General 5/15/2019 10:06:00 AM

Lady Jags End Season on High Note, Spark Back-Back-Back 30 Win Seasons

Smith and Ogg Earn First Team All-Region 24 Honors

MATTOON, IL - In what seemed to be a devastating defeat in the opening round of Region 24 play, the Lady Jaguars rallied back against MWAC Champions Lincoln Land in a 4-0 win, eventually losing to #2 Heartland in a beautifully played 1-0 game.

Game One: Danville Area Community College 4 // Lincoln Land 0

Hannah Ogg started the game in the circle going 7 strong innings allowing zero runs on three hits. She struck out three and walked three. The Jaguars took an early 1-0 in the first inning on a Hailee Gifford squeeze attempt, plating Danielle Brewer. Later, the Jaguars scored in multiples as they drove in two more in the third inning to take a comfortable 3-0 lead. After walking the bases loaded after a Tonya Faulkner bunt attempt, the Lady Jaguars scored off Hannah Hopkins (catchers interference) call to plate in another run.

The Jaguars scored again in the fifth inning after Taylor Gunn was able to reach on a error, bringing up Danielle Brewer who singled in Gunn to extend the lead 4-0. Brewer was the only Jaguar who collected multiple hits in the contest. Adding to the offense was Kelly Smith and Hannah Hopkins each with one hit a piece.

Game Two: Danville Area Community College 0 // Heartland 1

In what was a pitchers duel from the beginning, the Hawks came out on top in a beautifully played softball game. With both teams pitcher's throwing gems it was a game where the offense was limited and executed on perfect timing.

The lone run in the contest was scored in the top of the seventh inning on a triple by Jasmine McCormick. She was able to score on a Heartland Sacrifice Fly giving Heartland a 1-0 lead heading into the home half of the seventh.

With the Jaguars behind, it was tough to overcome and rally back. Kamryn Latimore gave everyone in the stands something to scream for as she produced a loud and final out. With the count 0-2, Latimore laced a ball in which looked to be gone, but held up right at the fence for the final out of the contest.
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While the season has come to an end, Coach Cervantes is extremely proud of his group and the amount of effort they brought to each and every game. "I could not be more proud of them, they have been resilient all year, working their tails off each and every practice, game, etc... It is always tough to see a season end, but when you have a group of girls like we had this year, it makes every moment worth cherishing and celebrating"

Again, for the third year in a row, the DACC Softball program was able to reach 30 wins, compiling a record of 30-16 to finish out the year. Coach Cervantes added, "To see where this program started just five years ago to where we are at now is incredible. We are competing in the toughest junior college conference and region in the nation and to be winning thirty games each year goes to show how hard the girls work and where they want this program to strive to be."

Earning All Region 24 Honors: Kelly Smith and Hannah Ogg

Kelly Smith batted a strong .476 average, slugged 8 home runs, lead the team and region in RBI's

with 58, added 15 doubles and 2 triples during her freshman campaign. Coach Cervantes exclaimed, "Kelly has always been a tremendous player. My wife and I had the pleasure of working with her at a young age and always knew she was going to be a special player. She was the catalyst in our lineup and managed to get a hit in every game of the year besides 7, which is outstanding and a notion to how consistent she was for our lineup."

Hannah Ogg returned to her dominance in the Region as she compiled a 16-8

record, striking out 150 batters giving up only 52 walks. She was #4 in the nation in ERA weighing in at 1.14. Coach Cervantes added, "Ogg was a dominating factor again for us this year, her numbers mimicked her hard work and it goes to show as she became the most winning-est pitcher in DACC Softball history. Along with claiming the strikeout record and lowest ERA. I am so happy and proud of her and Kelly."

The Jaguars concluded the season with a 30-16 record marking another successful year for the program. "I just want to thank our families, fans, supporters, competitors, players and coaches for making this year possible and bringing another strong year in the DACC Softball legacy. THANK YOU!" - Coach Cervantes

You can catch the Lady Jaguars next fall as they will begin another year and look to aim towards a Region 24 titles and another appearance to the National Tournament. Coverage will begin in August, for more information follow DACC Softball on Facebook and @daccwsb on Instagram and Twitter!

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Players Mentioned

#26 Danielle Brewer: OF; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#19 Tonya Faulkner: INF/ UT; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#22 Hailee Gifford: INF/ UT; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#13 Taylor Gunn: INF/ UT; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#9 Hannah Hopkins: INF; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#4 Kamryn Latimore: C/ Utility; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#17 Hannah Ogg: P/ UT; 5' 10"; Junior

#20 Kelly Smith: INF/ UT; 5' 10"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#26 Danielle Brewer
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: OF

#19 Tonya Faulkner
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT

#22 Hailee Gifford
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT

#13 Taylor Gunn
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT

#9 Hannah Hopkins
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: INF

#4 Kamryn Latimore
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: C/ Utility

#17 Hannah Ogg
: 5' 10"; Junior
: P/ UT

#20 Kelly Smith
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT