Versatility and Improvement The Cardinal softball team finished the 19 8 7 season with a record of 11 wins and 9 losses - a great improvement over last year. The team's performance placed them fifth in theOAC. By overcoming personality conflicts that stunted teamplaying efforts last year and by working together as a team, the women proved that mixing talent with hard work pays off. Senior Rhonda Scharf, shortstop, was named to the first-team All-OAC, which is an honor voted on by .all the conference coaches. Her teammates also voted to name her the most inspirational player. Other individual honors went to seniors Kandi Kennedy (outfielder) and Jeannine Ruh (second baseman). Both received honorable mention for the Academic All-OAC.
Sophomore pitcher Julie Denton was voted the most improved player, while freshman Cindy Renner was voted the most valuable player by their teammates. The team had eight returning players and five freshmen starters. Comprised of wellrounded athletes that could play any position on the field with skill, the team proved that versatility goes hand-inhand with a successful season. According to Kennedy, the team's improvement this year may be a sign of things to come. She predicted that Otterbein' s softball team could easily become a powerhouse in future OAC seasons. D Jennifer Nichols
.A. Sophomore Lisa Ferryman takes a cut.
._ Sophomore Shelly Neel snags a grounder to aid the Lady Cardinal defensive effort.
128 / Athletics