2009 SEASON 2009 ROSTER

Liberty University 2009 Soft ball Roster

Alphabeti cal Roster No. Name Pos. B/T Year Ht. Hometown/High School (Previous School) 17 Meredith Baisden UTL R/R Fr. 5-6 Hunti ngton, W.Va./Cabell Midland 4 Beth Bennett INF R/R Sr. 5-8 Powhatan, Va./Powhatan 9 Ashley Bensinger UTL R/R So. 5-8 Newark, Del./Red Lion Christi an (Cecil) 5 Amber DePasquale UTL R/R So. 5-4 The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands 22 Jenna Eatmon UTL R/L So. 5-6 Emerald Isle, N.C./Croatan 2 Sarah Ellis RHP R/R Sr. 5-11 Perry, N.Y./Perry Central 21 Cassie Hendrix INF L/R So. 5-6 Indianapolis, Ind./North Central 12 Danielle Howard INF R/R Fr. 5-7 Earlville, Md./Bohemia Manor 15 Allyson Hudson RHP/UTL R/R Fr. 5-11 Blackstone, Va./Kenston Forest 1 J’nae Jeff erson INF R/R Jr. 5-4 Barboursville, W.Va./Cabell Midland 14 Britt any Keeney RHP R/R Fr. 5-10 Westminster, Md./North Carroll 11 Jenny Law UTL R/R Fr. 5-6 Penhook, Va./Franklin County 23 Keely McMillon C R/R So. 5-5 Vermontville, Mich./Lansing Catholic 24 Jennifer Pitt man UTL R/R Jr. 5-5 Surry, Va./Isle of Wight Academy 10 Tiff ani Smith RHP R/R So. 5-7 Hanover, Pa./South Western 7 Kelly Strickland INF R/R Fr. 5-5 Tabor City, N.C./South Columbus 8 Kaylee West UTL L/L Fr. 5-8 Auburndale, Fla./Auburndale 16 Bridgett Woods UTL R/R Fr. 5-5 Prospect, Va./Prince Edward

Numerical Roster No. Name Pos. B/T Year Ht. Hometown/High School (Previous School) 1 J’nae Jeff erson INF R/R Jr. 5-4 Barboursville, W.Va./Cabell Midland 2 Sarah Ellis RHP R/R Sr. 5-11 Perry, N.Y./Perry Central 4 Beth Bennett INF R/R Sr. 5-8 Powhatan, Va./Powhatan 5 Amber DePasquale UTL R/R So. 5-4 The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands

7 Kelly Strickland INF R/R Fr. 5-5 Tabor City, N.C./South Columbus 2009 LIBERTY 8 Kaylee West UTL L/L Fr. 5-8 Auburndale, Fla./Auburndale 9 Ashley Bensinger UTL R/R So. 5-8 Newark, Del./Red Lion Christi an (Cecil) 10 Tiff ani Smith RHP R/R So. 5-7 Hanover, Pa./South Western 11 Jenny Law UTL R/R Fr. 5-6 Penhook, Va./Franklin County 12 Danielle Howard INF R/R Fr. 5-7 Earlville, Md./Bohemia Manor 14 Britt any Keeney RHP R/R Fr. 5-10 Westminster, Md./North Carroll 15 Allyson Hudson RHP/UTL R/R Fr. 5-11 Blackstone, Va./Kenston Forest 16 Bridgett Woods UTL R/R Fr. 5-5 Prospect, Va./Prince Edward 17 Meredith Baisden UTL R/R Fr. 5-6 Hunti ngton, W.Va./Cabell Midland 21 Cassie Hendrix INF L/R So. 5-6 Indianapolis, Ind./North Central 22 Jenna Eatmon UTL R/L So. 5-6 Emerald Isle, N.C./Croatan 23 Keely McMillon C R/R So. 5-5 Vermontville, Mich./Lansing Catholic 24 Jennifer Pitt man UTL R/R Jr. 5-5 Surry, Va./Isle of Wight Academy

Head Coach: Paul Wetmore (16th season, 413-461-1) Assistant Coach: Tuesday Van Engen (sixth season) Graduate Assistant: Joanna Hardin (second season) Student Manager: Vanessa Metelus (fi rst season)

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 7 ROSTER BREAKDOWN 2009 SEASON

Delaware (1) Newark - Ashley Bensinger

Florida (1) Auburndale - Kaylee West

Indiana (1) Indianapolis - Cassie 1 Hendrix 1 Maryland (2) 1 Earlville - Danielle Howard 1 2 Westminster - Britt any 1 Keeney 2 5 Michigan (1) Keely McMillon 2

New York (1) Perry - Sarah Ellis

North Carolina (2) 1 Emerald Isle - Jenna Eatmon Tabor City - Kelly 1 Strickland

Pennsylvania (1) Hanover - Tiff ani Smith Texas (1) Virginia (5) Powhatan - Beth Bennett West Virgina (2) The Woodlands - Amber Blackstone - Allyson Hudson Prospect - Bridgett Woods Barboursville - J’nae Jeff erson DePasquale Penhook - Jenny Law Surry - Jennifer Pitt man Hunti ngton - Meredith Baisden 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY

8 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

with 16 putouts in Liberty’s 7-2 victory over Charleston Southern, com- pleti ng a three-game conference sweep of the Bucs … 2-for-3 with two Beth Bennett RBIs and a double to help Liberty to a 4-2 victory over UNC Greensboro 5-8, Sr. … 1-for-3 with a double against No. 17 Virginia Tech … 1-for-4 with a run INF, R/R scored and a RBI in Liberty’s fi rst-round match-up with Coastal Carolina Powhatan HS at the Big South Soft ball Championship. Powhatan, Va. 2006 (Fr.): Named to the Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … named 4 Liberty’s Rookie of the Year … Big South Player of the Week on April 24 … started all 64 games at fi rst base for the Lady Flames … one of only four players to start all 64 games … posted a solid rookie season as she cracked three single-season top 10 categories … fi nished the Career: Has started 187 games for the Lady Flames, which is every game year ranked eighth in at bats (195), 10th in RBIs (38, which ranked 12th since she joined the program … ranks third in program history with 67 at the ti me) and ti ed for 10th in walks (24, which now ranks 11th) … walks. ranked fourth on the squad with a .277 batti ng average … ti ed for fi ft h with eight doubles … sixth with 20 runs scored and a .364 slugging 2008 (Jr.): Named to the Big South All-Academic team … also named percentage … third on the squad and fi ft h in the Big South in RBIs … led to Big South Presidenti al Honor roll … was a fi rst-team VaSID All-State the team with three sacrifi ce fl ies and was third with six sacrifi ce hits honoree … started all 61 games … ranked fi rst in program history with … ranked fourth on the squad with 12 multi ple-hit games and second the most putouts in one game (16) … ti ed for fi rst with four hits in one with 10 multi ple-RBI contests … ranked second on the team and fourth game … led the team with the highest batti ng average (.328), the most in the Big South with 24 walks … posted the fi ft h-longest hitti ng streak hits (60) and the most walks (24) … ranked second on the squad with on the year at six-consecuti ve games … also made two appearances in seven home runs, 26 RBIs, 91 total bases and a .497 slugging percent- the pitcher’s circle during the year … 2-for-4 with two RBIs in her fi rst age … ranked third on the team with 183 at-bats … also ranked third on collegiate game against Stony Brook … 2-for-4 with two RBIs against St. the squad with 10 doubles … led the team with 425 putouts and a .989 Francis (N.Y.) at the Pirate Clash … hit a solo homer to help Liberty com- fi elding percentage … also led the team with a .409 on-base percent- plete a home doubleheader sweep over Mount St. Mary’s … 1-for-3 and age … ranked fi rst on the squad with 14 multi ple-hit games, and ranked drove in two in Liberty’s 9-6 win over Morehead State at the 49er Clas- second with six multi ple-RBI games … also had the longest hitti ng streak sic ... hit a two-run homer in Liberty’s upset victory over Stetson … ti ed by a Lady Flame during the season at 17 games … tallied a .388 batti ng a then school record with 15 putouts to help Liberty to a 2-1 upset vic- average against Big South opponents … led the Lady Flames in the tory over Iowa State, propelling the team into the championship game team’s fi rst win of the year over Kennesaw State, batti ng 2-for-3 with of the Bethune-Cookman Spring Break Classic … was a perfect 3-for-3 a home run … 3-for-3 against Delaware … 2-for-4 with RBIs in a game with fi ve RBIs, a run scored and a double in an 8-3 win over James against Chatt anooga … helped the team to a 3-0 win over St. Louis, Madison … 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in Liberty’s Big South vic- batti ng 2-for-3 with two doubles … 4-for-4 in game against Radford … tory over Coastal Carolina … 2-for-3 with a RBI in the Lady Flames’ 6-5 2-for-3 in a win over Charleston Southern … tallied four RBIs in games win over Birmingham-Southern at the Big South Championship. against Kennesaw State, Radford and Charleston Southern … 1-for-3

