MARSHALL, Texas - East Texas Baptist University recognized the 2010 NCAA Division III National Softball Champions during a celebration banquet held on Saturday evening, September 25, 2010, in the Heritage Room of the Mamye Jarrett Library.

"The University is so proud of you winning all four games to claim the national championship,” said ETBU President Dr. Dub Oliver as he addressed the team and those in attendance at the banquet. "We trailed in three of the four games played. There is a lesson in that. It is a lesson I know you have learned but also taught us; always keep fighting, always keep going after it until you finally win.”

The Tigers won the national championship this past May, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, by beating Linfield College, 5-4. In the four games played at the national tournament, 15 of ETBU’s 23 runs were scored in the fifth, sixth, or seventh innings.

"These girls never gave up. They fought till the end and it was not easy,” said head coach Janae Shirley, a former Tiger softball player herself. "We play in a very difficult conference and regional tournament. I know their focus from the beginning was they wanted to be a team and play like team. They wanted to play so they could glorify God.”

The Tiger players were presented their national championship rings by head coach Janae Shirley. Dr. Oliver presented the coaches, Janae Shirley, Bill Galloway, Guy Shirley, and Dani Miller, with their championship rings.

Members of the 2010 NCAA Division III National Champions are Ashton Brey, Kristina Cordova, Alyssa Edwards, Meghan Fisher, Hayden Furlow, Erin Garcia, Stacy Havner, Porsha Harrison, Ayrika Henderson, Brooke Martin, Laurynn McCurry, Adrienne Meier, Kaleigh Mushinski, Lya Swaner, Rebecca Young, Shelbee Young, and Alicia Wright.

The national champions were also recognized during halftime of the ETBU-McMurry football game played in Ornelas Stadium.

-Courtesy Mike Midkiff, East Texas Baptist University