Rams Win First National Title

Decatur, Ala.-- Congratulations to the University of Mobile Softball Team on winning their first ever national championship. The Rams swept through the tournament with only two close calls, both against Point Loma Nazarene University. Today the Rams defeated California Baptist 4-1, who had already suffered one loss to UM earlier in bracket play.

The Rams came close to a national title in 2003, but fell to Simon Fraser University in the title game. UM got sweet revenge this year, beating the defending champs 7-0.

In the champioship game, the Rams struck early when Maribel Riera hit a bomb home run over deep right field. In the top of the 2nd, UM got a lift from Jenn Gomez' solo homer. The final two insurance runs came in the fifth inning when Riera and Mayret Perez reached base. Corey Race singled and scored Riera followed by Kristin Hayes hitting to score Perez.

The only run scored by Cal Baptist came when Chantal Millard scored off a Tami Trujillo single in the bottom of the 6th.

Winning Pitcher Linden Jones threw another all-star game only allowing three hits and ringing up 15 batters. Throughout the tournament, Jones and Senior Ann Marie Odum were the keys to the Rams victories. Jones threw four shut outs, one less than the NAIA record for shut outs in the national tournament.

Four Rams were named to the All-Tournament Team: Maribel Riera, Angelica Yrigoyen, and Mayret Perez all received honors. Linden Jones was named the tournament MVP.

The Rams finished the season with their best record in school history, 50-2. Linden Jones finished the season 32-1 and Ann Marie Odum finished 18-1.

Congratulations to all of the Seniors: Ann Marie Odum, Molly Walker, Maribel Riera, Mayret Perez, Angelica Yrigoyen, Winter Guthrie, and Holly Knowles. Their leadership on and off the field will be missed.