with a home run against James Madison and against Birmingham- 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL Prep: Graduated from Powhatan High School … four-year lett erwinner Southern… scored two runs in both games against Virginia … 2-for-5 … four-ti me fi rst-team All-District honoree … was named the All-District with one run scored in Big South Championship win over Charleston Pitcher of the Year her sophomore, junior and senior seasons … second- Southern … 1-for-3 with one run scored in conference tournament win team all-region and honorable menti on all-state as a sophomore … over Radford, helping propel the team to the ti tle game. named to the second-team all-state squad as a junior and senior … par- ti cipated in the VHSL All-Star game as a senior … all-district honoree in 2007 (So.): Named to the Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … named to as a senior … named Powhatan High School’s Female Athlete the Dean’s List … started all 62 games at fi rst base … ranked fi ft h on the of the Year as a senior … member of the Nati onal Honor Society and the squad with a .233 batti ng average … also ranked fi ft h on the team with Honor Roll. 16 runs scored and 10 doubles … fi nished with four home runs to rank seventh on the squad in the stati sti cal category … also fi nished with Personal: Daughter of Matt and Nancy Bennett … majoring in kinesiol- a .360 slugging percentage and a .986 fi elding percentage … ranked ogy and educati on … would like to pursue a career as a physical educa- fourth on the squad with seven multi ple-RBI games … fi ft h with seven ti on teacher aft er graduati on … birthday is on Nov. 21. multi ple-hit games, including two three-hit games … was a combined 5-for-6 with two runs scored, three RBIs, two doubles and a home run in a doubleheader against Gardner-Webb … 3-for-3 with a run scored, Up Close with Beth Bennett four RBIs and a home run in an 8-0 victory over Fairfi eld … hit a three- run homer in Liberty’s 7-3 victory over Rutgers, helping Liberty secure What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Matt hew 5:16, because it a third-place fi nish at the Tar Heel Invitati onal … hit a two-run home says to shine for the Lord, and I love the concept of shining. run against Pacifi c at the Hawaiian Airlines Spring Fling Tournament … 2-for-4 against No. 14 Oregon State at the Hawaiian Airlines Spring My dream job would be … to start a Christi an camp. Fling Tournament … 1-for-2 with a two-run triple during Liberty’s 4-2 victory over Nevada at the Bank of Hawaii Invitati onal … 1-for-4 with a When you were a child, what did you want to be “when you grew up” run scored and a RBI against No. 25 California at the Women4Women and are you pursuing it? I wanted to be the fi rst woman President, Invitati onal … 2-for-3 with a double in Liberty’s upset victory over No. 6 and no way! Michigan at the Women4Women Invitati onal … set a new school record

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 9 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Liberty to a 4-1 Big South win over Charleston Southern … also picked up another victory over the Buccaneers later in the series by allowing Sarah Ellis two runs on fi ve hits over 4 2/3 innings to help Liberty complete the 5-11, Sr. three-game sweep with a 7-2 victory … got three outs in the seventh, RHP, R/R including a strikeout, to pick up her fourth save of the year in a 4-2 win over UNC Greensboro … came in to pick up a victory in relief against Perry Central HS Coastal Carolina, scatt ering three hits over the fi nal 1 1/3 innings of a Perry, N.Y. 4-3 Lady Flames’ victory.

2 2006 (Fr.): Posted a banner year as a freshman pitcher … ranked third on the team with a 2.71 ERA, nine wins, 12 starts, six complete games, 85.1 innings pitched and 59 strikeouts … posted a victory in seven out Career: Ranked second in program history with eight saves … has made of her fi rst nine starts … posted the fourth-best ERA by a freshman 108 total appearances with a record of 30-29 to go with a 2.83 ERA. starti ng pitcher in school history … also ranked sixth among Liberty’s all-ti me freshman pitchers with nine wins … made three plate appear- 2008 (Jr.): Named to Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … ti ed her 2007 ances during the year … struck out eight and scatt ered two hits in an record with most saves in a single season in program history (4) … led 8-1, complete-game win over Hampton at the Seahawk Classic in her the team in innings pitched (203.1), wins (9), saves (4), complete games fi rst collegiate start … fanned three in three scoreless innings of relief (19), shutouts (3) and strikeouts (110) … her innings-pitched total was work against East Carolina … scatt ered six hits and struck out six in a the fourth-most by a pitcher in school history (203.1) … made 44 ap- 3-1, complete game win over Delaware at the Pirate Clash … picked up pearances and started 25 games … threw 19 complete games with three her fi rst collegiate shutout as she allowed four hits in seven innings of shutouts and a record of 9-20 and a 2.65 ERA … struck out seven batt ers work, while fanning fi ve batt ers in a 7-0 win over Mount St. Mary’s … against N.C. State … nabbed fi rst win of the year in a complete game scatt ered fi ve hits and allowed just one run in a 2-1 victory over Cen- shutout victory over Presbyterian … pitched 8.2 innings and struck out tral Connecti cut at the Bethune-Cookman Spring Break Classic … struck seven batt ers in a game against Penn State … was a tough-luck loser in out three and allowed four hits in a 6-1 complete-game victory over a 1-0 loss to St. Louis, but threw a complete game and struck out seven host Bethune-Cookman at the Bethune-Cookman Spring Break Classic … pitched six innings in a one-run victory over James Madison, striking … scatt ered six hits and allowed just one earned run to pick up the vic- out fi ve … also pitched a complete game with a 2.64 ERA in a win over tory in Liberty’s 6-5 upset win over 24th-ranked Virginia Tech. Virginia … pitched nine innings in one-run victory over Gardner-Webb, with a 2.98 ERA ... nabbed a Big South complete-game shutout win Prep: Graduated from Perry Central High School … four-year lett erwin- over Charleston Southern, scatt ering two hits … also threw a complete ner … four-ti me all-league team honoree … named Secti on V Class CCC game and knocked out No. 2 seed Radford to advance to the Big South Most Valuable Player as a freshman … named to the Secti on V Class Championship ti tle game. CC all-tournament team as a sophomore … selected as the Livingston County News Soft ball Player of the Year during her junior and senior 2007 (So.): Finished the year with a 12-8 record to go along with a 3.15 seasons … fourth-team all-state honoree as a junior … was named the ERA … led the squad, set a new school record and fi nished the year Birds Eye Foods Soft ball Player of the Year as a senior when she fi n- ranked No. 19 nati onally with four saves … also led the squad with nine ished the season with a 12-2 overall record and a 0.40 ERA … was also complete games … made a team-high 40 appearances, including 20 a three-year lett erwinner in … twice named to the all-league starts … also led the squad with 151.0 innings pitched … ranked second team … named the Birds Eye Foods basketball Player of the Year as a on the team with a career-high 92 strikeouts, helping Liberty set a senior … named to the High Honor Roll. school record with 392 total team strikeouts … struck out a career-high 11 batt ers to lead Liberty to a 5-3 victory over Appalachian State in Personal: Daughter of Ron and Anne Ellis … majoring in kinesiology … the season opener … scatt ered seven hits and allowed two unearned birthday is on May 6. runs in a 6-2 win over Kennesaw State at the KSU Classic … posted her third-highest strikeout total of the year with six, while allowing two earned runs on four hits during a 7-3 victory over Rutgers at the Tar Heel Invitati onal … scatt ered six hits over three innings of relief work to pick Up Close with Sarah Ellis up the victory over Pacifi c at the Hawaiian Airlines Spring Fling Tourna- ment … later in the tournament, she allowed two hits over two innings What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Romans 5:1-5 and He- of relief work to pick up her fi rst save against Pacifi c … allowed just one brews 6:19. They are reminders that no matt er what we go through, run on two hits during a complete-game 1-0 loss to No. 25 California at we can stand in God’s grace and that we have our hope in Christ “as the Hawaiian Airlines Spring Fling Tournament … came in to get the fi nal an anchor for the soul.” out to secure a save against No. 10 Baylor at the Women4Women Invita- ti onal … scatt ered seven hits and struck out three batt ers to lead the I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Although it rarely oc- Lady Flames to a 2-0 shutout victory over No. 6 Michigan at the Women- curs, cereal… in large amounts. I haven’t had many that I don’t like. 4Women Invitati onal, marking the highest-ranked opponent the squad has defeated in program history … struck out 10 batt er in a complete- My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Begging my game victory over Hampton at the Blue Ridge Thunder tournament … litt le league coach to let me pitch, and even through I was really

