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2008 Archive
The Dragons (20-11-1) battled Indiana Tech to a 7-7 tie after 6 innings when
the rains came and ended the game prematurely. Lauren Williams led the way with
a two-run home run, while Stacy Lucas also had two hits for 2 RBI. Kristina
Rendle also added 2 hits. Kellie Kitchen was the starter, allowing 6 earned
runs. Kitchen wins twice as Dragons sweep Taylor
The Dragons (20-11) got a great start from Kellie Kitchen, as she fired a
two-hit 13-1 victory in the opener at Taylor, then came in in relief of Krista
Sowers to pitch the final two innings in a narrow 8-7 win as the Dragons picked
up a run in the 7th inning to get the sweep. In the opener, Nicole Romero
drilled two home runs for 5 RBI, while Lauren Williams smacked a grand slam and
Stacey Lucas also had a bomb. Jessica Ramirez tallied 3 hits, while Cyla Hawkins
and Kristina Rendle also had two hits. In game two, Lucas had three more hits
with two doubles, Hawkins had 4 RBI and Rendle had 2 more RBI with a
double. Dragons drop tough twinbill with Greyhounds
The Dragons (18-11) dropped two narrow games with Indianapolis, falling in
game one 3-2 and losing a marathon game in the nightcap 13-11 in 8 innings.
Krista Sowers took the loss in game one, with Kristina Rendle and Kenzie Kitchen
getting two hits apiece in a tight pitchers duel. In the game two slugfest,
Kellie Kitchen took the loss in relief, as Michaella Dermanelian and Cyla
Hawkins had two hits each. Dragons fall short of sweep at Clarion
The Dragons (17-8) posted a big 13-5 win in the opener but fell short of the
sweep, falling late 4-3 to Clarion. The Dragons allowed Clarion to score in the
bottom of the sixth inning on a passed ball but mounted a rally in the 7th
inning that fell short with a player thrown out at the plate and a screaming
line drive snared by Clarion's defense to end the game. Michaela Dermanelian had
3 hits while Cyla Hawkins, Kristina Rendle, and Nicole Romero all had two hits.
In the 13-5 win, Krista Sowers fanned 12 for the mound victory, while Romero had
4 hits with 2 doubles for 5 RBI. Dermanelian, Hawkins, and Rendle all had 2
hits. Dragons split games with Defiance
The Dragons (16-7) bounced back after a 4-2 opening game loss to defeat
Defiance 4-2 in the nightcap. Kellie Kitchen took the loss in the opener,
allowing 2 earned runs, while Kristina Rendle led the way with 2 hits. In the
victory, Krista Sowers got the win while Cyla Hawkins swung a big bat with 3
hits and 3 RBI. Dragons post pair of dramatic wins over Hillsdale
The Dragons (15-6) scored three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to beat
Hillsdale 6-5 in game one, then scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the
8th inning to win game two 6-5. The Dragons trailed 5-3 in the 7th inning of the
opener when they rallied. Kellie Kitchen got the mound win, driving in the
winning runs with a two-run single to end the game. Jessica Ramirez also had two
hits. In the second game, Krista Sowers got the win but it was the offense that
came through once again, as Ashley Gordon had two hits and 2 RBI, including the
game-winner in the 8th inning. Tiffany Smith had 3 hits, Cyla Hawkins had 2
doubles, Nicole Romero added two hits for 2 RBI, and Kristina Rendle had two
hits. Dragons split in twinbill with Mercyhurst
The Dragons (13-6) played a disappointing first game, falling 9-0 in five
innings and managing just 2 hits, before turning things around in a big way in
game two, winning 11-3 in five innings. Krista Sowers took the loss in the
opener, while Kellie Kitchen got the win in game two. Tiffany Smith drilled a
grand slam to give TU their biggest shot, while Jessica Ramirez also had 2 hits.
Kenzie Kitchen had a double and Michaela Dermanelian also drove in a run.
Ramirez launches Dragons to sweep of Davis & Elkins
The Dragons' (12-5) Jessica Ramirez had a game to remember in the nightcap
against Davis & Elkins, blasting a home run to tie the game and then another
three-run home run to win it 7-4. TU also won the opener 4-2, with Krista Sowers
getting both mound victories. In the opener, Cyla Hawkins and Kristina Rendle
had two hits with doubles while Nicole Romero had 2 RBI. Sowers allowed just 3
hits and fanned 10. In the nightcap, Sowers had 9 more strikeouts while Romero
also had a home run. Dragons split with West Virginia Wesleyan
The Dragons (10-5) played two high-scoring games at West Virginia Wesleyan,
winning the opener 6-5 and dropping the nightcap 11-9. Stacey Lucas drilled a
grand slam in the first inning, while Kristina Rendle and Nicole Romero added
two hits to make a winner of Krista Sowers. In the second game, Kellie Kitchen
had a tough outing, going just 2 innings before Sowers came in relief. Cyla
Hawkins had 2 hits and 3 RBI, including a two-run home run, Lauren Williams
drilled a solo shot, and Tiffany Smith had 3 RBI with a home run. Rendle also
had 2 hits. Dragons drop final two Florida games to Georgian Court
The Dragons (9-4) ended their Florida trip on a down note, getting shutout
twice by nationally-ranked Georgian Court 5-0 and 2-0. Kellie Kitchen took the
loss in both games, as the Dragons bats went cold. TU mustered only five hits in
the opener, while Kristina Rendle and Tiffany Smith had 2 hits apiece in the
nightcap. 32nd-ranked Dragons split doubleheader between Nebraska-Omaha, Holy Family
The Dragons (9-2), ranked 32nd in the latest NFCA poll, took on Top 10 ranked
Nebraska-Omaha, falling 5-2 in a close game before beating Holy Family 8-3.
