William Woods closed the tournament with a 4-5 loss to #15 Shorter College. WWU tied the game at four in the top of the fourth inning. Shorter scored the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Vincent took the loss for the Owls. Senior T.J. Quick went 2-for-5 in the loss for WWU. Kelsey Schulte and Seipp each added two hits apiece in the loss.

William Woods (13-5) will return to action on Tuesday, March 17th. They will play Grand View College in Orange Beach, Ala.

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Softball Wins Two at Union Tournament

(JACKSON, Tenn., March 7)--The William Woods University softball team won two games at the Union University Tournament on Saturday afternoon. The Owls defeated Spring Arbor University 4-3, and Mid-Continent University 6-5.

Spring Arbor took a 3-0 lead after two innings in the first game of the day. The Owls answered with a run in the fourth inning on a Leslie Taylor RBI ground-out. William Woods tacked on another run in the fifth inning to close the gap to 3-2.

The Owls scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to complete the comeback. Junior Colleen Dailey singled to center field to start the rally. Zoe Brittan reached first on a misplayed bunt. Chelsea Loethen also reached first on a bobbled bunt. An errant throw scored pinch runner Whitney Eufinger. Morgan Parkhurst gave the Owls the lead for good on an fielder's choice, scoring Brittan.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (3-1) earned the win in relief for William Woods. Schulte worked 5 1/3 innings, allowed two hits, walked four and struck out three. Dailey was 3-for-4 in the win for the Owls.

Spring Arbor (0-4) scored three runs on five hits. They committed three errors in the loss. William Woods scored four runs on nine hits. They committed one error in the win. Taylor was 1-for-4 with an RBI for the Owls.

William Woods had to sweat-out a late game rally from Mid-Continent University to win game two 6-5.

The Owls scored two runs in the first, one run in the second, and two runs in the third inning to take a 5-0 lead over the Cougars. Mid-Continent put five runs on the board in the top of the fourth to tie the game.

Laura Seipp opened the bottom of the fourth inning with a lead-off walk. T.J. Quick executed a sacrifice bunt to move Seipp into scoring position. Following a two-out passed ball that moved Seipp to third, Tara Schulte hit a ground ball to second base. The Mid-Continent second baseman misplayed the grounder, and Seipp scored to give the Owls a 6-5 lead. Neither team would score the rest of the way.

Courtney Vincent (4-2) earned the win for William Woods. Vincent worked seven innings, allowed six hits, five runs, no earned runs, walked four and struck out two. Tara Schulte was 1-for-4 with two RBI's in the victory. Quick was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases. Dailey and Parkhurst each had an RBI for the Owls.

Mid-Continent University (6-8) scored five runs on six hits. They committed two errors in the loss. William Woods (10-3) scored six runs on seven hits. They committed five errors in the win.

The Owls will return to action on Wednesday, March 11th. The Owls will host American Midwest Conference rival Columbia College at noon in Fulton, Mo.

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Softball Drops Two in Tournament

(JACKSON, Tenn., March 6)--The William Woods University softball team dropped two games at the Union University Tournament on Friday evening in Jackson, Tenn. The Owls lost 3-2 to Union College (Ky.) in the 4 pm game, and 9-2 to host Union University (Tenn.) in the 8 pm game.

The Owls trailed 2-0 heading into the top of the fifth inning against Union College. WWU cut the lead in half, scoring a run in the top of the fifth.

WWU tied the game in the top of the seventh, only to see the game slip away in the bottom of the inning.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte (2-1) took the loss for William Woods. She worked 6 2/3 innings, allowed four hits, three runs, two earned runs, walked three and struck out six. Senior T.J. Quick went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and three stolen bases. Junior Colleen Dailey went 2-for-4 with two RBI's in the loss.

William Woods scored two runs on five hits. They committed two errors. Union College scored three runs on four hits. They committed one error.

The Owls trailed 3-0 heading into the bottom the fourth inning against Union University in the 8 pm game. WWU cut into the lead by scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Union (Tenn.) would answer with four runs in the fifth, and two in the seventh to secure the win.

Sophomore Courtney Vincent (3-2) took the loss for the Owls. She worked 4 1/3 innings, allowed seven hits, seven runs, walked six and struck out one. Dailey and sophomore Zoe Brittan each went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the loss.

William Woods (8-3) will return to action on Saturday, March 7th. The Owls will play Spring Arbor College at 11 am, Mid-Continent University at 3 pm, and an opponent to be determined at 5 pm.

You can follow the live stats on-line by visiting the Union University Tournament web page.

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Softball Wins AMC Opener

(FULTON, Mo., March 4)--The William Woods University softball team swept a doubleheader from visiting Stephens College on Wednesday afternoon. The Owls won the American Midwest Conference doubleheader 8-0 (5) and 4-0.

Sophomore Courtney Vincent collected the win in game one for William Woods. Vincent recorded a five-inning no-hitter. She walked none and struck out five. Vincent improves to 3-1 on the year.

Colleen Dailey and Tara Schulte each went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Carinda Schulte went 2-for-3 in the win. T.J. Quick went 2-for-4 with a stolen base for WWU.

The Owls scored eight runs on 11 hits and committed one error.

William Woods scored three runs in the first inning, and one run in the second inning, in game two.

Sophomore Megan Bote earned the win in game two. Bote worked five innings, allowed two hits, walked one and struck out eight. Bote improves to 3-0 on the season.