2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY tossed two hitless innings of relief against Hampton to pick up a 4-3 young (younger than when they usually let girls pitch), he let me victory over the Lady Pirates … gained another win in as a reliever, scat- and I loved it. Also, hitti ng two home runs a game for most of my tering two hits and striking out three over 3 2/3 innings in a 5-3 victory last two years of litt le league. Yes, I used to be able to hit. over James Madison … surrendered two hits and struck out one over two scoreless innings of relief to pick up a save in a 7-2 victory over Win- throp … allowed one run on seven hits, while striking out three to lead

10 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

scored, three RBI and a home run in Liberty’s Big South opener against J’nae Jefferson Winthrop … had a solo home run against UNC Greensboro … was a combined 2-for-3 with a run scored in a doubleheader against Long- 5-4, Jr. wood … 2-for-3 with a run scored during Liberty’s 4-3 Big South win INF, R/R over Coastal Carolina … hit a solo home run against No. 17 Virginia Tech Cabell Midland HS … 1-for-2 with a three run home run against Birmingham-Southern. Barboursville, W.Va. Prep: Graduated from Cabell Midland High School … four-year varsity 1 starter up the middle for the Lady Knights at either shortstop or second base … helped lead Cabell Midland to three state runner-up fi nishes (freshman, sophomore and senior years) and a state championship 2008 (So.): Named to the Big South All-Tournament team … named to during her junior campaign … MSAC fi rst-team and All-State fi rst-team Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … started all 61 games … started 42 honoree as a junior and senior... All-Tournament Best of the Best as a games at third base, 18 games at shortstop and one game at second junior and senior … batt ed .325 as a starter at shortstop as a freshman base … fi nished fi ft h on the team with a .237 batti ng average, fourth … fi nished her sophomore season with a .329 batti ng average, 13 RBIs with 173 at-bats … ranked fi ft h with three home runs … also ranked and a home run … batt ed a career-best .470 with 17 RBI and fi ve home second on the squad with 11 doubles … led the team in assists with 131, runs during her junior year … capped off her prep career as she batt ed and was second with a .970 fi elding percentage … ti ed for fourth with 41 .436 with 19 RBIs and two homers as a senior … named the MVP of the hits … ended the season with seven stolen bases out of eight att empts North-South game as a senior … graduated with very high honors … MU for a .875 stolen base percentage … was fourth on the squad with a alpha theta … French honorary … honor roll student. .353 slugging percentage … fi nished fi ft h with 61 total bases … ti ed for the fourth-longest hitti ng streak on the team at seven games … ranked Personal: Daughter of Jay and Margaret Jeff erson … comes from an fourth on the squad with 10 multi ple-hit games … ti ed for fi rst with most athleti c background, as her father played at Marshall … major- total bases in a single game with seven against Coastal Carolina … ti ed ing in business marketi ng … would like to pursue a career as a Christi an an individual single game high with six assists against UNC Greensboro counselor aft er graduati on … birthday is on Sept. 15. and six against Coastal Carolina … 2-for-4 with a RBI in a game against Birmingham-Southern … hit a home run in 1-0 win over UNC Greensboro Up Close with J’nae Jeff erson … led the team to a 4-0 win over Norfolk State, batti ng 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI … 1-for-3 with a double against Boston University … What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Proverbs 31, because 2-for-4 with a double in a game against Dartmouth … combined four these are the standards women should live their lives by. hits in two wins over Gardner-Webb … 3-for-3 with a home run against Charleston Southern … 3-for-4 with a double and a home run in Big What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? Geography South Championship win over Coastal Carolina … 2-for-3 in conference with Professor Rirchie, because he’s funny and sarcasti c like me. tournament victory over Radford, helping the Lady Flames to the Big South Championship ti tle game … hit safely in 10-of-11 games to end the I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Cinnamon and sugar season, raising her batti ng average 70 percentage points during the span Pop Tarts. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2007 (Fr.): Named to the Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … started What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Iron Man all 62 games … started 61 games at shortstop and one at second base … ranked fourth on the team with 31 runs scored and six home runs My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Having cool … seventh on the squad with fi ve doubles … one of the more pati ent white converse cleats. hitt ers on the team, ranking fourth with 16 walks … ranked third on the team with seven sacrifi ce hits … second on the team with 102 assists … The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … 5 a.m. workouts had seven multi ple-hit games during the year … ranked fi ft h on the team – running before curfew is over. with fi ve multi ple-RBI contests … had the fourth-longest hitti ng streak on the team at six games … was a combined 3-for-six with four runs My dream job would be … Working with Amber at Sea World. scored in a doubleheader split with Gardner-Webb … 1-for-4 with a run scored during Liberty’s 3-2 victory over the College of Charleston at the The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this KSU Classic … scored three runs and was 1-for-2 from the plate during year is (and why) … Winthrop. I think everyone knows why. Liberty’s 9-4 victory over Princeton at the Tar Heel Invitati onal … her fi rst collegiate home run was a grand slam during Liberty’s 14-1 victory What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? over Rhode Island at the Tar Heel Invitati onal … 3-for-3 against Marshall Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. at the Tar Heels Invitati onal … 1-for-4 with a run scored and a double, helping Liberty secure third place at the Tar Heel Invitati onal with a 7-3 If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? In- victory over Rutgers … 2-for-3 with two runs scored in a 6-5 victory over stantly stati c-shock people from far distances (like Jenna). Boston College in Liberty’s opening game at the Hawaiian Airlines Spring Fling Tournament … 2-for-3 with a run scored and a double during Liber- The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is ... CSI. ty’s upset victory over No. 10 Baylor at the Bank of Hawaii Invitati onal ... 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a double against No. 25 California at the Wom- If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Play en4Women Invitati onal … 1-for-2 against No. 7 Northwestern … was a that horrible bunti ng game and always tell Coach Jo it’s a squeeze combined 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBIs, a double and home and then throw a bad pitch. run in a doubleheader against James Madison … 2-for-4 with two runs

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 11 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Jennifer Pitt man

Jennifer Pittman What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? Linear algebra. 5-5, Jr. Dr. Mavinga has been the best professor. UTL, R/R Isle of Wight Academy I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Chocolate ice cream Surry, Va. with sprinkles on top. 2244 What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Vantage Point.