Kellie Kitchen took the loss against UNO and got the win against Holy Family.
Nicole Romero had two hits in the opener, while Kristian Rendle had 3 hits in
the nightcap. Tiffany Smith also had 2 hits with a double. Dragons continue hot streak with two more Florida wins
The Dragons (8-1) picked up solid wins with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia and a
4-1 win over William Woods. In the opener, Kellie Kitchen fanned 6 and allowed
one earned run, with Tiffany Smith getting two hits with an RBI and scoring the
game-winning run on Ashley Michalski's hit in the 6th inning. Cyla Hawkins and
Kristina Rendle also had two hits. In the nightcap, Krista Sowers picked up the
win over 7 innings, with Lauren Williams drilling a two-run home run. Jessica
Ramirez also had 2 RBI while Smith added two hits including a double.
Dragons blast opponents for first two Florida wins
The Dragons (6-1) blasted Massachusetts-Lowell 17-4 in their Florida opener,
with Kellie Kitchen firing a one-hitter over 5 innings and allowing 0 earned
runs. Stacey Lucas had 5 RBI, while Tiffany Smith added 3 hits and 2 RBI.
Kristina Rendle had two hits with 2 RBI while Ashley Michalski also had 2 RBI.
In the nightcap, Krista Sowers fired a shutout in a 10-0 win over Dominican in
another five-inning victory. Cyla Hawkins had 4 hits with a double and two-run
home run, Michaela Dermanelian had 3 RBI and Rendle and Nicole Romero had 2 hits
each. Dragons take second at Martin Methodist; Sowers, Smith honored
The Dragons (4-1) took second at the Martin Methodist Meltdown, finishing
behind only Freed-Hardeman's 4-0 record. The Dragons, who did not play
Freed-Hardeman during the weekend trip, also were honored with Tiffany Smith and
Krista Sowers selection to the All-Tournament team. Dragons win two more to finish 4-1 in season openers
The Dragons (4-1) posted an 8-1 win over Georgetown and an 8-4 win over Union
on their second day at the Martin Methodist tourney. Krista Sowers picked up
both victories, firing a four-hit, 6-strikeout effort in the opener. Nicole
Romero had 5 hits while Stacey Lucas and Tiffany Smith added 3 hits apiece.
Romero, Lucas, and Lauren Williams all had doubles. In the nightcap, Romero
stroked a 2-run home run while Smith added a solo shot. Cyla Hawkins, Kristina
Rendle, and Ashley Michalski also had two hits in the game.
