Rochester College Athletics - News

[Softball] Lady Warriors Struggle Late

Jonathon Hevron — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:25:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH.- Rochester College dropped two at home today, March 24, to the Wolves of the University of Michigan- Dearborn. After a tough 12-1 loss in game one, the Lady Warriors and Coach Jane Zimmerman were forced to forgo game two due to injuries.

Erica Murray (Sterling Heights, MI) led the way for Rochester College, batting in 1 runner off of 1 for 3 at the plate. Vivian Monroy (La Puenta, CA) was 1 for 2 batting and had 1 run. Heather Reinke (Sterling Heights, MI/Henry Ford II) pitched all seven innings for the Lady Warriors, giving up 11 earned runs off of 18 hits.

Bridget Miller led the Wolves with 2 RBIs and 2 hits. Lindsay Clemens and Kelsey Bailey each added another 2 RBIs. Amelia Mittelbrun was 3 for 4 at the plate with 3 runs and 1 RBI. Mary Martin was almost unhittable on the mound, giving up 1 earned run on 2 hits. She had 7 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched.

U of M- Dearborn got off to a quick start, with Danielle Stabnau bringing in Danielle Keys to put the Wolves up 1-0 after the first. In the top of the second, Mittelbrun scored 1 of her 3 runs to extend the Wolves' lead to 2. After back-to-back scoreless innings, Rochester College started showing signs of life. Monroy doubled to deep right-center in the bottom of the fifth, and was brought in by a single from Murray. Just as the Lady Warriors brought the score to 2-1, first baseman Lynnsey Norat (Macomb, MI) suffered a hamstring injury, which would impair her the rest of the game. With no subs to relieve the injured Norat, the Wolves took advantage in the sixth and seventh innings. U of M- Dearborn scored 5 runs in each inning. Martin held Rochester College to only 2 hits the whole game, and struck out 7 batters.

With Norat noticeably bothered by injury, Coach Jane Zimmerman was forced to surrender game two. Rochester College drops to 1-17 on the season, and 0-4 at home. The Lady Warriors are scheduled to play Oakland Community College tomorrow, March 25. Game one of the double header is slated for 1 PM at OCC.

[Softball] Lady Warriors Drop Home Opener

Jonathon Hevron — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:40:00 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH.- The Lady Warriors dropped two games in their home debut yesterday, March 21, to Albion College. The Britons took the first game 6-0, and the second 8-4.

In game one, Paige Henley (Novi, MI) went seven innings, giving up 6 runs off of 8 hits. She struck out 3 batters and walked no one. She threw four scoreless innings before giving up 1 in the fifth, 1 in the sixth, and 4 in the seventh. It was Rochester College's bats that struggled in game one. Stefana Russo of Albion College gave up 7 hits with no runs. The Lady Warriors were unable to put runners in scoring position to bring home. At the top of the seventh, two errors cost Rochester College, allowing Albion to bring in 4 runs off of 4 hits.

Lynnsey Norat (Macomb, MI) led the Lady Warriors at the plate in game one, going 2 for 3. Kelsey Roloson (North Branch, MI/ North Branch), Chelsea Bartley (Holt, MI), Katelynn Barszczowski (Clinton Twp., MI/Lutheran North), and Heather Reinke (Sterling Heights, MI/Henry Ford II) each went 1 for 3.

Samantha Kolling stood out for the Britons, going 2 for 4 with 1 run, 3 RBIs, a double, and a homerun. Alyssa Castillo went 2 for 4 with 1 run.

Game two started off in Rochester College's favor. Erica Murray (Sterling Heights, MI) got the bats going for the Lady Warriors with a homerun over the left field fence. Rochester College scored two runs in the first to get out to an early lead. Albion College got rolling in the second inning though, bringing around three runs off of Heather Reinke on the mound. Albion College sealed the game with back-to-back homeruns to start the seventh, the first from Kolling and the second from Castillo. The Britons won the second game 8-4.

Murray went 2 for 4 with 1 run, 1 RBI, and a homerun. Bartley was 3 for 4 at the plate with an RBI and 2 doubles. Barszczowski also had an RBI.

Kolling continued her hitting streak from game one, going 2 for 4 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, a double, and a homerun. Castillo added two more RBIs and a homerun off of 3 for 4 at the plate. Russo pitched two complete games, giving up 15 hits total and 4 earned runs.