Prep: Graduated from Isle of Wight Academy … was part of a state- I came to Liberty because … I wanted to be surrounded by Christi ans championship soft ball team for three consecuti ve seasons … named an and grow spiritually as I work towards my degree. all-conference player as a freshman. Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Daniel, because he Personal: Daughter of Robert and Donna Pitt man … majoring in math knew what he believed and he didn’t waiver in his faith, even against educati on … would like to become a high school math teacher aft er the odds. graduati on … birthday is on Oct. 2. My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Getti ng hit in the head with a bat at practi ce when I was about 12 years old.

IIf you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? MMe when I was 4, so I wouldn’t have to do anything and I could take a long nap.

TThe best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Getti ng to be on ““90 seconds around Liberty.”

MMy dream job would be … A beach chair tester… to make sure that yyour vacati on is the best it can be.

TThe team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this yyear is (and why) … Florida State, because we get to go to Florida.

WWhat is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? AAny Karen Kingsbury novel.

IIf you could have one super power, what would it be and why? I want tto fl y! That way I could save on gas and avoid traffi c.

TThe TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... HHannah Montana. She’s the best of both worlds.

IIf I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Run sstairs… again and again.

MMy favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … GGetti ng to know all the girls on the team.

IIf you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who wwould they be and why? Larry, Curly and Moe, because I love to llaugh.

MMy personal goals this season are … To try my absolute best every ti me I step on the fi eld.

WWhat cartoon character are you most like (and why)? Mickey Mouse, 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY bbecause I have big ears!

IIf someone would look at the songs on my iPod, I would be embar- rrassed for them to see I have this song … All the Disney classics.

12 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Ashley Bensinger

Ashley Bensinger What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? Human Biol- 5-8, So. ogy, because I am in awe of how we are created. UTL. R/R Red Lion Christi an (Cecil) I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Sweet potato cas- Newark, Del. serole, Twix bars and banana pie. 9 What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark Knight.

Previous School: Played one season at Cecil College in North East, I came to Liberty because … I want to be in a Christi an environment. Md., as a catcher and outf ielder … hit two home runs and ended the I want to be held accountable for my acti ons. I love having so many year with a .413 batti ng average … named fi rst-team all-region … also a opportuniti es to grow in my faith and I love to play soft ball for the second-team all-state honoree. Lord.

Prep: Graduated from Red Lion Christi an Academy … was a four-year Share something about one of your teammates that someone out- lett erwinner … team captain for four years … named fi rst team all- side the program would never know without you telling them. Dani conference and second-team all-state as a senior … fi nal season hit four thinks she’s my mom. home runs and maintained a .350 batti ng average … named team MVP her junior year, as well as second-team all-state and fi rst-team all-con- Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Peter, the rock, ference … ended junior campaign with 10 home runs and a .425 batti ng because he always had the courage to preach the gospel even aft er average … also won MVP honors as a freshman. he denied Jesus three ti mes. It reminds me that I should take every opportunity to testi fy for Christ, even if I am caught in sin. Personal: Daughter of Jamie Pastor and Laraine Scalia … majoring in criminal justi ce … intends to become a crime scene investi gator aft er My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … In batti ng graduati on … birthday is on April 18. practi ce, my head coach said if I could hit my assistant coach then she would buy me anything I wanted from the candy store. Well, I hit him square in the nose.

IIf you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? Super Woman, so I could help people.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … The Christ- ccentered atmosphere.

MMy dream job would be … A government agent who travels the 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL wworld.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this yyear is (and why) … Winthrop, because of their comment in the paper.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? A Child Called It.

IIf you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To fl y, so I can be the best outf ielder and always be on ti me.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... TThe O.C. I love the witt y, sarcasti c humor.

IIf I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches (and why) … Sit back and relax, because I’m smart.

MMy favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is ((and why) … The fellowship; I love learning and growing together as a team.

MMy personal goals this season are … To get a starti ng positi on, to make the Dean’s List, and to have consistent devoti on ti me.

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 13 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Amber DePasquale

Amber DePasquale What is your favorite Bible verse and why? “Walk by faith, not by 5-4, So. sight.” UTL, R/R The Woodlands HS What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? GNED 102 with The Woodlands, Texas Dr. Matt hews, because all freshman soft ball players were in the same 5 class and it was awesome. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Lime sherbert ice cream with a Sprite. 2008 (Fr.): Played in all 61 games for the Lady Flames … started 51 games in the outf ield and eight at shortstop … ti ed for fi rst on the What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark team with two triples and fi ft h with fi ve doubles … fi nished second Knight, by far! on the squad in runs scored with 24 … ranked fourth on the team in at-bats (181), total bases (62), total plate appearances (202) and I came to Liberty because … I heard that it’s “a ring by spring or your home runs (4) … was fi ft h with a .343 slugging percentage and a.296 money back.” on-base percentage … had the third-most walks on the team with 16 … ti ed for most stolen bases in one game with two against Presbyte- Share something about one of your teammates that someone outside rian … ti ed for fi ft h-longest hitti ng streak on the team during the year the program would never know without you telling them. J’nae causes at fi ve games … had six multi ple-hit games and a multi ple-RBI game me to digress back to my childhood, because we always talk like we … fi nished the season with a .227 batti ng average … 3-for-3 with a are 5. triple and a double in win over Charleston Southern … 1-for-3 with two hits, a RBI and one run scored in season-opener against Tennes- My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … In tee-ball I see Tech … 1-for-4 with two runs scored in a victory over Kennesaw was playing second and the ball was hit to me and I just stood in the State …. 1-for-3 with a double and a RBI against East Carolina … helped base line. I was not going to let the girl on fi rst get to second, but I let the team to a win over Virginia, batti ng 1-for-3 with a home run … all the runners score. also went 1-for-3 and hit a home run against Birmingham-Southern … 1-for-3 with a home run in Big South Championship win over Coastal If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? Carolina ... had the game-winning hit in a 2-0 victory over Radford to Jenna, because she’s fast like a cheetah. send Liberty to the Big South Championship ti tle game … led the team off ensively in the ti tle game with two hits against Winthrop … ended The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … You get to wear the year on a fi ve-game hitti ng streak. windbreakers to class on game days.

Prep: Graduated from The Woodlands High School … four-year let- My dream job would be … Shamu trainer at Sea World! terwinner as a uti lity player … named second team All-District and All County her junior year … played travel ball for Texas Hit-N-Run, helping The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this the team to the Houston Metro ASA champions and Texas AFA State year is (and why) … Winthrop, because they are defending Big South champions … recorded a .451 batti ng average with two home runs … champions. led her team with an 11-1 record from the circle with 60 strikeouts and a 0.75 ERA. What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? The “It Girl” series because I love the drama and gossip, and thank Personal: Daughter of Clare Smith … comes from an athleti c family as God that I don’t have that in my life. her brother plays football at Mississippi State … majoring in environ- mental biology … birthday is on Aug. 13. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To shoot spaghetti out of my fi ngers. It would be funny, and you would always have food with you.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... Gossip Girl, because it’s gossip. And it’s just pure awesomeness.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches (and why) … Do nothing, because I would be a cool coach.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is ... All the girls are just awesome. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? Jim Carrey, Dane Cook and Ben Sti ller, be- cause they are all hilarious and that would be one fun date!