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| Tiffin University's Krista Sowers was named NAIA Region IX Pitcher of the Year, leading the way as the Dragons also landed two other players on the All-Region team. Sowers is the first player in Dragons history to earn Region Pitcher of the Year honors. Stephanie Orr (RF) and Cyla Hawkins (SS) were also selected. This is the second consecutive All-Region selection for both Orr and Hawkins. |
| Sowers leads four First Team AMC selections |
| Tiffin University's Krista Sowers was named AMC North Pitcher of the Year, leading the way as the Dragons got four First Team selections by vote of the AMC coaches. Melissa Bowie (2B), Cyla Hawkins (SS) and Stephanie Orr (RF) were also First Team picks, while Ashli Breau (LF) was Second Team and Tracy Lehman (C) was Honorable Mention. Nicole Romero (1B) was also named to the All-Freshman team. In addition, Brian Campbell was named AMC North Coach of the Year, his third consecutive selection. |
| Dragons reach Championship game with 7-2 win |
| Tiffin University (34-9) got a dominating performance from April Nietrzeba, who allowed just 3 hits with 8 strikeouts in beating Urbana 7-2. Cyla Hawkins had 3 hits with a double and 2 RBI, while Tracy Lehman had 2 hits. Stephanie Orr also had 2 hits with a double and 2 RBI, while Ashli Breau had a pair of hits. TU now plays the winner of Notre Dame/Urbana at 12:30 p.m. in the Region IX-X Championship game. Tiffin will have to be beaten twice to be eliminated. |
| Orr named First Team Academic |
| Tiffin's Stephanie Orr was named First Team Academic All-District IV by CoSIDA for 2007. Earning the First Team honor now makes her eligible for Academic All-American. Orr posted a 3.83 GPA and is majoring in Forensic Psychology. |
| Lehman, Hawkins power Dragons past Geneva |
| Tiffin University (33-9) got two home runs by Tracy Lehman and a solo bomb by Cyla Hawkins as they powered past Geneva 9-2 in the quarterfinals of the Region IX-X tourney at Tiffin. Lehman finished with 3 hits and 4 RBI while Hawkins had 4 hits and 3 RBI. Ashli Breau had three hits and Melissa Bowie added two more as the Dragons advanced to the semifinals for a 12:30 p.m. game with Urbana on May 10. |
| Dragons host Regional tourney May 9-12 |
| Tiffin University (32-9) is the top seed and will be hosting the Region IX-X Tourney May 9-12. Click here for the complete schedule of games. Other competing schools will be Urbana, Geneva, Ohio Dominican, Rio Grande, Notre Dame, and St. Joseph's VT. Games will be played at Tiffin's home field and at Heidelberg College's facility. Directions to Tiffin's athletic fields: Follow SR 53 into Tiffin. Turn on Miami St. where campus sits and follow Miami St. for 1.5 miles. The fields are on the right hand side of the road 1.5 miles from campus. Directions to Heidelberg's facility from the Tiffin campus: Follow South Sandusky St. (SR 53) south, Turn left on E. Market St. (SR 18 East), Follow E. Market St. and take a right on Greenfield St. You are now on Heidelberg’s campus. Turn right at first stop light and watch for fields on left hand side of road across from parking lots. |
| Dragons to host Regional tourney after win over Urbana |
| Tiffin University (32-9) won the AMC Championship with a 7-1 victory over Urbana, earning the right to host the Region IX tourney May 9-12. The Dragons excelled on the mound and at the plate, as April Nietrzeba got the win with a three-hit effort. over 7 innings along with 5 strikeouts. Stephanie Orr had 3 hits for 3 RBI including a double and triple. Lauren Williams had two hits with a home run, while Tracy Lehman also had a solo home run. Melissa Bowie had two hits with a triple, Cyla Hawkins had 3 hits, and Nicole Romero had a double. |
| Dragons split on day one in best of three series with Urbana |
| Tiffin University (31-9) played two thrillers at Urbana in the first two games of the best of three series for the AMC Championship, with the winner hosting the Region IX Tournament next week. The Dragons won the opener 4-3 with April Nietrzeba getting the win and Krista Sowers the save as the Blue Knights left the bases loaded in the 7th inning. Stephanie Orr, Lauren Williams, and Stacey Lucas all had RBI, with Tracy Lehman hitting a triple. In game two, the Blue Knights tied the game with a two-run home run in the 6th inning and then won it with a run in the 7th. Lehman had two hits, while Nicole Romero had a double. TU and Urbana will now decide the series with a 12 p.m. game on Friday. |
| Dragons sweep Myers on Senior Day |
