Baseball, softball hit their marks

Ram fans had plenty to cheer about on the softball and baseball diamonds, where Cornell was the league’s only institution to qualify both teams for the 2015 Midwest Conference Tournaments.

Coach Shanda Ness’ softball squad (30-8) shattered the program record for wins and established 12 other team marks on its way to a runner-up finish in the South Division. The Rams enjoyed a midseason ride during which they won 19 of 21 games, including their first-ever sweep over rival Coe College.

Cornell landed six players on the All-MWC Teams, highlighted by four first-teamers. Sophomores Kendra Christensen and Jesse Applehans earned all-region status for the Rams, who have now registered five consecutive 20-win seasons.

While softball provided many regular-season fireworks, the baseball program grabbed the postseason spotlight with its deepest run ever in the MWC Tournament. Coach Seth Wing’s team swept Monmouth College on the final day of divisional play to qualify, and then reeled off three elimination-game victories in a 24-hour span. The Rams (19-22) bowed out in the championship to Ripon College, one win short of their first NCAA berth.

Cornell, runner-up in the division, finished 9-0 at newly-renovated Ash Park Field. The Rams had five players honored on the All-MWC South Division First Team, headlined by all-time hits leader Beriah Quick ’15.