Quick went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases for the Owls. Dailey went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

The Owls scored four runs on six hits in the win. Stephens (0-6, 0-2) recorded three hits and committed three errors.

William Woods improves to 8-1 overall, and 2-0 in the AMC. The Owls will return to action on Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th, at the Union University (Tenn.) Tournament.

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Softball Wins Two at Tournament

(SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Feb. 27)--The William Woods University softball team went 2-1 at the Evangel University Tournament in Springfield, Mo.

The Owls defeated Calumet College of St. Joseph 10-2 in five innings in game one. Megan Bote earned the win for the Owls. She pitched four innings, allowed three hits, two unearned runs, walked six and struck out five. Morgan Parkhurst was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Colleen Dailey went 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.

William Woods lost 9-5 to Missouri Valley College in game two. Courtney Vincent took the loss for William Woods. She worked six innings, allowed 13 hits, nine runs, walked six and struck out three. Tara Schulte went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and three RBI.

WWU defeated the College of St. Mary 7-1 in the final game of the day. Kelsey Schulte took the win for the Owls. Schulte worked seven innings, allowed five hits, one run, walked three and struck out 11. She was also 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI.

Due to the threat of inclement weather, all games on Saturday have been cancelled.

William Woods improves to 6-1 on the season. The Owls will return to action on March 3rd. They will open American Midwest Conference play, and host Stephens College at 1 pm.

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Softball Sweeps Culver-Stockton

(FULTON, Mo., Feb. 25)--The William Woods University softball team swept a doubleheader from visiting Culver-Stockton College on Wednesday afternoon. The Owls defeated the Wildcats 6-0 and 6-3.

William Woods had a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before breaking the game open with four runs in the inning. Senior T.J. Quick started the fifth inning rally with a lead-off single. Quick stole second base, then scored on an throwing error on a Morgan Parkhurst ground ball. Later in the inning, junior Colleen Dailey hit a two-RBI double scoring Kelsey Schulte and Zoe Brittan. Junior Tara Schulte added an RBI single scoring Dailey to push the WWU lead to 6-0.

Courtney Vincent (2-0) earned the complete-game victory for William Woods. Vincent worked seven innings, allowed one hit, walked six, and struck out two.

Freshman Kelsey Schulte went 3-for-3 with an RBI. T.J. Quick went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.

Danielle Kaltmayer (0-1) took the loss for the Wildcats. Jordan Epperson collected the lone hit (an infield single) in the loss.

C-SC took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning in game two. The Owls answered with a run in the second inning, and two runs in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead.

With runners on the corners to start the third inning, Brittan and Kelsey Schulte executed a double-steal to tie the game 2-2. Tara Schulte drove in Kelsey Schulte with an RBI triple to give the Owls the lead.

WWU added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Kelsey Schulte delivered a two-RBI triple, scoring Laura Seipp and Leslie Taylor to push the lead to 5-2.

Carley Thurston hit a solo home run for Culver-Stockton in the top of the sixth inning to cut the lead to two. However, the Owls answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the sixth on a pinch-hit RBI single by Dailey.

Megan Bote (1-0) earned the victory for William Woods in her first start of the season. Bote worked seven innings, allowed four hits, three runs, walked five and struck out five.

Brittan was 3-for-3 with two runs scored in the win for WWU. Parkhurst and Seipp each added two hits apiece in the victory.

Katie Thomas (0-1) took the loss for C-SC. Thurston and Jessica Webb each had a hit and an RBI for the Wildcats.

William Woods will return to action on Friday and Saturday in the Evangel University Tournament in Springfield, Mo. The Owls will open the tournament against Calumet College of St. Joseph at 11:45 am.

 

 

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Softball Wins Two on Opening Day

(FULTON, Mo., Feb. 16)--The William Woods University softball team defeated visiting Briar Cliff University 3-2 and 5-4 on Monday afternoon. The Owls open the 2009 season 2-0.

William Woods took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third on a solo home run by freshman Kelsey Schulte. The Owls added another run in the fifth, and held off a seventh inning rally from Briar Cliff, to earn their first win of the season.

Sophomore Courtney Vincent collected the win for the Owls. She went seven innings, allowed five hits, two runs, walked five and struck out three. Senior T.J. Quick and junior Leslie Taylor each went 2-for-3 in the win for WWU. Junior Tara Schulte went 1-for-2 with an RBI for the Owls.

Briar Cliff, coached by former WWU All-American and assistant coach Michelle Schaper, scored two runs on five hits. The Chargers committed one error. William Woods scored three runs on six hits. The Owls committed two errors.

William Woods withstood another late game rally from Briar Cliff en route to a 5-4 victory in game two. The Owls scored three runs in the third inning, and another run in the fourth, to take 5-2 lead. Briar Cliff added two runs in the sixth, and left the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position in the seventh inning.

Kelsey Schulte collected her first collegiate win in game two. She worked seven innings, allowed eight hits, four runs, walked eight and struck out eight. Senior Colleen Dailey went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Freshman Whitney Eufinger, sophomore Zoe Brittan, and Tara Schulte all added an RBI apiece for the Owls.

Briar Cliff (0-2) scored four runs on eight hits. William Woods (2-0) scored five runs on seven hits.

The Owls will return to action on February 25th. William Woods will host Culver-Stockton College at 2 pm.

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Tia McCallister Signs with William Woods Softball