| Tiffin University (30-8, 8-0 AMC) enjoyed its Senior Day with a sweep of Myers University, winning 5-1 and 4-0. April Nietrzeba fanned 10 in the opener, while Krista Sowers fanned six in winning game two. Ashli Breau had two doubles for 2 RBI, Tracy Lehman had three hits with a home run, Stephanie Orr had 2 hits with a double, and Melissa Bowie had a double for 2 RBI to support Nietrzeba. In game two, Bowie added a three-run home run, Nicole Remero and Brittany Santos had two hits, Cyla Hawkins had a triple, and Lehman added a double. Seniors honored included Hana Mohrman, Lehman, Orr, Leigh Zajac, Bowie, Katie Rorick, and Nietrzeba. |
| Dragons move games with Point Park |
| Tiffin University (28-8, 8-0 AMC) postponed its AMC doubleheader with Point Park for today due to poor field conditions. The games have been rescheduled for Monday, April 30 at Tiffin starting at 3 p.m. |
| Dragons sweep AMC Player of Week honors |
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Tiffin teammates Tracy Lehman (Toledo, OH) and Krista Sowers (Eagle River, AK) are the AMC Players of the Week in women's softball after leading the Dragons to a perfect 10-0 week. Lehman, a 5-foot-10 senior catcher, batted .433 with 13 hits in 30 at bats. She clubbed five home runs, scored 12 times, and totaled 13 runs batted in. Sowers, a 5-8 sophomore pitcher, was 5-0 with a 0.42 earned run average. She allowed two earned runs in 33 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts and four walks. |
| Dragons win 12th straight with sweep of Panthers |
| Tiffin University (28-8, 8-0 AMC) used the long ball to continue their hot streak, winning their 12th straight game with a 10-1 and 3-0 sweep of Ohio Dominican. Tracy Lehman drilled two bombs and totaled 4 RBI in the opener, while Stephanie Orr also had a massive home run. Cyla Hawkins and Nicole Romero had two hits and 2 RBI apiece, while Brittany Santos had three hits. In the nightcap, Krista Sowers fanned seven in getting the win, with Ashli Breau getting two hits with a home run, Melissa Bowie chipping in two hits, and Jessica Ramirez adding a double. |
| Dragons win fourth straight AMC championship, sweep Falcons |
| Tiffin University (26-8, 8-0 AMC) won their fourth consecutive AMC championship, sweeping Notre Dame 9-2 and 7-2 in two strong outings. The Dragons scored seven runs in the fourth inning to break open a close first game, with Stacey Lucas drilling a two-run home run while Ashli Breau had two hits with a double and 2 RBI. Lauren Williams also had 2 RBI while Nicole Romero and Brittany Santos added two hits each. In game two, the Dragons jumped out early, with Breau adding three hits with two doubles and a home run for 2 RBI, while Melissa Bowie also had a double for 2 RBI. Cyla Hawkins and Jessica Ramirez also had RBI. |
| Dragons continue hot streak with sweep of Ursuline |
| Tiffin University (24-8, 6-0 AMC) combined more good pitching with timely hitting in a sweep of Ursuline. April Nietrzeba fired a 4-0 shutout in game one, allowing three hits. Tracy Lehman drilled a 3-run home run in the 7th inning to secure the win, while Stephanie Orr had four hits with a double. Nicole Romero also had two hits with an RBI. In game two, Krista Sowers allowed no earned runs in a 6-3 victory. Ashli Breau had two hits including a home run and 3 RBI, while Melissa Bowie had two hits and 2 RBI. Stephanie Orr and Romero added two hits each, and Lauren Williams also had an RBI. |
| Dragons mash 10 home runs, blast Otterbein |
| Tiffin University (22-8, 4-0 AMC) unloaded the heavy lumber in a doubleheader with Otterbein, drilling 10 home runs in winning 11-1 and 15-0. In the opener, Lauren Williams hit a grand slam along with a double, Stephanie Orr had 2 RBI with a home run, Tracy Lehman had 3 hits with a double, home run, and 2 RBI, Nicole Romero had two hits with a home and run and 2 RBI, and Cyla Hawkins hit another home run. April Nietrzeba got the win. In game two, Lehman hit a grand slam, Jessica Ramirez had 3 RBI with a home run, Lauren Williams had 2 RBI, Ashli Breau had two hits with a home run, Orr had a two-run home run, and Hawkins added a solo shot, making a winner of Krista Sowers. |
| Dragons remain unbeaten in AMC, sweep Geneva |
| Tiffin University (20-8, 4-0 AMC) won two close games with Geneva, shutting them out 5-0 in game one and nipping them 3-1 in the nightcap. Strong pitching helped the Dragons, as April Nietrzeba tossed a three-hitter and Krista Sowers allowed just 2 hits with 7 strikeouts and no earned runs over 7 innings. Cyla Hawkins had a triple in the opener, while Stephanie Orr had two hits for 2 RBI and Lauren Williams added an RBI. Melissa Bowie drilled a home run in the second game, while Ashli Breau had an RBI double. |
| Orr earns Dragons second straight AMC Player of the Week honor |
| Tiffin outfielder Stephanie Orr (Columbus, OH) has been named the AMC women's softball Player of the Week.
