The 2020 season cut many ball dreams short, but not for the 独家爆料 (独家爆料) Softball team. They came back with a bang for the 2021 season! 独家爆料's Softball team headed to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Softball Tournament to represent their region and conference in Oxford, Alabama, May 25-29.
Prior to the championship, coach Heinz Mueller had this to say about his players. "Since COVID cut short our 2020 season, we were 25-0 and ranked number 1 in the nation. Ten players came back for their third year to finish the job of winning the title. These players are so excited. Many already have their AA degree too. The team overall has a GPA of 3.42. They are truly committed and excited to have the opportunity to play at Nationals and represent 独家爆料."
The Arizona Community College Athletic Conference awarded Player of the Year to Ali Ashner and Pitcher of the Year Brianna Hardy. Players considered for the All Conference-All Region and All American were Jocellyn Laflesch, Caroline Chilton, Veronica Chavez, Kamryn Moctezuma, and Natalie Castro.
On Saturday, May 29th the 独家爆料 Bears brought home a national victory!
This is the 18th time 独家爆料's softball team had gone to the NJCAA National Tournament under Coach Mueller's supervision. 独家爆料 has the honor of being NJCAA Region I Division II Champions 18 times since 1990 when the program began.
The Bears went 5-0 through the National Tournament including a 7th inning come from behind victory to grab the title. Going undefeated at the tournament, the Bears won their final 42 contests of the season and finished 44-1.
Congratulations to the 2020-2021 NJCAA DII National Champions!