Rochester College drops to 1-13 on the season, and travels to Aquinas College today, March 22, for a double header. The Lady Warriors next home game will be against U of M- Dearborn on Saturday, March 24. The double header will be played at Rochester High School. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM.

[Softball] Warriors Drop Season Opener

Jonathon Hevron — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:15:00 -0600

Carterville, Illinois- The Warriors fell victim to John A. Logan College yesterday, March 5, in their season opener, losing both games of the double header, 10-0 and 13-1.

Emily Root (Waterford, MI./Kettering) hit a double in the first game for Rochester College's only hit of the game. Vivian Monroy (La Puenta, CA.) was awarded the loss, after allowing 7 hits, 6 walks, and striking out 2 batters. The Warriors only made 2 errors throughout the game. Erica Murray (Sterling Heights, MI.) and Katelyn Barszczowski (Clinton Twp., MI./Lutheran North) stood out on the defensive side with great play all game.

In the second game, Heather Reinke (Sterling Heights, MI/Henry Ford) took the loss after giving up 11 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Vivian Monroy came in as relief in the 4^th inning, and struck out 1 batter. Erica Murray had the Warriors only hit of the game.

Both games were run ruled after 4 ½ innings of play. The Warriors drop to 0-2 on the season. Rochester College plays again tomorrow, March 7, at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.

[Softball] Softball Hits the Road This Weekend

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:20:00 -0600

The snow is melting off the field, the birds are heading back home to the north, and that means one thing, Softball season is here.

The defending USCAA National Champion Rochester College Softball team is geared up with a new coach and some new faces for the 2012 season. Head Coach Jane Zimmerman is excited about her new journey after coaching at NCAA DI Oakland University and University of Detroit Mercy.

"This is a new situation for both the girls and I. They are getting used to me and I am getting used to them," said Coach Zimmerman. "My hopes are for us to work together and have a good season mentally, physically, and bring them together as a team."

Zimmerman's Lady Warriors are going to be tested early as they take on arguably the most challenging schedule in Rochester College softball history. The Lady Warriors open up on March 5th against John A. Logan College out of Illinois before heading to Nashville, TN to take on NAIA softball powerhouse Trevecca Nazarene University on March 7^th. "I am really looking forward to playing Trevecca. They have finished very well the last couple years. This will be a good test for us early spring before we head back to Michigan and play against the local teams," said Zimmerman.

The Lady Warrior's schedule includes several NAIA schools including Siena Heights University, Grace College, and Aquinas. The team will also match up against NCAA schools in Division II Grand Valley State and Division III Albion College and Huntingdon College.

Zimmerman believes that playing against more competitive universities will prepare her team for post-season play. "I hope this will be a positive experience for us. Grand Valley was picked to win the North Division in the GLIAC. Does this scare me, no. It should be good competition, but any team can take any game on any given day if they are prepared."

"If we focus in on the skills we have and have been working on all fall and winter, we should have a good showing."

When asked about her teams' potential of returning to Nationals, Zimmerman is very optimistic. "We have a chance to go back to the National Championship. They have to want it from within. This is not something I can bring upon them. I can help provide them the tools. So do we have a shot? Sure, everyone has a shot," she said with a laugh.

Working hard indoors this winter, Coach Zimmerman is excited about her team this season. "We are going to go into every game positive and we will stay focused and concentrate on the little things."

"I like a team where there are no individuals. Every player has a role, whether they are on the bench or on the field, everyone plays a part."

"Softball is a wonderful sport, if you stick to doing what you have to do, everything else will fall into place. I want to work hard, play hard, and hopefully with the two together, we will get some W's," Coach Zimmerman finished.

Stay tuned to rochesterwarriors.com for the latest softball updates, scores, and information.

[Softball] Lady Warriors Announce 2012 Softball Schedule

Jonathon Hevron — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:50:00 -0600

Rochester Hills, Mich.- The Lady Warriors have released their 2012 softball schedule. The 2011 defending USCAA champs open the season on March 3^rd at John A Logan College. Grand Valley State University, Albion College, and Adrian College highlight the season for Rochester College. They will play 8 home games and 40 road games.

[Softball] Zimmerman Hired as New Softball Coach

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:32:40 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI- On Friday, July 15^th, Rochester College Athletic Director Klint Pleasant announced the hiring of head women's softball coach Jane Zimmerman.

Zimmerman begins her first year as the Rochester College head softball coach after assisting Sunny Jones at the University of Detroit Mercy. "Jane is a very energetic and focused person," commented Coach Jones. "She is always positive and was a great person to work with. I am sure she is going to be a great asset to Rochester College."

