James Madison University Softball Player Lauren Bernett Dies A cause of death has not been revealed By NBC Sports Staff Published April 26, 2022 Updated Terry Lee Pendleton. We will have those discussions, JMU athletic director Jeff Bourne said. JMU softball receives warm welcome home from Team members signed autographs, posed for photos and soaked in all the adulation. That was something Gasso knew prior to the events of recent weeks, but in the aftermath of Bernetts suicide, she asked OU psychologist Dolores Christensen to meet with the team. Classifieds from the paper, direct every weekday to your inbox. Although JMU freshman right-handed pitcher Kylah Berry gave up two runs in the top of the first, senior first baseman Hannah Shifflett put the Dukes on the board swinging on the first pitch, homering to center field. I think its just finding joy in the small, little things, OSU ace Kelly Maxwell said. I dont call them an underdog, but everyone else does. James Madison fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander is 16-1 this season, including 4-1 in the NCAA tournament. If you are trying to host tournaments, then you have to look at the potential to add not just to your permanent facility, but then you have to think about what additional rental bleachers and things would need to look like.. HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The following statement has been issued from the James Madison Softball coaching staff regarding the untimely death of catcher and sophomore Lauren Bernett: Finding the words to describe what our team is going through right now feels nearly impossible. 2 UCLA, 9:30 p.m. Mark Berman covers Virginia Tech mens basketball and many other teams at the university. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. After suffering a torn hamstring on March 12, Alexander did not play again until April 17. Nothing is guaranteed for anyone, Newton said. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Shes been following the Dukes for five years now. You have permission to edit this article. "I love JMU. The James Madison softball team is the first Virginia team to make the Women's College World Series in 13 years. Thats why Gasso wanted to do that webinar Wednesday evening. Last season, Bernett and her teammates shined when they made national headlines with the Dukes unexpected, first-ever run to the Womens College World Series national semifinals. They require an intervention. Following Bernetts death, five games were canceled, including a doubleheader at Longwood University and a weekend series with Delaware, according to the statement. Ive been shaken, thinking, What if I was the coach on the other side? There was a problem saving your notification. Many members of our team found comfort in knowing Lauren would always be there for them on a tough day. What could I do for that coach? Will the three-time Colonial Athletic Association coach of the year be courted by a school from a major conference, as Dean was? How JMU catcher Lauren Bernett's death rocked college Webhaleoc@jmu.edu: Pete Johnson Equipment Manager Memorial 1148 (395 South High St.) / MSC 6925 540-568-5507 540-568-5507: johnsopg@jmu.edu: Matthew Mitcheroney: The Dukes were 13-6 in 2020 before the shutdown. Its kind of like the game sometimes. It's about showing everybody we belong.. Despite being a varsity program for fewer than 20 years, JMU Softball left no doubt that its one of the best in the nation. CNNs David Close contributed to this report. The Dukes became the first team in the CAA to participate in the WCWS. Go to practice. Fifth-year senior ace Odicci Alexander, who earned third-team All-America honors in 2018 and 2019, has gone 4-1 with one save in this year's NCAA tournament. LaPortes current JMU contract runs through the 2023 season. It was something our team and us as a staff had never experienced, but we had to go with it, LaPorte recalled. When I pick at you about your love life or your family or school or whatever it is, thats not me trying to be in your business more than you want me. JMU and Georgia are the only unseeded teams in this year's Women's College World Series field. The James Madison Dukes softball team represents James Madison University in NCAA Division I college softball. The Dukes were the lead item in the New York Timesmorning newsletter on June 4. We have to hope everyone in athletics is. "Everybody that plays this sport, when they start rec ball, that's what you dream of when you play softball, getting to Oklahoma City. But as Newton points out, thats an approach every player should take even in ordinary circumstances. Whats hard this year is that were only playing 34 games. JMU We cant overstate how appreciative we are as you have reached out to us and continued to honor Lauren and her memory. JMU 'in awe' after advancing to Women's College World Series. OU second baseman Tiare Jennings goes for long drives with her windows down and her music up. She led the Sooners in an activity where they split into small groups and shared how they were feeling. "Our team doesn't get to do that a whole lot," LaPorte said. Alexander was named to this seasons USA Softball Top 50 Watch List and Softball Americas Top 100. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Are they getting help?, Theres just a lot of questions that I have., Carlson:At a time college softball has more parity than ever, it also has a favorite as clear as crystal. I hope it inspires more people to come to the university.". First was Stanford soccer goalie Katie Meyer on March 1. High 56F. We realize the value of having the JMU brand and what it means throughout the entire country.. Virginias Joanna Hardin, who is 81-144 after five years with the Cavaliers, is paid a base salary of $96,542. "We walk in the hotel, there's Women's College World Series banners everywhere. The James Madison softball team arrived in Oklahoma City on Monday, one day after winning an NCAA super regional series at Missouri to earn its first Women's College World Series berth. JMU (39-2) had fallen short in its first two appearances in the super regionals in 2016, when Megan Good and Bath County graduate Jailyn Ford were the team's stars, and in 2019. Make Yahoo Your Homepage. My phones never off, he said. A redshirt junior, Jubas started all 19 of the Dukes games at shortstop in 2020, batting .439 with five home runs, 14 RBI, and seven doubles. But a lawsuit filed last week by 24 members of the womens softball team and three coaches alleges that it was well-known on campus that the message was about them. "NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships", "JMU Softball beats Tennessee 3-1; Advances to Regional Final", "JMU Downs Liberty To Win Knoxville Regional", "OKC BOUND! "For my son and my daughter to be able to grow up with their cousins and their grandparents, it means everything. JMU Beats Mizzou to Reach First Women's College World Series", "James Madison shocks No. Rebecca Muh, Grace Newell, Brittany Hook and Avery Pinder will join the Dukes on the field in the 2023 season. James Madison's Odicci Alexander helps carry Dukes to Discovery Company. After punching their ticket to the Women's College World Series (WCWS) for the first time, the James Madison Dukes advanced to the WCWS semifinals after beating #1 Oklahoma 43 in eight innings[6] and #5 Oklahoma State 21[7] in the first and second rounds of the tournament.