Simpson University Softball Team Enjoys Another Season of ‘Firsts’
For Immediate Release
05.09.2016
REDDING, Calif. - After last year’s historic season, 2016 proved to be another year of “firsts” for the Simpson University softball team, including its best win record in program history and the opportunity to host an NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round on campus on May 16-18.
The Red Hawks, who are the reigning 2015 National Christian College Athletic Association softball national champions, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac). They are the first team in school history to be selected as an NAIA national tournament host.
“It’s a great honor,” said head softball coach Wayne Stower. “Our team worked very hard this season to earn the bid, and we are very excited to have the other teams on our campus.”
“Hosting the Opening Round is one of the great rewards we get from our dedication and fight throughout the whole season. I feel so honored to be able to play some talented teams from all over the country at our fields. I am so proud of my team!”
— Jessica Dager - Sophomore first and third baseman
The No. 7 Red Hawks, who were ranked in the NAIA’s top 10 all season, will host three other teams at the Simpson Softball Field in a double-elimination bracket. The Red Hawks will play in the first game at noon on May 16.
“Hosting the Opening Round is one of the great rewards we get from our dedication and fight throughout the whole season,” said sophomore first and third baseman Jessica Dager. “I feel so honored to be able to play some talented teams from all over the country at our fields. I am so proud of my team!”
The community is invited to attend any of the games and watch some of the most competitive collegiate softball in the country, said Tom Galbraith, director of athletics.
The tournament winner will advance to the 36th annual NAIA Softball World Series in Sioux City, Iowa, on May 27-June 2.
The Red Hawks also took home their sixth Cal Pac title in seven years this season and earned honors for Player of the Year (Kristin Beckman), Freshman of the Year (Beckman), Pitcher of the Year (Paris Hallums), and Coach of the Year (Stower). In addition, they received six all-conference team selections (Carlye Avey, Amanda Laughlin, Kaylana Mah, Madison Wright, Beckman, and Hallums).
Player of the Year
Freshman of the Year
Pitcher of the Year
All-Conference Team
All-Conference Team
All-Conference Team
All-Conference Team
The Red Hawks won 40 games in regular season with four losses, and finished 18-2 in Cal Pac play. The Cal Pac includes 11 other West Coast colleges, five of which compete against the Red Hawks in softball.
“Our team played extremely well as a team this season, and everyone made great contributions to our outstanding outcome,” Stower said. “Our players and coaches are excited to be in the Simpson University record book with our first 40-win season.”
Follow Simpson softball online at simpsonredhawks.com and on Twitter at SimpsonSoftball.
2016 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round Game Times for Simpson Bracket
- Monday, May 16 – 12 p.m. (Simpson) and 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 17 – 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 18 – 12 p.m.; another game at 3 if needed
2016 Red Hawk Softball Roster
Kaylana Mah (San Martin, Calif.)
Taylor Hill (Auburn, Calif.)
Jessica Dager (Shingle Springs, Calif.)
Amanda Laughlin (Red Bluff, Calif.)
Emily Powers (Aloha, Ore.)
Hannah Knowles (Redding, Calif.)
Paris Hallums (Rescue, Calif.)
Rachel Esse (Eastvale, Calif.)
Missy Silveira (Cameron Park, Calif.)
Rachel Last (Grass Valley, Calif.)
Marisa Marmolejo (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Bailey Akins (Red Bluff, Calif.)
Carlye Avey (Riverbank, Calif.)
Heidi Sundquist (Shasta Lake, Calif.)
Kristin Beckman (Escalon, Calif.)
Kara Wall (Rancho Cordova, Calif.)
Courtney Thomas (Buena Park, Calif.)
Madison Wright (Whittier, Calif.)
Kacey Pokorny (Anderson, Calif.)
Amy Rodriguez (Torrance, Calif.)
Jaycie Bruno (Moreno Valley, Calif.)
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
