March 19, 2008

Seibel Sets Softball Record

Rachel Seibel

The 15 strikeouts breaks the old school record of 13 set by Emily Thornton ’03 against Kenyon on April 23, 2001. It was the second of a string of three straight double-digit strikeout performances by Seibel, who whiffed 10 batters against Curry on March 11 and 11 more against Eastern Nazarene on March 14.

Seibel leads the North Coast Athletic Conference in strikeouts, innings pitched and complete games.

Last year, Seibel showed flashes of brilliance during the Bishops’ spring trip, picking up a pair of wins—including a shutout—but ran into injuries later on and was limited to 40 innings.

That’s been the difference, according to Bishop head coach Cassie Cunningham.

“Rachel’s healthy for the first time, and she’s throwing really well,” she says. “She’s throwing harder than last year, and her ball is moving well. Her motion is so effortless that you don’t know the ball is there until it’s past you.”

Ohio Wesleyan is scheduled to return to action this weekend at Albion and Alma, and the Bishops’ home opener against Muskingum has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 25 at Margaret Sagan Field.

– Mark Beckenbach