Conner Schuh | Banner Sarah Murphy, sophomore undeclared major and outfielder, uses her powerful swing to earn a run for her team. Murphy has collected several honors.
The California Baptist University softball team stands with a 35-7 record as of April 11, and all players continue to work hard, although Sara Murphy, sophomore undeclared major, has stood out among the success.
Out of all the PacWest softball players, Murphy sits second for the most runs and stolen bases.
Bill Baber, head coach of the softball team, said Murphy is exciting to watch because when she is on the field she keeps up anticipation moving around quickly.
“Her speed is fantastic — she gets around the bases and when she gets on, she is usually going to second,” Baber said. “In a game March 28, against Hawaii-Hilo University, Murphy showcased her outfielder skills when she threw (runners) out and they didn’t try after that, because they know her arm and didn’t even try to get to second base.”
Baber said Murphy possesses a unique skill and is one of the team’s hardest workers.
“She cuts off balls where most centerfielders on most teams would be doubles, and she is holding people to singles, because she is getting to those balls,” Baber said. “She is an extremely hard worker and I think it rubs off on other people. Whether it be conditioning, or weight room, she prides herself in being in great shape and is a huge asset to the team.”
Murphy has earned many honors in the past, such as PacWest Co-Player of the Week, Academic All-American, a second Athlete of the Week in two years and holds the No. 11-ranked spot in the nation in the NCAA Division II.
“These last couple games I really have been able to trust my teammates and not have so much pressure on myself,” Murphy said. “As long as I stick with trusting them and just trusting the preparation that we put in, I expect good things.”
The Lancers sit at the No. 1 spot in the PacWest conference, after defeating Dixie State University April 8-11.