Prior to coaching at U of D, Zimmerman was the interim head softball coach at Oakland University after she assumed an assistant role for two seasons.

Before coaching at the college level, Zimmerman served as a head coach in the Petoskey Softball Association for 10 years and was president of the league from 2004-08. She was also in charge of the BASES (Bay Area Substance Education Services) from 2006-08.

After graduating from Hillsdale High School where she earned varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, and softball in which she was honored as the Most Valuable Player in all three, Zimmerman accepted a scholarship to Northwood University in Midland, MI.

While at Northwood, Zimmerman played catcher and third base earning three varsity letters. She earned All-District honors in her junior season.

Athletic Director Klint Pleasant is very optimistic about Zimmerman. "Coach Zimmerman impressed me during the interview process," said Coach Pleasant.

"Most importantly, she expressed her appreciation for the fact that we are a faith-based school. Everyone I spoke with about her had very positive things to say, including personnel from both University of Detroit Mercy and Oakland University. Her previous experience at the collegiate level will be a real benefit to our softball players and program. In addition, she has the advantage of having been a successful collegiate softball player herself. I'm excited that she has joined our athletic staff and look forward to watching her lead our softball program."

Zimmerman resides in Waterford, MI with her husband Doug Zimmerman.

[Softball] Root Joins 2011 National Champs

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:49:53 -0600

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI - The Rochester College softball team welcomed their newest member on Wednesday, July 13th. Emily Root joins the Warriors as they take the field this fall with another national championship in mind.

Root, a Waterford-Kettering High School graduate, led her Captains to a 2011 District Championship. During her four year career on the varsity softball team, Root earned All-Conference and All District honors in 2009 and 2011. Root was her team's captain for her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons and was selected as her team's Most Valuable Player in her sophomore and senior seasons.

"While going through the recruiting process, Emily Root's name kept popping up. She came highly recommended by several coaches and I think she is going to have a fine career here at RC," said Assistant Athletic Director Brian Thrifft.

[Softball] Warriors Softball Finish Season #1 in Nation

Jordan Ackerman — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:50:31 -0600

The Rochester College womens softball team completed their 2011 season atop the USCAA by becoming the National Champions. The Warriors defeated St. Mary's of the Woods in game three of a three game series by a final score of 8-6.

The Warriors finished the 2011 season with a 16-24 overall record and defeated Penn College 9-1, Penn State Beaver 11-5, and Spalding College 11-5 before winning the USCAA National Championship series.

The 2011 Warriors entered the season with many new names on the roster and a new head coach in Steve Ogg. "This season was one of transition for me and the program as we looked to expand," said Coach Ogg. "We went through all the stages of change throughout the season. Everyone accepted their role and they did the best they could."

Coach Ogg's Warriors had several big wins throughout the season including a 7-6, 11 inning battle against Siena Heights University and a 4-3 victory over Spring Arbor University. The Warriors were led by freshman right fielder Tessa Tomlin (Lake Orion, MI/Lake Orion) who led the USCAA with her .507 batting average and had what proved to be the biggest hit of the Nationals when she doubled in three runs. "We were one pitch away from being knocked out of the tournament and Tessa stepped up and hit a run scoring double," said coach Ogg. Tomlin earned All-American honors for her efforts in her freshman season.

Defensively the Warriors relied on the arm of freshman Katy Peacock. Peacock was among the best in the USCAA with her 4.14 ERA. While on the mound, Peacock struck out 60 hitters in her 78 innings pitched.

Peacock's catcher, Briana Serrato (Banning, CA/Banning), was the driving force behind the Warriors' historic season and National Championship run. Serrato was sighted by many coaches as having the best arm of any catcher they competed against all season. Not only did Serrato earn All American honors, but she also earned the Most Valuable Player award at the USCAA National Championship. "Our super player this season was our catcher Briana. She was our catalyst," coach Ogg commented about Serrato.

Also earning All American honors for the Warriors, with a .327 batting average and a .860 fielding average was senior Katie Ogg (Waterford, MI/Oakland C.C.). "One of the major highlights of this season was coaching my daughter, Katie. It brought my family back to the game," coach Ogg said.

After a season of being ranked number one the entire year, coach Ogg could not have been happier when his team received their bid to the tournament. "It gave credibility to what we have been talking about all year as a team in transition," said Ogg.

