The SEMO Softball program played in its first NCAA Regional last weekend at Ole Miss, and represented the University well as its magical season ultimately come to a close over the weekend.
The Redhawks picked up the second NCAA Regional victory in program history when they eliminated Chattanooga (37-17) with a 2-1 victory last Saturday afternoon. The Redhawks were later eliminated by Regional host and ultimate champion Ole Miss on Saturday, after going toe-to-toe but falling just short to #7 ranked Louisiana in a 3-2 loss on Friday.
Head coach Mark Redburn said he was proud of the team’s effort to get the job done and accomplishing their goal of winning a game at the Regional.
For the fifth-straight year, the Ohio Valley Conference representative won at least one game in the NCAA Tournament.
In the win over Chattanooga, senior first baseman Ashley Ellis hit her 17th home run of the season to set a new single-season school record.
Meanwhile, junior outfield Rachel Anderson closed the book on a massive season by setting new single-season school records in batting average (.454), slugging percentage (.842) and on-base percentage (.551). Senior shortstop Sarah Messex also set the school's all-time career record in games started (215).
SEMO concluded its season with a program record 46 wins, an OVC regular-season title, OVC Tournament crown and the school's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years.
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