14 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Jenna Eatmon

Jenna Eatmon What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Matt hew 6:34. “There- 5-6, So. fore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be UTL, R/L anxious for itself. Suffi cient for the day is its own trouble.” Because Croaton HS it reminds me that my future is in God’s hands and He knows Emerald Isle, N.C. exactly what will happen. 2222 What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? I enjoyed Dr. Town’s Bible 110 class because he’s hilarious and it’s cool to know I’m learning from such a prominent fi gure in society. 2008 (Fr.): Received a Big South Player of the Week honor … named to Big South Presidenti al Honor Roll … fi nished her fi rst season of I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Birthday cake remix collegiate soft ball ranked fi ft h on the team with 12 RBIs … ti ed for at Cold Stone… but I always ask for low-fat cake batt er ice cream! the fi ft h-longest hitti ng streak on the team at fi ve games … had three multi ple-hit games and three multi ple-RBI games … played in 38 games, What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Tal- starti ng 28 games in the outf ield … nabbed her fi rst collegiate hit in a ladega Nights is the best movie ever, no matt er what year I watch game against Radford … had the game-winning RBI in a 3-0 victory over it… because “If you ain’t fi rst, you’re last.” St. Louis … 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and 2 RBIs in a win over Charleston Southern … 2-for-3 with two RBIs in postseason victory over Share something about one of your teammates that someone coastal Carolina … pitched two innings against Virginia Tech, giving up outside the program would never know without you telling them. one hit and striking out two against the No. 19-ranked Hokies … made Amber eats pickles, mustard and ketchup sandwiches, and her four appearances in the pitcher’s circle. brother is a stud.

Prep: Graduated from Croatan High School … four-year lett erwinner Who is your favorite Bible character and why? My favorite Bible as a pitcher… currently holds the fi ft h-highest season batti ng average character is Job, because he never doubted his faith in God (.627) in the state of North Carolina … three-ti me all conference and All through all the trials he faced. Area honoree … broke the school’s batti ng average record her sopho- more year by batti ng .627 … named team MVP as a sophomore, junior My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Playing short and senior … batt ed .486, earning her area player of the year honors stop in rec ball and turning an unassisted triple play. … recorded a 17-5 record from the mound and struck out 87 batt ers with an ERA of 1.96 … fi nished her senior year batti ng .436 and posted If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and a 0.086 ERA … honored as conference player of the year, area player why? of the year, all district, district player of the year, Most Outstanding Fe- I would be Michael Phelps, just so I could say I’m the world’s best male Athlete, WITN student-athlete of the week, and Wendy’s Scholar at something… eight ti mes. Athlete … helped the Carolina Cardinals to ASA nati onal and state

championships in 2006 … honor roll … Student Government representa- The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Being able to 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL ti ve. represent my school and the Lord while doing something I love. It’s also rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off . Personal: Daughter of Jeff and Joy Eatmon … majoring in psychology… intends on becoming a clinical psychologist aft er graduati on … birthday My dream job would be … To be a best-selling author. is May 30. The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Radford, because I can’t wait to make them cry again. And also Winthrop, because Lisa Kingsmore is going down.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? The Last Summer of You and Me.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? I’d either have lightning-fast speed like J’nae, bomb-hitti ng capabili- ti es like Leary, or super driving skills like Amber.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... What I Like About You, because Amanda Bynes is hilarious; and The Secret Life of an American Teenager because it has a great message.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … First, I would make them run a 7-minute mile, then do the 300 shutt le. And I would make them all wear ribbons!

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 15 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Cassie Hendrix

Cassie Hendrix What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? GNED 102 5-6, So. with Dr. Matt hews and all the soft ball girls. INF, L/R North Central HS I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Chocolate éclairs. Indianapolis, Ind. What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark 2211 Knight at IMAX. I came to Liberty because … I loved the atmosphere on campus, and 2008 (Fr.): Played in 61 games for the Lady Flames, starti ng in 60 at wanted to play soft ball at the Division I level, while sti ll being able second base … led the team in stolen bases with 10 (out of 10 at- to get a Christi an-based educati on. tempts) … had the second-highest batti ng average on the squad (.280) … ranked second with 193 at-bats and 54 hits … ranked third in runs Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Cute and cuddly, but scored with 22 … led the team in total plate appearances with 221 sti ll omnipotent baby Jesus. … also led the team in sacrifi ce bunts with 12 … ti ed for the fourth- longest hitti ng streak on the squad at seven games … ranked second My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Playing tee- in multi ple-hit games with 13 … 2-for-3 with a triple and one run ball at Oaklandon. scored in season-opener against Tennessee Tech … helped the team to a 7-0 win over Presbyterian, batti ng 2-for-2 with three runs scored If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and … combined 3-for-7 in two games against St. Louis, including a game why? 2 win … helped Liberty to a 9-6 win over Virginia, batti ng 2-for-3 with Either Megan, to see what she deals with every day, or Anna, so I a run scored … 2-for-4 with two runs scored in a win over Hampton … could make every team run except soft ball. 3-for-4 with a RBI against Norfolk State, nabbing her fi rst career three- hit game … 3-for-4 with a double and a RBI in a postseason victory over The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Getti ng to Charleston Southern ... hit safely in seven of her last eight games. answer to Miss Beitz.

Prep: Graduated from North Central High School … four-year starter … My dream job would be … To coach soft ball at a Division I college. named team MVP her freshman and senior years … voted All-City her freshman and sophomore year, while playing shortstop … received the The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this Golden Glove Award her junior year … honored as All County and all year is (and why) … Winthrop … need I say more? conference her junior and senior years, while playing at second base ... named Team Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Captain Award What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? her senior year … fi nished her career with a .317 batti ng average and Anna’s Diary a .982 fi elding percentage (only committi ng 13 errors over four years) … successfully stole 38-of-46 stolen base att empts … played travel ball If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Go- for 18U Indiana Magic and helped her squad win a state championship Go Gadget extended arms. and fi nish No. 17 at ASA Nati onal Championships in College Stati on, Texas … fi nished the 2007 season with a .362 batti ng average and a The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is ... Secret Life .410 in the ASA Nati onals … also played four years of basketball … state of an American Teenager runner-up for basketball her freshman year … led her squad to city champions her freshman and junior seasons … named to the honor If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Run roll. all day long.

Personal: Daughter of Robert and Shelley Hendrix … majoring in sport If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who management … birthday is on Nov. 8. would they be and why? Abraham Lincoln, because he has a cool top hat. Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks, because his voice is fun. And Laura Hoskins, since she won’t eat with us anymore.

My personal goals this season are … Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

If someone would look at the songs on my iPod, I would be embar- rassed for them to see I have this song … I don’t have an iPod.

The fi rst thing people noti ce about me when they meet me is … My 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY curly hair.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and are you pursuing it sti ll as a career/profession aft er graduati on? A marine biologist… nope.