The secret to Ogg's success was preparing his team for situations that could have cost them. "We stressed the small things like bunt defense and controlling runners on base, and it payed off for us."

After winning the first ever softball championship for Rochester College, coach Ogg expressed that it was like winning a Stanley Cup or a World Series. "I get goose bumps just talking about it," said Ogg as he explained how much he enjoyed watching his girls run out the field after the final out of the contest. "I was able to just sit back and take it all in. Seeing the girls so happy and seeing the proud looks on their parent's faces was very rewarding."

The Warriors' softball team will look to return to the USCAA Nationals when they return to action in late August.

[Softball] Warriors Softball National Champions!!

Jordan Ackerman — Sun, 08 May 2011 21:34:40 -0600

AKRON, OH- The Rochester College Softball team defeated St. Mary of the Woods in game three of a best of three series. The Warriors claimed the USCAA Championship title by a final score of 8-6. The National Title marks the first softball title in the history of the softball program.

Check back for video footage and a National Championship recap.

[Softball] Warriors Lose Defensive Battle in Extra Innings

Jordan Ackerman — Sat, 07 May 2011 19:48:37 -0600

AKRON, OH- The Rochester College Softball team dropped a 1-0 extra innings battle tonight against Spalding University. The Warriors will have a chance to avenge their loss when they play Spalding again tonight at 10:00 pm. The contest will decide who plays in the National Championship game.

[Softball] Warriors Rally in Sixth to Beat Penn State-Beaver

Jordan Ackerman — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:48:33 -0600

From theuscaa.com:

Akron, OH - Rochester made a late comeback scoring eight runs in the sixth inning to defeat Penn State Beaver 11-5, to advance to the National Semifinals. All-American Briana Serrato led the comeback for the Lady Warriors as she drove in both the tying and game winning runs with her two-out RBI double. For the game Serrato went 2-4 with three RBIs. Fellow All-American Tessa Tomlin chipped in going 4-4 and two runs scored. After Beaver took the lead 5-3 after the fifth inning, Paige Henley came out of the bullpen to pitch two innings of relief without surrendering a base runner for Rochester. Beaver's Myranda Raymond had three RBIs, giving her six for the tournament. Lindsey Scialdone scored a pair of runs and drove in another for the Lady Lions. Rochester will play the winner of the Penn State Mont Alto/Spalding University tonight at 5:30 pm, while Beaver will face Judson College, tonight at 4:00, in an elimination game.

[Softball] Heavy Storms Postpone Softball's 2nd Round

Jordan Ackerman — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:45:21 -0600

Due to heavy rains and storms, the Rochester College Women's Softball team will play round two of the USCAA Nationals tomorrow at 2pm. Watch live at:

http://www.theuscaa.com/2011_Softball_Championship/Tournament_Page.pdf

[Softball] USCAA Releases Softball Nationals Information

Jordan Ackerman — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:19:46 -0600

From theUSCAA.com

The USCAA is proud to announce that this year's event will be co-hosted by the Akron Racers (http://www.akronracers.org), a professional fast pitch team from the NPF, and Penn State University Beaver. The tournament will be held at Firestone Stadium, the home of the Akron Racers, in Akron, OH.

Every game will be broadcasted on the web athttp://theuscaa.com/2011_Softball_Championship/Livestream. There will be video, live stats, and a live broadcast from ESPN Radio Williamsport for all games played in Firestone Stadium. The link to the radio feed is located at:http://espnstreams.chilitech.fm/listenlive8800.asx

Participating in the 2011 USCAA National Softball Championships are: (#1) Rochester College (Rochester Hills, MI), (#2) Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods (Saint Mary of the Woods, IN), (#3) St Joseph's (Brooklyn, NY), (#4) Penn State Beaver (Monaca, PA), (#5) Spalding University (Louisville, KY), (#6) Penn State Mont Alto (Mont Alto, PA), (#7) Judson College (Judson, AL), and (#8) Penn College of Technology (Williamsport, PA).

This evening, Thursday, May 5th, 2011, the 2011 USCAA Softball All-American and All-Academic teams will be recognized at the USCAA Tournament banquet.

For more information on the 2011 USCAA National Softball Championships and USCAA All-American award recipients, visit the tournament website at:http://theuscaa.com/2011_Softball_Championship/Tournament_Page.pdf

Tournament updates will also be found on twitter atwww.twitter.com/uscaa.