Orr, a 5-foot-10 senior, batted .526 and hit safely in every game of Tiffin's 5-1 week. She recorded 10 hits in 19 at bats with three doubles, two homers, and seven RBI's. Orr walked three times and scored seven runs. |
| Lehman, Williams blasts lead Dragons over Carlow |
| Tiffin University (18-8, 2-0 AMC) got a three-run home run by Tracy Lehman and a two-run home run by Lauren Williams to cap an 8-run third inning en route to a 15-0 game one victory against Carlow in their AMC opener. April Nietrzeba got the victory with a four-hitter, as Williams totaled 4 RBI while adding a double to her home run, Cyla Hawkins had a double and triple, Melissa Bowie had three hits, and Nicole Romero had two hits for 2 RBI. In game two, Krista Sowers got the shutout in an 8-0 win. Stephanie Orr drilled a home run, Cyla Hawkins had 2 RBI, Bowie had two more hits, and Ashli Breau had a double. |
| Bowie named AMC Player of the Week |
| Tiffin second baseman Melissa Bowie has been selected the AMC Player of the Week in women's softball. Bowie, a 5-foot-9 senior, batted .667 during Tiffin's 4-0 week. She registered eight hits in 12 at bats with a double, a triple, four RBI's, and five runs scored. |
| Dragons split pair with Hillsdale |
| Tiffin University (16-8) beat Hillsdale 6-4 in the opener with April Nietrzeba getting the win. Melissa Bowie had 2 hits for 2 RBI while Ashli Breau had 2 hits with a double. In the second game, TU fell 6-5 in 9 innings in a close thriller. The Dragons stranded a runner on third base with two outs in the 9th inning as Krista Sowers took the tough luck loss. Tracy Lehman had 2 RBI with a double, Lauren Williams had 2 RBI, and Stephanie Orr had a home run. |
| Lucas, Breau bombs lead Dragons past Defiance |
| Tiffin University (15-7) got a grand slame from Stacey Lucas in a 8-1 victory against Defiance, with Lucas totaling 5 RBI in the game. Ashli Breau tacked on 3 hits with 2 doubles, while Stephanie Orr and Cyla Hawkins also had two hits to make a winner out of April Nietrzeba, but Breau saved her biggest hit for the nightcap, getting 2 RBI with a home run in the 5-2 win. Krista Sowers got the win, while Orr racked up 4 hits with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Jessica Ramirez and Hawkins added two hits each. |
| Dragons turn up the offense against Walsh |
| Tiffin University (13-7) had another good offensive day against visiting Walsh, winning game on 10-2 in five innings and taking the nightcap 9-6. April Nietrzeba got the win in game one thanks to solid hitting from Cyla Hawkins (double, triple, 4 RBI), Nicole Romero (double, 3 RBI), and Stephanie Orr, Stacey Lucas, Melissa Bowie, and Brittany Santos (2 hits apiece). In game two, Krista Sowers allowed only 2 earned runs while Ashli Breau had 3 RBI with 2 hits, Tracy Lehman had 2 RBI with 2 hits, Melissa Bowie had 3 hits, and Stacey Lucas had a double. |
| Dragons streak past Heidelberg in sweep |
| Tiffin University (11-7) shutout Heidelberg 7-0 in the opener and then took the nightcap 10-2 in 5 innings. April Nietrzeba won in game one, allowing 2 hits and fanning 7 over 7 innings. Nicole Romero had 3 RBI while Cyla Hawkins added two hits. Krista Sowers won game two, also fanning 7, while Hawkins led with 3 hits including a triple. Stephanie Orr had a triple and home run, Ashli Breau had 3 RBI with a home run, Melissa Bowie had a triple, and Jessica Ramirez had a double. |
| Dragons drop two thrillers to Northwood |
| Tiffin University (9-7) played two exciting matchups with Northwood but came up short in both, falling 7-6 in 13 innings in game one and falling 2-1 in the nightcap. April Nietrzeba pitched all 13 innings in taking the loss, as Ashli Breau drilled a home run and Stephanie Orr belted a 2-run home run in the 7th inning to force the extra innings. In game two, Krista Sowers took the tough loss, as the Dragons scored a run in the 7th inning and had the tying run at second base when Northwood got the final out. |
| Strong pitching leads to sweep of Blue Knights |
| Tiffin University (9-5) got a great pair of pitching performances from April Nietrzeba and Krista Sowers in a sweep of Urbana. Nietrzeba tossed a three-hitter with 5 strikeouts in a 3-0 win in the opener, as Stephanie Orr had two hits with a double and 2 RBI while Melissa Bowie added an RBI. (Click here to listen) In game two, Sowers tossed another three-hitter with 6 strikeouts in a 5-1 victory. Cyla Hawkins had 3 hits with a double and 4 RBI while Bowie added two more hits with a triple and RBI. |
| Orr leads Dragons offense in sweep of Cedarville |
| Tiffin University's Stephanie Orr racked up five hits in two games, including two doubles and a home run with 3 RBI as TU beat Cedarville 5-2 and 3-1. April Nietrzeba got the win in the opener, while Krista Sowers got the win in game two. Melissa Bowie and Nicole Romero had two hits each in the opener, while Tracy Lehman had a home run in game two. |
| Dragons named fourth most improved team |
| Tiffin University's 55 victories in 2006 earned it the distinction of being named the fourth most improved NCAA Division II program. The honor was one of many earned by the Dragons, according to the NCAA Division II Records Book. The Dragons were Division II team champions in doubles (125) and triples (36), posting the fourth highest team doubles mark and the 15th highest team triples total in Division II history. Tracy Lehman was the National leader in triples (13), posting the 9th highest single season mark in Division II history. Head Coach Brian Campbell is also 25th in career winning percentage (.680). |
