News

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's fastpitch softball team has added another player to its roster for the 2004 season with the addition of Jennifer Osborne, who has decided to further her education and continue her softball career with the Lady Cougars.

Osborne, a native of Lucasville, Ohio, has played shortstop, first base, and in the outfield during her career at Waverly High School. She batted .309 as a senior with four doubles, two triples, 23 runs scored, seven runs batted in, and three stolen bases. A four-year varsity performer, Osborne was named to the All-Conference Second Team and the All-District Honorable Mention Team as a junior.

"We are excited about the addition of Jennifer to our team," said MVNU head coach Jeana Howald. "She is a versatile player who will be able to help us in both the infield and the outfield. She also has a lot of speed. She is a quality person who will fit in well on our team and on our campus."

In addition to playing softball, Osborne has been very active in various choirs and singing groups at her high school. She received the National School Choral Award in 2003, and she was a three-year member of the Madrigal Singers. She has received 13 superior OMEA solo and ensemble medals. She also served as the secretary of her senior class.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU," said Osborne of her college choice. "I really like the great Christian atmosphere there and the beautiful campus. I also like the softball team, and Coach Howald was very persistent in pursuing me as a potential player."

MVNU posted a 29-20 overall record in 2003 and advanced to the NAIA Region IX Tournament for the first time ever. The Lady Cougars, who set a school record with a .952 fielding percentage and also had a team earned run average of 1.74, return all but two players from this year's squad.