MARSHALL, Texas — It's been a dream season for the East Texas Baptist University softball team and that magic is still continuing. They've been hosting the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament, which they were able to play their way into this season.
It also plays great into their strengths as a team. They're undefeated at home this season, 24-0. They're 52-2 over the last two seasons at home. Now, with their passionate fans backing them on their home field, they've been perfect in the games that matter the most.
Now, they find themselves in the national championship series against Belhaven, only two wins away from a championship.
"We've done really well in every aspect of the game, not just hitting or pitching," Head coach Janae Shirley said. "We've been above average in every category, and that's been helpful when one area has been struggling."
In 11 postseason games so far this year, ETBU has scored 86 runs, averaging almost eight per game, with 101 hits in those games. The pitching has been sensational as well, only giving up 12 earned runs in 11 total games. With a lethal and balanced combination, they've cruised through on their way to the final series of the season.
It's also played as an advantage hosting all the way through. The Tiger faithful have showed up in a loud and proud way to the ballpark throughout the postseason, bringing the energy that the team craves. For their game last Friday night, the listed attendance was 1,100 people.
"Honestly, it was unreal looking in the stands and seeing people starting the wave going around the stadium," senior pitcher Maddie Melton said. "It was awesome because I've been to OKC for the World Series multiple times, and that same atmosphere was here in Marshall Friday night."
The Tigers also rely on their East Texas roots in part of their success. Coach Shirley is an ETBU alumni who has both played and coached for the program, leading them to a national championship in 2010.
Maddie Melton is a Hallsville alumni and senior pitcher who has flexed her dominance in the postseason, boasting a 0.00 ERA in 11 innings pitched. She's also 2-0 with four strikeouts this postseason as she surely will be one of the starters in the series.
Mary Frances Ellis is another impact player, calling Elysian Fields home. She was named the Most Outstanding Player from the Super Regionals and leads the team with a .476 average through 11 games with 10 stolen bases.
As important as all these players are on the field, they're also serving a big purpose off the field too. They recognize that they were once on the other side of the netting, as a little girl in the stands watching who they are now. Whether it be as a high school athlete or a young girl just learning the game of softball, they're grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model for so many in the region.
"My favorite part is seeing them in their little jerseys behind home plate. They're saying their own cheers and not even listening to our dugout, "said Ellis. "It kind of just makes me take a step back and remember how it felt to play the game at that age. It makes me realize when I'm out there, it's so much bigger than a win or a loss. It goes back to why I chose to play this sport in the first place, and it was because I love it."
ETBU will take on Belhaven in the National Championship series beginning on Tuesday at 11 AM in Marshall. Game Two and Three (if necessary) will take place on Wednesday.