Softball Spring Break <strong>2007</strong> found the Lady Trojan Softball team soaking up the sun and collecting more wins than seashells in Cocoa Beach, FL. With a large number of new players, the Lady Trojans were challenged early on to play together against more experienced teams. The team met and surpassed the challenge by beating several higher ranked teams. With an overall season record of 22-29 and a fifth-place conference finish, Head Coach Dan Hurst led the team through some difficult losses to a great showing at the conference tournament culminating with the championship game. “The team focus was to be playing our best at the end of the season, and that’s what happened,” said Hurst. Hurst described the 2006-07 team as “fearless.” “The team consistently believed in themselves. They supported and encouraged each other regardless of the situation,” said Hurst. This confidence carried the team to a nail-biting 1-0 shutout victory over rival McKendree College and posting three wins in one day at the conference tournament, eliminating Columbia College to advance to the championship game. “It was so rewarding for the players to see how their perseverance paid off,” added Hurst. “I am also very proud of the way our players consistently conducted themselves with great moral character.” Along with the success of strong, cohesive team play, individual team members were honored by AMC and NAIA. Dannie Frick and Ashley Plaster were named AMC All- Conference First Team selections, and Shayla Cox and Hilary Kempker received AMC All-Conference Honorable Mention. (See a full listing of all HLG athletic awards on page 31.) The team enjoyed a strong supportive fan base throughout the season. “We had a large group of relatives and friends who consistently traveled to come watch us play. This group not only cheered us on, but was willing to help however they could,” said Hurst. Hurst sets his sights on next year with goals to finish in the top three in conference, qualify for regional play, and win thirty games. The Trojan softball program has signed 10 new players for the <strong>2007</strong>-08 season. “I believe the combination of the experience of returning players and the added talent of the new players will lead to additional success.” Baseball When a team has a slow start to their season posting a 2-9 record, most teams would not imagine the possibility of a record-breaking season. However, most teams are not like the HLG Trojans. What seemed to be a disappointing start to the spring <strong>2007</strong> season soon turned into one of the most successful years for Trojan baseball. Headlines of the spring <strong>2007</strong> Trojan baseball season included win streaks of 6 and 7 in a row, school record for wins in a season, school record for team ERA, school record for fielding percentage, two AMC Gold Glove recipients, several all-conference selections, twotime conference player of the week, and a roster of all-conference academic honorees. An experienced group of seniors led their team to the playoffs and a 4th place conference finish. Trojan Head Coach Clay Biggs was proud of the loyalty and dedication of those eight players. “This team had dedicated seniors that had been through some tough seasons. It is because of their efforts that a record-setting season was possible,” said Biggs. The Trojans set several goals for the season and surpassed many of them, one of which was making it to the playoffs in the very tough and competitive AMC conference. According to Biggs, winning two games against Missouri Baptist <strong>University</strong> in the final weekend to move them on to the playoffs was another highlight of the season. Along with several record-breaking team stats, individual honors and awards were numerous including AMC Gold Glove awards given to Mike Carmi (3rd base) and Tyler Martin (shortstop). (See a full listing of all HLG athletic awards on page 31.) This experienced and talented team will return nine starters to the 2008-09 line-up. In addition, Coach Biggs continues to add new talented recruits to the already strong roster. Biggs believes that the <strong>2007</strong> season was a turning point for the program and is confident in next year’s outlook. “We should be a very experienced and capable group.” Golf The HLG Trojan Golf Team had a busy spring as they played in six tournaments during the <strong>2007</strong> season. The team faced tough competition throughout the year as the NAIA Region V competitors are among the strongest in the nation. Winterlike weather conditions plagued the season and created some interesting rounds. The Trojan team competed in snow, rain, and sunny conditions during tournament play. “The team adjusted admirably to temperatures ranging from 80 degrees to 30 degrees,” said head coach Tom Hufty. Some of the highlights of the year included freshman Aaron Logan finishing as a medalist in the William Jewell Invitational. Aaron finished third overall in a field of fourteen teams and seventy-five golfers. “Aaron played exceptional rounds both days in inclement weather conditions,” said Hufty, “I couldn’t have been more proud of how he stayed focused under the pressure.” Hufty anticipates a strong year in 2008 with almost all of the players returning. “We have outstanding golfers representing HLG and with the addition of new recruits on both men’s and women’s teams, I look forward to the level of play that will be exhibited from our veterans and newcomers.” Sports 33
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