Central lands record 26th NCAA softball berth
Larry Happel
September 12, 2014
Junior second baseman Abbey Strajack and the Dutch made a record 26th NCAA Division III softball tournament appearance
It was the fifth straight NCAA appearance for the Dutch, who were chosen to host regional tourney play for the 11th time.
Hall of fame coach George Wares eclipsed yet another milestone, becoming the first coach in Division III history to record 1,000 wins. Central’s leader since 1985, Wares has compiled a 1,007-335-3 (.749) career record.
Gritty junior third baseman Whitney Sowers was a first-team all-Midwest Region pick. Despite a brief dip as the result of a late-season injury, Sowers hit a steamy .491, the second-highest season mark in school history. She had five homers and 23 RBIs while sparkling in the field, committing just one regular-season error.
Senior shortstop Annie Sarcone and junior second baseman Abbey Strajack were second-team selections. Sarcone, a four-time all-conference pick, hit .433 with 14 doubles, seven homers and a school record 51 RBIs. She set school career marks for homers (25), RBIs (172) and total bases (304). Strajack batted .354, scoring 35 runs and stealing 12 bases.She’s a two-time all league honoree.