| Dragons games with Indiana Tech rescheduled |
| Tiffin (5-5) and Indiana Tech were forced to move their doubleheader to April 24 due to rain. The twinbill will still be played on the road as scheduled. |
| Dragons upset Shippensburg, fall to Moorhead |
| Tiffin University (5-5) posted an impressive 4-3 upset of 15th-ranked Shippensburg, with Krista Sowers allowing just one earned run while fanning 11. Stephanie Orr had 3 hits with a double and triple, and Nicole Romero and Tracy Lehman each had two hits with RBI. In the second game, Minnesota-Moorhead held the Dragons to just three hits, as April Nietrzeba took the loss in the 8-0 decision. |
| Dragons win pair of games with solid hitting |
| Tiffin University (4-4) ran away with game one against Indiana (PA), winning 10-0 thanks to a grand slame from Ashley Breau en route to 5 RBI. In game two, the Dragons eked out a 7-6 win against Minnesota-Duluth, with Krista Sowers getting the win and April Nietrzeba the save. Tracy Lehman and Lauren Williams had three hits apiece, while Ashley Breau added 2 RBI. |
| Dragons bats go cold in two losses |
| Tiffin University (2-4) struggled at the plate in two losses, falling to Wayne State 3-0 and Adelphi 1-0. Krista Sowers took the loss against Wayne State, while April Nietrzeba allowed 0 earned runs in her loss. TU had five hits in the second game, and also had the bases loaded in the fifth inning but could not manage a run. |
| Dragons split in close games with St. Xavier, Lock Haven |
| Tiffin University (2-2) had two exciting games against ranked teams, beating St. Xavier 7-6 with a run-scoring single by Stacey Lucas in the 7th inning leading to the win. April Nietrzeba got the win and was supported by Tracy Lehman's 3 hits, 2 RBI each from Cyla Hawkins and Stephanie Orr, and 3 hits from Melissa Bowie. In game two, the Dragons took on No. 1-ranked defending Division II Champion Lock Haven and fell 4-0 as the Dragons managed only two hits. Krista Sowers allowed only five hits over 7 innings. |
| Dragons split on first day of spring trip |
| Tiffin University (1-1) opened with a split of its first two games, beating Southwest Minnesota State 1-0 on a one-hit mound effort from Krista Sowers over 7 innings of work. Sowers, who fanned five batters, got the lone RBI she needed from Tracy Lehman, while Lauren Williams also added two hits. In game two, TU lost a tough one 6-5 to East Stroudsburg, scoring five runs in the 7th inning but coming up just short. April Nietrzeba took the loss over 6 innings of work. Lehman had a triple and 2 RBI, while Cyla Hawkins also had two hits and an RBI. Stephanie Orr and Lauren Williams had two hits while Stacey Lucas had a double for 2 more RBI. |
| Dragons to hold Purple Day in support of Bluffton University |
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Members of the Tiffin University baseball team, softball team, and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are coordinating "Purple Day" on Saturday, March 31st to show support for the Bluffton University's baseball program which tragically lost four players March 2nd in a fatal bus accident on their way to spring training. There will be a moment of silence before the doubleheader between the Dragons and Mt Vernon Nazarene College at 1:00 PM at Heminger Field (TU’s Home Field). Players from both teams are expected to wear a purple arm or wrist band in memorial (given to them). Student-athletes will be collecting donations at the entrance gate to Tiffin University's Athletic Complex on Miami Street and profits from concessions and Purple Day T-shirt sales will go to the Bluffton University Baseball Memorial Fund. Purple Day will conclude with a Purple Ball (dance) from 9-midnight in the Gillmor Student Center Osceola Theatre. The community is invited to attend the March 31st events and everyone is encouraged to support the cause by wearing the official Purple Day T-shirt and other purple apparel. For more information, contact Sports Information Director, Shane O'Donnell at 419-448-3288 or SOdonnel@tiffin.edu or Dr. Bonnie Tiell at 419-448-3261 btiell@tiffin.edu or student athlete and Purple Day Coordinator Leigh Zajac at zajaclj@tiffin.edu. |
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Dragons assist the community |
| Tiffin University's softball program recently assisted the elderly community in the Tiffin area, helping seniors play bingo at Friedman Village, an assisted living facility in Tiffin. "This was a good way for our team to help give back to the community of Tiffin," Head Coach Brian Campbell said. |
| Kitchen sisters sign with Dragons |
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Kellie and Kenzie Kitchen of Columbia High School (TX) have announced their plans to further their athletic and academic careers at Tiffin University. Kellie, a pitcher, was MVP in 2004 and named District 24-4A Pitcher of the Year. While earning All-County honors, she also hit .477 with 11 home runs and finished in the top three as NFSA National Tournament Pitcher in both 2004 and 2005. She was also the 2006 Southwest Girls Softball Championship pitcher. Kenzie, a catcher, was the 2006 Southwest Girls Softball Championship catcher, earning the Outstanding Performance Award in District 24-3a. She batted .465 with 6 home runs and was the Houston RBI Team Captain in 2005 and 2006. She was also in the top three of the NFSA National Tournament in 2004 and 2005. |