16 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Keely McMillon

Keely McMillon What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Mark 10:27 – “Jesus 5-5, So. looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with C, R/R God; all things are possible with God.’” Lansing Catholic HS Vermontville, Mich. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Cookies, especially 2233 my mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark Knight. 2008 (Fr.): Started all 61 games, 37 behind the plate, 11 at third base and 13 as the team’s designated player … ranked fourth on the team I came to Liberty because … The Christi an atmosphere, and soft ball. with seven doubles and 15 RBIs … had the fi ft h-most at-bats on the squad at 177 … ti ed for sixth with six multi ple-hit games, and fourth Share something about one of your teammates that someone out- with four multi ple-RBI games … second on the squad with a .979 fi elding side the program would never know without you telling them. Beth percentage … caught 14 runners stealing … ranked second on the team Bennett loves cheese. with 235 putouts … nabbed her fi rst collegiate hit in a game against Towson … drove in two runs to help Liberty to its fi rst win of the year Who is your favorite Bible character and why? David, because against Kennesaw State … hit her fi rst collegiate home run in a game when no one else had the courage to fi ght, David stepped up and against UNC Greensboro … led the team to a 9-6 win over Virginia, bat- took on the challenge. ti ng 4-for-4 with three RBIs … helped Liberty to a 1-0 win over Coastal Carolina, going 2-for-3 at the plate … 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … When I was in win over Charleston Southern … 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs wearing my fi rst set of catching gear, my parents ti ed my hands in victory over Kennesaw State … tallied 10 putouts in game against St. behind my back and threw tennis balls at me. Louis ... drove in two runs in victory over Norfolk State. If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and Prep: Graduated from Lansing Catholic Central High School … four-year why? starter … named All-Area, All-District, All-Region and Capital Area Con- Kitt ery Maine (women’s basketball), so I would know what it would ference First Team throughout her four years of varsity soft ball. feel like to be tall.

Personal: Daughter of Rod and Corrine McMillon … comes from athleti c The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Being able to family, as her sister, Nicole, played soft ball for Hartf ord … majoring in meet all the other athletes, and then being able to go and support sport management … birthday is on Dec. 7. them at their games.

My dream job would be … Either a college coach or an Athleti c

Director. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is … Winthrop and Radford.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Sonic speed, because then I would know what it would feel like to be fast.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is ... Grey’s Anatomy.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Run the 300-yard shutt le.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is (and why) … Having 16 best friends. Even though we are all diff er- ent, we are one big, goofy family.

If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? My Grandma and Grandpa Cole, because I don’t really remember them.

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 17 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Tiff ani Smith

Tiffani Smith What is your favorite Bible verse and why? 1 Corinthians 10:13, 5-7, So. because it comforts me and eases my worries when in stressful situa- RHP, R/R ti ons. South Western HS Hanover, Pa. What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? Geography because I get to learn about our world (God’s creati on) and see all 1100 the wonders. I’d like to travel one day, too. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Chocolate! (Only 2008 (Fr.): Made 31 appearances and started 20 games in the circle for Hershey’s) the Lady Flames … earned two wins in fi rst 19 appearances and fi ve wins in her fi nal 12 appearances for a record of 7-14 …ranked second What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark on the team with fi ve complete games, two saves and 115.0 innings Knight. pitched, and ti ed for second with two shutouts … also fi nished second with 93 strikeouts on the year … fi nished the season with a 3.71 ERA I came to Liberty because … I wanted to walk with Christ and build … earned a Big South win in 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina … threw strength in Him. Also, to play soft ball and earn a degree. 10 strikeouts and gave up only two hits in a complete-game shutout over Hampton … struck out fi ve batt ers and walked one while scatt er- Share something about one of your teammates that someone out- ing three hits to shut out Birmingham-Southern … picked up the 5-4 side the program would never know without you telling them. On the win by starti ng the fi rst fi ve innings of acti on and fanning six batt ers fi rst day back at school, my new roommate, Ashley (Benny), clogged against Gardner-Webb … pitched fi ve innings and struck out fi ve in a the toilet. postseason tournament victory over Charleston Southern ... pitched four innings in Big South Championship win over Coastal Carolina, Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Noah, because he and the victory kept Liberty’s tournament run alive, leading the Lady trusted and believed in God so much that he built a huge boat and Flames to a ti tle game appearance … scored two runs as a pinch run- put animals on it, when everyone else thought he was crazy. ner. My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … During a slow- Prep: Graduated from South Western High School … four-year lett er- pitch soft ball game when I was in the outf ield bored out of my mind! winner … holds school record in career ERA (0.20) and strikeouts (443) That’s why I decided to be a pitcher – more acti on! … fi nished her junior year with a .588 batti ng average on 46 hits … struck out 225 batt ers as she led her team with a 14-3 record from the If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? mound … recorded a .508 batti ng average her senior season with 26 I would be one of the Disney princesses and walk around Disney runs … struck out 216 batt ers to fi nish her senior season with a 15-1 World. Because I love Disney and who doesn’t want to be a princess? record and an ERA of 0.453 … voted YAIAA Player of the Year her junior and senior seasons … named to the Disti nguished Honor Roll. The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … The challenge to succeed in a sport and in the classroom. Personal: Daughter of Phil and Paula Smith … majoring in elementary educati on … birthday is on Feb. 7. My dream job would be … A teacher. I love being around kids, and helping them grow and learn is amazing.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Winthrop. We owe them.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? To Kill a Mockingbird

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To fl y, because then I could travel all over the world at no cost!

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Do front rolls the length of the football fi eld.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is (and why) … Bonding with the team on the road because our team is crazy and fun, but tough as nails on the fi eld! 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? Marti n Luther King, Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney. Because they all led great, inspirati onal lives that changed many people.

18 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Meredith Baisden Meredith Baisden 5-6, Fr. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? 2 Corinthians 9:8, because when I feel like I am not able to do something, I remember UTL, R/R that it says that God is able to make all grace abound to me, so Cabell Midland HS that in all things at all ti mes, having all that I need, I will abound in Hunti ngton, W.Va. every good work.

1177 What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? My GNED 101 class, because my professor makes it interesti ng and fun. Prep: Graduated from Cabell Midland High School … voted conference I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Xtra Cheddar Gold- player of the year and fi rst-team all-state her senior year … named fi sh fi rst-team all-conference and received an all-state honorable menti on her junior year … fi rst-team all-conference honoree and all-state honor- What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Hair- able menti on as a sophomore … four year lett erwinner … ended junior spray! year with a .456 batti ng average with fi ve home runs and 30 RBIs … as a senior, batt ed .515 with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs … also played ASA I came to Liberty because … I felt like this is where God wanted me travel ball for the Diamond Dusters, helping the team to a ti tle victory at to be. the Carolina Cardinal Classic in Raleigh, N.C. in 2007 … graduated with high honors … was a member of Mu Alpha Theta. My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … getti ng hit with a line drive right in my shin my fi rst year playing and falling Personal: Daughter of David and Susan Baisden … majoring in elemen- over laughing. tary educati on … birthday is on May 15. The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Study Hall. Haha.

My dream job would be … To be an elementary school teacher and coach my own soft ball team.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Winthrop, because they were conference champs last year.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To fl y, so I could get around easier and more quickly. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is ... CSI Miami and Law & Order. And Friends, even though it’s just re- runs.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches (and why) … Do poles, because I’m the coach and they have to listen to me!

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is (and why) … I get to be part of a competi ti ve team where all the girls, coaches and staff have the same beliefs, morals and values as I do.

If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? Jesus, Leonardo Da Vinci and Abraham Lincoln. I want to meet the man who died on the cross for me, Da Vinci was one of the most talented men in history, and Lincoln was a poor farm boy who held a nati on together with sheer force of rightness in striving to set all men free.

My personal goals this season are … To get bett er every day and to help my teammates get bett er every day.

