Mobile, Ala. – This afternoon’s 6-0, and 12-0 double-header sweep of William Carey transcended the University of Mobile softball team’s (37-3) continued march to the NAIA National Tournament. In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Rams participated in the “Strike Out” Cancer program to do their part in overcoming a greater adversary.

     The “Strike Out” cancer program is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The program exists to leverage the community leadership and celebrity of our country’s fastpitch softball coaches to raise cancer awareness and reduce cancer risk through educational programs while raising funds for American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

     Thanks to dominating performances by Missy Passley (7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, and 12 SO) and Kirby Baxter (5 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, and 4 SO) the Rams gave continued hope to those who continue to fight cancer such as eight-year old Krisanna Roberts.

     Greeted by athletes, coaches, and spectators, Krisanna took center stage and center circle as she threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Attending Montessori Academy in Mobile, she suffers from a rare aggressive brain tumor called Atypical Teratoid Rhaboid Tumor (ATRT). She is also St. Jude’s longest surviving ATRT patient.

     “I told the kids that I never want to send a message to them that softball is the most important thing in life,” Rams Coach Becky Clark said. “I think Krisanna reminded us of that. I also told them that class is doing the best you can with what you’ve been given. Krisanna is the personification of that. She’s making the most of what life’s given her.”

     Treated to gifts such as a stuffed animal, and a signed t-shirt by the entire 4^th-ranked Rams squad, it was Krisanna who gave the national powerhouse the greatest gift as she imparted words of inspiration, courage and hope.

      When asked if she had any words to encourage those who are battling cancer Krisanna responded, “Fight hard! You won’t expect it to happen. Do as much as you can. If it gets hard, keep doing it. Sometimes you’ll be afraid. Sometimes it’s scary. Be brave. That’s what cancer’s about: fighting hard and being strong.”

     Her words underscored today’s display of continued domination over opponents. On the heels of garnering last week’s NAIA Softball Pitcher of the Week, Passley (17-3) got quick run support in the bottom of the first as Brenda Box (2-for-4) belted a 2-run homerun putting the Rams up 3-0.

     Mobile, who also got a 2-run homerun from Denisse Fuenmayor (2-for-4), never looked back as they won the first game 6-0.

    In the nightcap, Baxter pitched a perfect game and the Rams were tenacious as they won 12-0 in a mercy-ruled five innings. It was Fuenmayor again with the hot bat as she went 2-for-3 with 4 RBIs. Brenda Box (2-for-4) and Christy Jackson (2-for-3) also led Mobile as they combined for three more RBIs.

     Baxter, who remains undefeated on the season, improves her record to 19-0.

     With upcoming double-headers against 11^th-ranked Spring Hill College and 6^th-ranked Thomas University in mind, Coach Clark commented, “We respect them tremendously but on the same token we know what we’re capable of doing. We’re going to go at these teams and give them our best stuff. The biggest thing for us is to keep our eye on the ball and keep working hard.”

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