Written by Madison Meeks.
The Lady Bisons softball team competed in a doubleheader April 17 at home against Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Lady Bisons won 10-2 in the first game and 8-0 in the second game.
After the game, the team celebrated senior night, including some class of 2020 players. The 2020 seniors celebrated were Katie Carney, Aidan Nichols Dunn, Lindsay Duncan Shields and Mary Mills Lochala. The 2021 seniors celebrated were catcher Briley Feringa, infielder Amanda Fields, pitcher Emma Dwyer, pitcher Emily Garrett, student assistant Taylar Clark and graduate assistant Haley Giorgini.
“My senior year has been nothing short of perfect,” Fields said. “We could make the most out of a tough situation with COVID being a significant obstacle, and I think this year has been the best it could have ever been. As a senior, all we want is to make the year special, and we did that.”
As the ceremony announced the senior players of 2020, the positive role the women had on the team and the Harding community was evident.
“Senior night was bittersweet,” Dwyer said. “In my four years of playing, I am trying to soak up these last few weeks. The time has flown by. Harding softball has brought so many amazing relationships into my life, and I am so thankful for all of it.”
Through the year of unforeseen challenges, the seniors said they are grateful to have finished the season strong and reflect on the hard work they have put in to make the program the best it can be.
“I have played Harding softball for five years,” Feringa said. “I started in 2017 as a freshman, [which was] the year we won the conference tournament. I have loved my time playing at Harding. I think what makes our team so strong is that we have our priorities straight: We keep God first, family second, academics and then softball. Both groups of seniors have put their heart and soul into leaving this program better than we found it. We are so proud of our team, and we know we are leaving it in good hands.”
Senior night was bittersweet for many as the current team reunited with Lady Bisons of 2020, along with the news of head coach Phil Berry retiring.
“I am so happy for Coach Berry in his upcoming retirement,” Feringa said. “It was an honor to play for him in the last five years.”