| Dragons ranked 13th in NAIA poll |
| Tiffin University's softball program was ranked 13th in the nation in the NAIA Preseason Softball poll. The Dragons are coming off a record-setting 57-11 season that saw them win the AMC North Championship with a 13-1 mark. They won the Region IX Championship in 2006, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama. In addition, the Dragons have been in the Region IX tourney for the last seven years and have been Region IX Runners-up four times in that span. They won the AMC North Championship in 2006, 2005, and 2004 and the AMC Championship in 2002. Returning to this year's team are three All-Americans, including pitcher April Nietrzeba, shortstop Cyla Hawkins, and first baseman Tracy Lehman. The 2006 team established 22 new individual and team records. |
| Johnson signs with Dragons |
| First Baptist High School's Ashley Johnson has announced her intention to further her athletic and academic careers at Tiffin University. Johnson, a utility infielder, is a four-year starting varsity player who earned SCISA Region Player of the Year while also earning All-State honors. Johnson hails from Charleston, South Carolina, and also earned All-Region honors in 2005. She was MVP and posted the highest batting average on the squad in 2006. She also competes with the Xtreme Fastpitch Travel Team, serving as co-captain. |
| Campbell earns distinction by NFCA |
| Tiffin University's Brian Campbell was recently recognized for his career coaching accomplishments. Campbell currently ranks 18th amongst NAIA teams in career victories with 221, according to the Easton Victory Club for the NFCA. Only Mt. Vernon Nazarene and Ohio Dominican were higher amongst AMC schools for career victories. |
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Dragons leave mark in academics |
| Tiffin University's softball team placed in the top 7 of both the NAIA and the NCAA Division II institutions in team GPA. TU was 7th in the NAIA with a 3.517 GPA, joining AMC members Rio Grande and Mt. Vernon Nazarene in the top seven. Amongst Division II schools, TU was third in the nation behind only Grand Canyon University and Emporia State University. |
| Dragons win Red and White Tourney at Wapakoneta |
| Tiffin won the White Division, posting a 1-0 victory over Miami Valley Xpress in game one and a 10-0 decision over Ohio Wesleyan in game two. Nicole Romero hit the solo bomb to win the first game, while Stephanie Orr went 5-for-6 with 5 RBI in the two games. Orr and Romero were both named to the All-Tourney team. |
| Dragons garner more honors from NFCA |
| The 13th-ranked Dragons landed two NFCA All-Americans, with Kristina Schweikert landing on the First Team. Tracy Lehman also earned Second Team All-American honors after her record-breaking season. The Dragons also dominated the NFCA Great Lakes Region squad, placing five players on the First Team. Pitcher April Nietrzeba, first baseman Lehman, outfielder Schweikert, and alternates Lauren Williams and Cyla Hawkins were First Team picks, while outfielder Stephanie Orr was a Second Team selection. |
| Dragons land numerous honors on All-Independent team |
| The 13th-ranked Dragons landed seven players on the All-Independent Collegiate Athletic Association First Team, including both of their starting pitchers - April Nietrzeba and Krista Sowers. Cyla Hawkins (IF), Lauren Williams (IF), Tracy Lehman (UTL), Stephanie Orr (OF), and Kristina Schweikert (OF) also earned First Team selection. Melissa Bowie (IF) and Alicia Preston (OF) were Second Team picks. |
| Three Dragons earn All-American |
| The 13th-ranked Dragons landed three players on the NAIA All-American teams. Kristina Schweikert finished her record breaking career with selection to the First Team, only the second Dragons player to achieve the honor and the first in 14 years. Freshman Cyla Hawkins and junior April Nietrzeba also earned Honorable Mention All-American status after their record shattering seasons. |
| Four Dragons earn NAIA Scholar Athlete |
| The 13th-ranked Dragons landed four players on the NAIA Scholar Athlete team. Seniors Kristina Schweikert (Management) and Tracy Shannon (Forensic Psychology) ended their Dragons careers with their second selection, while juniors Tracy Lehman (Management) and Stephanie Orr (Forensic Psychology) also qualified for the first time. |
2006 Archive
Dragons season ends with day two split
Dragons split on first day of national tourney
The 13th-ranked Dragons went 1-1 on Day One of the NAIA National Tournament, falling to 2nd-ranked Cal-Baptist 9-2 but bouncing back to beat 14th-ranked Science and Arts (OK) 4-3. Krista Sowers took the loss in the opener, as the Dragons played a close game with Cal-Baptist until allowing five runs in the fifth inning. Cyla Hawkins had two hits for TU. In the nightcap, April Nietrzeba got the win, as Kristina Schweikert had two hits for two RBI. Alicia Preston and Hawkins also had RBI. TU now takes on Lee University and Cornerstone on May 20.
