ESU SOFTBALL: MIAA CHAMPS
The Emporia State and Cowley softball teams both affirmed their places as the top teams in their respective leagues — once again — by winning the MIAA and Region VI tournaments. It was the Hornets’ sixth straight MIAA title and sends ESU to San Angelo, Texas, for the South Central Regional of the NCAA Division II Tournament where they’ll face … wait for it … No. 25 Nebraska-Omaha! Yes, the same team they had to beat twice to win the MIAA tourney. That starts May 15. And I’m obliged to shout out NW alumni … as usual (unless, of course, you’re Chris Harper bagging on U of O chicks) with ESU’s Jill Peters hitting a home run in Game 1 of the title bout. Here’s another stat to mull over … ESU coach Kristi Bredbenner is 24-2 all-time at the MIAA tourney and 18-1 as ESU coach. That ain’t bad, people.
JACEY JUDEN
Cowley — ranked No. 3 — shut out Fort Scott 4-0 in the Region VI District D finals at TRYC in Wichita on Monday, getting a shutout from super soph Jacey Juden, the reigning Jayhawk East pitcher of the year who won her 13th straight while three-hitting the Greyhounds. For their efforts, the Tigers head to Normal, Ill., May 16 for the NJCAA DII Tournament after missing out a year ago. Juden also had an RBI single, which would be all the run support she needed. Here’s my Cowley quick fact: They’ve hit 72 home runs this year. Seriously.
Now, the fanboy in me asks … what if ESU and Cowley played? Who would win? Would it even be close?
-TA