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Lady Cougars to Honor Five Seniors on Saturday
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (4-24-2009) - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s fastpitch softball team will honor its five senior players after the second game of the Lady Cougars’ best-of-three series with Geneva (Pa.) College that starts at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Cougar Field.

Candace White, Kylie Rupert, Laura Morris, Whitney Clark, and Karly Clay have led the Lady Cougars to an 80-71 record over the past four years (.530 winning percentage). During that span, the team has won one National Christian College Athletic Association East Region Tournament (2008) and qualified for the American Mideast Conference playoffs once (2008) when they advanced to the championship game. MVNU also took part in the 2008 NCCAA National Tournament and finished fourth.

White, a pitcher from Gahanna, Ohio, has pitched in 55 games during the past two years since transferring to MVNU from Northern Kentucky University following her sophomore season. The former Gahanna Lincoln High School star has posted a 27-20 record with a 1.92 ERA with 36 complete games, eight shutouts, two saves, and 206 strikeouts in 299.1 innings of work. This season, White has posted a 15-9 record with a 1.81 ERA as she has pitched in all but two of the team’s games so far. She is a two-time NCCAA East Region Team selection, and she has a 3.34 grade point average in the classroom.

"Candace has been a workhorse, a leader, and a great teammate,” said MVNU coach Jeana Howald. "Her influence on our team has been top notch. When she is on the mound, she provides confidence and strength. Even though she did not start her career here, we are glad that she will finish it here.”

Rupert, an infielder/pitcher from Wapakoneta, Ohio, has seen action in 74 games during her four-year career. The former Wapakoneta High School standout has posted a .199 career batting average with five doubles, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored while also going 5-5 with two saves in 19 career appearances on the mound. This season, Rupert is batting .250 in 14 games. She has posted a 3.95 grade point average and was an NAIA and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete last year and is up for those honors again this season.

"Kylie is quiet yet strong,” said Howald. "She has a great sense of humor and a willingness to step up when called upon. Her teammates and the coaches admire her for her consistent positive attitude and character.”

Morris, an outfielder from Shelby, Ohio, has played in 78 career games over the past four years. The former Shelby High School product has compiled a .220 career batting average with 10 doubles, one triple, 11 runs scored, and 15 RBI. This season, Morris is batting .209 in 16 games. She has posted a 3.05 grade point average.

"Laura is a coach’s dream,” said Howald. "She is the ultimate team player. She always sees the bright side of situations and people. She has been the cornerstone for this senior class and team. She gets what life is all about and great things are in store for her.”

Clark, an outfielder from Logan, Ohio, has seen action in 134 career games during her four-year career. The former Logan High School standout has posted a .237 career batting average with two doubles, five triples, 21 RBI, and 37 runs scored. This season, Clark is batting .400 in 18 games. She has posted a 3.43 grade point average and has been nominated for the NCCAA Scholar-Athlete Team.

"Whitney exudes a positive attitude no matter the situation,” said Howald. "Her leadership and desire have made her the player that she is. Success will follow her because of her work ethic and determinination. She never quits.”

Clay, a third baseman from Blacklick, Ohio, has played in all 151 games during her four years at MVNU. The former Gahanna Lincoln High School star has posted a .288 career batting average with 28 doubles, five triples, one home run, 45 runs scored, and 71 RBI. She also ranks third in school history with 315 assists. This season, she is batting .271 in 30 games.  Among her many honors, Clay was named to the NCCAA All-American Second Team as a sophomore. She has also posted a 3.16 grade point average.

"Karly has been a leader for us,” said Howald. "She is vocal and determined, and she is a great competitor. Her no-quit attitude will take her where she wants to be in life. Her natural abilities as a communicator and leader will carry over into her profession as she becomes a teacher.”

"Each of these seniors has left not only an impression but an impact on their opponents, teammates, and coaches,” said Howald. "Each one of them and their uniqueness will be missed by all of us. I love each one of them and know that God’s blessings will be upon them. Thank you for buying into MVNU.”

After Saturday’s games, the Lady Cougars have a conference doubleheader at Shawnee State University on Monday at 3:00 p.m. to wrap up the regular season. MVNU is also looking to qualify for the five-team AMC Tournament that will get under way next week at the top seed.

 

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