Southeastern softball ended conference play as the regular-season champion for the first time, ahead of the Southland Conference and will host part of the SLC tournament in North Oaks once again.
The Lady Lions finished with a 44-12 overall record and a 24-3 record in the Southland, before the conference tournament, making it one of the most dominant seasons in team history and nationwide.
During the season, SLU shut out 21 games in conference series against East Texas A&M, HCU, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, McNeese, Lamar, and UIW.
Along with these shutout wins, SLU has become a top national competitor with its record-breaking 25 straight wins.
Southeastern won the title of regular season champions through consistent teamwork and the very talented pitching room for the Lady Lions played a key part, as they posted a 1.68 ERA throughout the regular season.
On senior day, senior pitcher Cera Blanchard spoke about how the team works well together with their different talents and skills.
“I think we’re all just so different and we bring so many different things to the table, which we use as an advantage to help us win,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard has not allowed a run in conference play this year and said she pins her pitching success on her defense.
“I just trust our defense will always help get the job done because they are amazing at making plays behind my back,” Blanchard said.
Head coach Rick Fremin expressed gratitude for the team he had the pleasure of coaching and said this team is one of a kind.
“This is the best chemistry group that I have had the pleasure of coaching in 25 years, seeing the way they work,” said Fremin.
He spoke about how well the chemistry among the pitchers, defense, offense and coaching staff all works during gameplay and off the field as well.
“They execute the game plan to near perfection. They know who they are and they celebrate one another’s accomplishments, which is what makes them special,” said Fremin.
Fremin later on gave all the credit to his team for putting in the work and to his faith for helping them trust in themselves.
He said, “From a spiritual standpoint, the Lord is just loving on this team and just allowing us to do something we have never done before. This is a special ride we have been on and we are all just slowing down and enjoying it.”
This historic season for SLU will continue through the upcoming conference tournament and through regionals.
The Lady Lions will host a bracket for the SLC championship tournament and face Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Thursday, April 30, at 4 p.m. in North Oak Park.
Fans can watch live on ESPN+ or hear live on 90.9 The Lion.