What cartoon character are you most like (and why)? Thumper, because I talk funny someti mes and I’m full of energy!

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 19 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Danielle Howard Danielle Howard What has been your favorite class at Liberty? Psyc 10. 5-7, Fr. INF, R/R I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … My roommate’s apple Bohemia Manor HS crisp. Mmm! Thanks, Ciera! Earlville, Md. What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The best 1122 movie was Never Back Down. Even though some parts were corny, the point of the story pumps me up.

Prep: Graduated from Bohemia Manor High School … helped lead her I came to Liberty because … I wanted my peers to feel the same way soft ball team to division and regional championships … also two-ti me about God. I wanted a family who brought me closer in spirit and I state semifi nalists … named fi rst-team all-county her sophomore, truly found it. junior and senior years … and was an honorable menti on for the honor as a freshman … named team MVP for soft ball and soccer … voted Share something about one of your teammates that someone outside Best All-Around Girl at her school … all-county soccer honoree and the program would never know without you telling them. Benny basketball honorable menti on … won the female athlete award at sleeps with her hat! But in her defense, this hat is the coolest one Bohemia Manor … also honored with President’s Educati on Award, Art ever. Achievement Award and was a member of the Nati onal Honor Society … fi nished third in the regional Punt, Pass and Kick football competi - Who is your favorite Bible character and why? God, of course. He ti on. gives me strength, and when things feel so terrible in life it is guaran- teed to fi nd God telling you in the Bible that He loves you no matt er Personal: Daughter of Shawn and Paula Howard … majoring in business what and he’s always there to help you. … birthday is on March 3. My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … When I fi rst started my dad handed me a glove for the fi rst ti me. I immediately told him we had to get a new one because “this one does not fi t right.” He said, “No Dani, it goes on your left hand!” I replied, “I can’t catch with my left hand!”

If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? I would like to be someone in Heaven. That way, I’ll know exactly what I’m looking forward to!

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Before every game, meeti ng or practi ce, we pray to God to be with us. It’s reassur- ing that we have the Lord on our side.

My dream job would be … To own a couple of businesses that are very wealthy and managed by other people, so I do not have to be there to stress over them.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Coastal Carolina. I did not know they were Lib- erty’s rival unti l the Chancellor’s cookout. I almost went to Coastal, and I really want to beat them to show the coach what they lost.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? I would want to be able to move anything with my mind, including myself so I could fl y.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is ... I don’t watch much TV, but I like Friends.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches (and why) … My coaches would simply do what they make us do. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY My personal goals this season are … To have fun, and to be recog- nized for something special.

What cartoon character are you most like? My brother said the Bratz.

20 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Allyson Hudson Allyson Hudson 5-11, Fr. What is your favorite Bible verse? Proverbs 27:5 and Isaiah 66 RHP/UTL, R/R What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? BIO 200 be- Kenston Forest HS cause Amber is there. Blackstone, Va. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Chocolate or choco- 1155 late-chip cookie dough ice cream.

What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Iron Man, Prep: Graduated from Kenston Forest School … lett erwinner all four The Dark Knight years of high school … named to the all-conference and all-state teams as a senior … also named co-MVP of the conference as a senior … I came to Liberty because … The Lord gave me the talent and oppor- recipient of Helen-Hayden Powers Memorial Scholarship for the Most tunity to play Division I soft ball with other Christi ans. Outstanding Athlete of Kenston Forest School … voted team captain and team MVP as a senior … named to all-conference team and all-state My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Striking out 17 honorable menti on as a sophomore … also voted best off ensive player of 18 batt ers. and helped lead the team to a 21-1 record as a sophomore … played varsity basketball as a sophomore and junior … member of the Nati onal The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … There is always Honor Society … was a fi ve-year FCA member … named to the Head something to do. Master’s list each year … earned an associate’s degree in science with high honors. My dream job would be … Orthopaedic surgeon!

Personal: Daughter of Andrew and Lisa Hudson … majoring in biology/ My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … pre-med … intends on entering the fi eld of orthopaedics and sports Being part of a team who wants to be on the fi eld just as much as I medicine aft er graduati on … birthday is on July 23. do! 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 21 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Britt any Keeney Brittany Keeney 5-10, Fr. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Philippians 4:13. I say it RHP, R/R almost every day and before pitching because it reminds me that I am not alone. God is always there. North Carroll HS Westminster, Md. What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? Math 115, be- 1144 cause I love math classes, and psychology because I love the teacher. Bible 105 with Professor Hirelson (sp?) is an awesome class, too. I’ve gott en a lot out of it. Prep: Graduated from North Carroll High School … lett erwinner dur- ing her junior and senior years … pitched all four years and shared I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Anything with choco- outf ield and fi rst base duti es … junior year squad captured the county late and peanut butt er, especially Reese’s. championship … named all-county honorable menti on and second- team all-conference as a junior … named fi rst-team all-conference and What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark second-team all-county as a senior. Knight.

Personal: Daughter of Timothy and Diane Keeney … majoring in I came to Liberty because … I wanted to grow closer to God and I graphic design … birthday is on March 12. knew Liberty could lead me to His will for my life. Also, they have soft ball and my major.

Who is your favorite Bible character and why? David, because of his bravery.

My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Tee-ball, cheer- ing on the top of the bench next to my best friend, Brooke.

If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? Jennie Finch, because I would love to know how to master pitching and all the techniques.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Knowing that God is constantly around and alive in this campus.

My dream job would be … A missionary/owner of a magazine.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Texas A&M because of the level of competi ti on.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? I don’t read much but I love Jerry Falwell’s book of devoti ons. It’s called Faith, I believe.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? I have always wanted to fl y because I would love to be able to touch the clouds.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... What I Like About You, because I used to always watch it with my sister; and Friends, because it’s hilarious.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Run.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … That my teammates give me so much support, even when I want to quit. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? God, because He is the creator of all things. And Thomas Edison, to learn from his determinati on.

22 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Jenny Law

Jenny Law What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Phil 4:13 – “I can do all 5-6, Fr. things through Christ who strengthens me.” Because I would never UTL, R/R be here if it wasn’t for Jesus. Franklin County HS Penhook, Va. What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? GNED with 1111 Troy Matt hews, because I love his Australian accent. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Bread and macaroni and cheese. Prep: Graduated from Franklin County High School … gained experi- ence as an outf ielder and as a catcher … as a senior, named district and What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Juno regional Player of the Year, fi rst-team all-district and second-team all- state … was the state’s career leader in runs scored … ranked second in I came to Liberty because … I can play my sport and get a good the state for career hits … named fi rst-team all-district and second-team Christi an relati onship at the same ti me. all-region as a junior … was also named fi rst-team All-Timesland and became her school’s all-ti me leader in career hits … named fi rst-team Share something about one of your teammates that someone all-district and fi rst-team all-region as a sophomore … also a fi rst-team outside the program would never know without you telling them. all-district honoree her freshman year … named to Who’s Who Among Kaylee is OCD about library books. High School Athletes. Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Paul, because I Personal: Daughter of Timmy and Annett e Law … undecided on a col- always thought he was so wise. lege major … birthday is on Aug. 11. If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? Angelina Jolie, so I can be married to Brad Pitt for that day.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … The free stuff .

My dream job would be … Nati onal treasure hunter.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Texas A&M, because they were World Series runner-up last year.

What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL A Bend in the Road, by Nicholas Sparks.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Invisibility, so I could see what’s being done and said when I’m not around.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... The Hills, because it’s amazing.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Get up at 5:15 in the morning and work out with Anna.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … Getti ng my meals paid for on road trips.

My personal goals this season are … To do the best I can.