Dragons prepare for National Tournament
The 20-team field is set for the 2006 NAIA Softball National Championship in Decatur, Alabama. View the pool play schedule for Friday and Saturday. A double elimination bracket begins after pool play. (more)
Walk-off grand slam sends Dragons to NAIA National Tournament
The 13th-ranked Dragons (55-9) trailed 4-3 in the seventh inning against Rio Grande before Tracy Lehman's double tied the score at 4-4. After Rio Grande loaded the bases, Lauren Williams ripped a walk-off grand slam to send the Dragons to an 8-4 victory and their first trip to the NAIA National Tournament since 1993. The Dragons won four consecutive games Saturday, overcoming inclement weather and fatigue to win the Region IX Championship. Krista Sowers earned the win, as she and April Nietrzeba both won two games on Saturday. TU now joins 19 other teams at the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Alabama starting May 19.Dragons end Ohio Dominican's season, head to Region Finals
The 13th-ranked Dragons (53-9) avenged an earlier loss to Ohio Dominican, beating the Panthers 7-1 to advance for the fourth straight season to the Region IX Championship game. TU will now face Rio Grande and must beat the Redmen twice to advance to the NAIA National Tournament.Dragons oust Shawnee State, advance to semifinals
The 13th-ranked Dragons knocked Shawnee State out of the Region IX tourney with a solid 7-2 victory. The win sends the Dragons to a rematch with Ohio Dominican in the semifinals, as the Panthers were beaten in the winner's bracket by Rio Grande 11-0. The winner of the TU-ODU game will take on Rio Grande in the Championship game.Dragons bounce back with second win against Geneva
The 13th-ranked Dragons bounced back after a tough extra innings loss to Ohio Dominican by dispatching Geneva in five innings 11-2. The victory sends the Dragons to a 2 p.m. matchup against the winner of the Shawnee State/Notre Dame game on May 12. Notre Dame was defeated by Rio Grande 8-4 earlier in the day.Dragons fall in extra innings thriller 2-1
The 13th-ranked Dragons took on nationally-ranked Ohio Dominican in a battle of powerhouses in the second round of the Region IX tourney, with the Panthers clipping the Dragons in 11 innings 2-1 to advance to the semifinals. TU took a 1-0 lead in the 9th inning, but the Panthers came back in the bottom of the 9th to tie the score before winning in the 11th. TU now takes on Geneva later today (weather permitting) in a rematch of their first round game.Schweikert named CoSIDA First Team All-Academic
Tiffin's Kristina Schweikert was named First Team All-Academic by CoSIDA, automatically qualifying her for Academic All-American consideration. Schweikert, a senior from Rochester, NY, posted a 3.77 GPA in Management.
Dragons pound Geneva in Region IX opener 18-0
The Dragons turned up the offense in the opening rounds of the Region IX Tournament, beating Geneva 18-0 in five innings. April Nietrzeba fired a three-hitter with six strikeouts, but it was the hitters that shined most. Lauren Williams drilled a grand slam with three hits, Tracy Lehman had three hits with two doubles and four RBI, Cyla Hawkins had two hits and four RBI, and Stephanie Orr added two hits and three RBI. Melissa Bowie had three hits and Alicia Preston also had two hits. TU now takes on Ohio Dominican at 12 p.m. May 11 at Notre Dame.
Schweikert, Campbell earn top honors in Region IX, AMC
Dragons beat St. Vincent, advance to Region IX tourney
Tiffin's softball squad streaked past St. Vincent in the AMC Qualifying round, sending them to the Region IX Tournament at Notre Dame College starting May 10. TU won the opening game 11-3, with Stephanie Orr getting three hits for 3 RBI, while Alicia Preston had two hits and 2 RBI. April Nietrzeba improved to 26-4 with the win, while Cyla Hawkins and Tracy Lehman also had two hits. In game two, Krista Sowers dominated from the mound, firing another one-hitter and fanning 13 batters to improve to 19-4. Hawkins and Lehman added two hits while Lauren Williams also had a double. TU is now 49-8.
Orr takes AMC Player of the Week honors
Tiffin outfielder Stephanie Orr (Columbus, OH) and Geneva pitcher Ashley Archer (Sanger, CA) have been selected the AMC softball Players of the Week. Orr, a 5-foot-10 junior, batted .750 in four games for NAIA No. 14 Tiffin. She was 9-for-12 at the plate with two doubles, a triple, and a home run. Orr posted a 1.333 slugging percentage, scored seven runs, and drove in seven runs.
Dragons secure share of AMC North Championship
Tiffin's regular season doubleheader finale against Point Park has been awarded to the Dragons as forfeit victories. The Dragons finish the regular season with a 47-8 record, 13-1 in the AMC North. Tiffin and Notre Dame finished tied for first in the AMC North, giving the Dragons a share of the regular season championship, the third straight AMC North title the Dragons have won. TU now plays at home May 4 at 3 p.m. against St. Vincent in the AMC Qualifying Round in a best-of-three-games series. The winner will advance to the Region IX Tournament on May 10.