[Softball] Softball Warriors Head to Nationals

Jordan Ackerman — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:39:27 -0600

The Rochester College women's softball team is going to the USCAA National tournament on May 6^th in Akron, Ohio, after the school received an official bid as the top ranked team in the country. According to the team motto, "Any time, any place, let's play ball," the team has the right mental approach heading into the National Tournament. With all the ups and downs of a team in transition, plus the rainiest spring on record, the invitation seemed like a perfect way to put everything into perspective.

Coach Ogg reflects on his first season at Rochester as the year of extremes. "The biggest downfall this year happened a week before our southern trip when one of our top freshmen, Chelsea Bartley, injured her knee requiring surgery. Most teams don't lose a player with her talent and not lose something. The best moment for me was coaching my daughter, Katie, her senior year of college."

The 2011 Warrior's softball team is led by three seniors: captain & 2B/OF/pitcher Katie Ogg, Pitcher/DH Melissa Lehman, and SS/2B/C Missy Roy. All three players experienced national competition at Oakland Community College, where they were all recruited by and played for Coach Ogg before coming to Rochester College.

Freshman Tessa Tomlin (Lake Orion, MI/Lake Orion) is leading the team and the country in hits with 38 while batting .529, which ranks her among the top in the country. Melissa Lehman (Clinton Twp., MI/Oakland CC) and freshman pitcher Katie Peacock (Lapeer, MI/Lapeer East) lead the teams with four wins apiece. Brianna Serrato (Banning, CA/Banning) is the starting catcher and has caught the eye of many teams as she has picked off 17 runners trying to steal and leading off throughout the year.

Freshman Courtney Dunlap (South Pasadena, CA/South Pasadena) plays first and designated hitter. She is hitting extremely well batting a near .400 clip while playing a strong first base. According to Coach Ogg, pitcher/1B Paige Henley (Novi, MI/Macomb CC) and pitcher/outfielder Vivian Monroy (La Puenta, CA/Los Altos) both add needed depth to the pitching staff and are talented enough to help out at other positions when not on the mound.

Depth in the outfield includes returners Erica Murray (Sterling Heights, MI/Stevenson), Chelsea Vileme (Allenton, MI/Armada), Lindsey Gray (Rochester, MI/Rochester) and Heather Reinke (Sterling Heights, MI/Ford II). Reinke hit her first home run last week and, along with Gray, also provides backup pitching when needed. Freshman outfielders Nicole Deck (Macomb, MI/Dakota) and Stefana Russo (Sterling Heights, MI/Stevenson) also bring speed and talent to the outfield with Russo learning to play backup shortstop as well.

Junior college transfer, Lynnsey Norat (Macomb, MI/Macomb CC) and freshman Katelyn Kain (Mussey, MI/Capac) cover the left side of the infield most the time with Norat also playing some at first base. Freshman Gracen Myers (Rochester Hills, MI/Lutheran Northwest) and Jeni Jamison (Gaines, MI/Linden) provide solid backup at catcher and second base.

Amy Henderson (St. Clair Shores, MI/Lake Shore), Abby Prather (Rochester Hills, MI/Stony Creek) and Jessica Donavon (Chesterfield, MI/Hazel Park) have continued to improve and can add depth to the team again next season.

"I think it is ironic that our last home games this year will be played at the OCC field where I had the privilege of coaching our three seniors," says coach Ogg. "All three started their college softball at OCC and will be able to play there when they end their final season of play."

Coach Ogg finished with very optimistic gets set to head to nationals. "Growing pains and bad weather aside, going to the nationals is a bonus for a young team in transition that just loves to compete, no matter what. "Any time, Any Place Lets play ball!"

[Softball] Softball Ranked #1 in USCAA Poll

Jordan Ackerman — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:01:02 -0600

(ROCHESTER HILLS, MI)- The Rochester College Women's softball team moved up to the number one spot in the USCAA poll this week. The Warriors entered the week with a 11-14 record against several tough opponents.

The Warriors are led by freshman right fielder Tessa Tomlin (Lake Orion, MI/Lake Orion) who is hitting a .529 clip. Tomlin has also knocked in 17 runs and scored 20 runs of her own while leading the nation with 37 hits in 23 games this season.

Doing the pitching duties for the Warriors is Katy Peacock. Currently ranked 18th in the nation with her 4.16 earned run average, Peacock has struck out 47 hitters in her 65.33 innings pitched.

The Warriors play at Albion College tomorrow at 4pm. The Warriors will conclude their 2011 home schedule on April 29th for senior day.