What cartoon character are you most like (and why)? I don’t watch cartoons, I’m a reality show fan.

If someone would look at the songs on my iPod, I would be embar- rassed for them to see I have this song … I’m not embarrassed about any music I like.

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 23 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Kelly Strickland

Kelly Strickland What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Philippians 4:13; “I can 5-5, Fr. do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I love that verse INF, R/R because it lets me know that God is always behind me, supporti ng me South Columbus HS in whatever I do. Tabor City, N.C. What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? My GNED class 7 has been my favorite. My professor is funny and makes me want to learn and be interested. Prep: Graduated from South Columbus High School … named team I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Sugar Babies. I know MVP at shortstop as a junior … also received Golden Glove honor and they’re loaded with sugar and caramel, but they are so good! I love Silver Bat award, as well as being named Tribune Player of the Year and them. Columbus County Player of the Year … received all-state and all-con- ference honors as a junior with a .516 batti ng average, a .612 on-base What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Dark percentage, fi ve home runs and 36 RBIs … also won Golden Glove and Knight. I’ve never really been into Batman, but that was one of the Silver Bat awards as a freshman and sophomore … named Rookie of best movies I saw over the summer. the Year as a freshman … also played three years of varsity basketball and two years of varsity volleyball. I came to Liberty because … I got a soft ball scholarship, and when I came to visit I fell in love with the campus and the wonderful Chris- Personal: Daughter of David and Dorothy Strickland … majoring in ti an surroundings. kinesiology … brother Bradley plays baseball at UNC-Pembroke … birthday is on Feb. 15. Share something about one of your teammates that someone outside the program would never know without you telling them. My team- mate/roommate Danielle is disgusted by belly butt ons.

My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … When I was in litt le league I would always beat the guys out of every positi on.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Knowing that I stand for something… knowing that there are other people who would love to be in this spot.

My dream job would be … A physical therapist.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Winthrop, because they beat us out of the cham- pionship last year.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To pass through objects. That way, if I got locked out of my car, house or class, I could just walk in. Or I could just go anyplace I wanted just by looking at a picture.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Go through all the same drills and workouts that we’ve done pre-season and in-season.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … The way my teammates make me feel at home. They pick on me and help me. They’re my family away from home.

My personal goals this season are … To be the best that I can be for my team, coaches, myself, and most importantly, God.

What cartoon character are you most like (and why)? Spongebob 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY Squarepants, because he is funny and unpredictable, and he laughs at everything.

The fi rst thing people noti ce about me when they meet me is … My accent.

24 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON PLAYER PROFILES

Up Close with Kaylee West Kaylee West 5-8, Fr. What is your favorite Bible verse and why? Psalms 91 – It promises UTL, L/L God’s protecti on. Auburndale HS Auburndale, Fla. What has been your favorite class at Liberty and why? GNED – be- 8 cause the professor is really interesti ng. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Double chocolate Milano cookies. Prep: Graduated from Auburndale High School … named Defensive Player of the Year and honorable menti on overall as a freshman … part What was the best movie you watched over the last year? The Great of the state championship team as a sophomore, and was named sec- Debators ond-team all-county and Defensive Player of the Year … won fi rst-team all-county honors and again named Defensive Player of the Year her I came to Liberty because … I wanted to play soft ball here and I loved junior year … competed for the Florida Gold travel team, which traveled the university. to the ASA Gold Nati onals in Oklahoma during the summer of 2008. Share something about one of your teammates that someone out- Personal: Daughter of Will and Janice West … younger sister of former side the program would never know without you telling them. Jenny Lady Flames women’s soccer player Hope West … undecided on a col- loves The Hills! lege major … … birthday is on Sept. 12. Who is your favorite Bible character and why? David, because he did the impossible with just stones.

My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … Hitti ng my fi rst home run at age 12.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … Meeti ng other athletes and playing the sport I love.

My dream job would be … Traveling the world and helping people.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … FAU, because I have old teammates on that team. 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL What is the best book you have ever read (other than the Bible)? Things Fall Apart

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Be able to be in more than one place at a ti me so I can get more stuff done.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches … Run with Anna!

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is … Improving myself as a player and as a person.

If you could have dinner with three people throughout history, who would they be and why? Abraham Lincoln, Michael Phelps, Mary. I’d like to talk about their life experiences.

My personal goals this season are … To give 110 percent in all things I do, and also improve in running.

If someone would look at the songs on my iPod, I would be embar- rassed for them to see I have this song … I don’t have an iPod.

The fi rst thing people noti ce about me when they meet me is … I’m shy.

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 25 PLAYER PROFILES 2009 SEASON

Up Close with Bridgett Woods

Bridgett Woods What is your favorite Bible verse and why?Jeremiah 29:11. Because 5-5, Fr. when something goes wrong or things are out of control, I can just UTL, R/R remember that God has a plan for me. Prince Edward HS Prospect, Va. I know it’s not good for me, but I love to eat … Taco Bell. I could live 1166 off of Taco Bell. What was the best movie you watched over the last year? Hancock

I came to Liberty because … I really like Lynchburg and everyone here Prep: Graduated from Prince Edward High School … as a senior, was is very helpful and nice. a fi rst-team all-district honoree at shortstop … named second-team all-district during her sophomore and junior years, playing third base … Share something about one of your teammates that someone outside was an all-district honorable menti on as a freshman. the program would never know without you telling them. Sarah Ellis has a big gas problem. Personal: Daughter of Kimberly Woods … majoring in business man- agement … birthday is on Aug. 26. My earliest memory while competi ng in my sport is … When I used to be a catcher when I was younger. I would always cock the ball like I was going to pick off the player at fi rst base.

If you could be somebody else for a day, who would you be and why? I would be my boyfriend so I could know his thoughts.

The best part of being a Liberty student-athlete is … There is a very small percentage of us and it gives you a feeling of success.

My dream job would be … To sit at home and take care of my chil- dren and house. Also to be a wonderful wife.

The team that I’m most looking forward to competi ng against this year is (and why) … Virginia Tech, because my boyfriend att ends that school and is also an athlete. I really want to beat them so I can tease him.

If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? My su- per power would be to be able to fl y so I could fl y around the bases and never be tagged out.

The TV show I can’t live without watching each week is (and why) ... The Hills! I love the girls on there and they are so beauti ful.

If I were named “Coach for a Day”, I would make my coaches (and why) … Run stadiums the whole practi ce because we have to do it every Monday at 6 a.m. It hurts really badly, too.

My favorite thing about being a part of the Liberty soft ball team is (and why) … The coaches and the girls. They are all very competi ti ve and sweet. Our bonds already are amazing this year.

My personal goals this season are … To have a good atti tude and give 100 percent on and off the fi eld.

What cartoon character are you most like (and why)? Barney, be- cause I’m fun, loving and caring.

2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL 2009 LIBERTY The fi rst thing people noti ce about me when they meet me is … My personality and smile. People always say I have such a bubbly per- sonality and that I’m always smiling.

26 2008 BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 2009 SEASON THE TEAM

#1 - J’nae Jeff erson #2 - Sarah Ellis #4 - Beth Bennett #5 - Amber DePasquale

#7 - Kelly Strickland #8 - Kaylee West #9 - Ashley Bensinger #10 - Tiff ani Smith

#11 - Jenny Law #12 - Danielle Howard #14 - Britt any Keeney #15 - Allyson Hudson 2009 LIBERTY SOFTBALL

#16 - Bridgett Woods #17 - Meredith Baisden #21 - Cassie Hendrix #22 - Jenna Eatmon

#23 - Keely McMillon #24 - Jennifer Pitt man

FOUR BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE APPEARANCES 27