The University of Mary Washington softball team bounced back from a tough start to win 20 games in 2011, and finish in second place in the Capital Athletic Conference standings. The Eagles, who lost three pitchers early in the season due to injury, used a stretch of winning six of seven games in early April to as the offense came alive as three novice hurlers helped UMW to another successful campaign.

The Eagles’ first taste of success came at the Methodist University Tournament, topping Wilson College and North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Eagles then kicked off its spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. with an impressive 1-0 win over 10th ranked Ohio Northern University. UMW also topped Cabrini College twice on the trip.

Returning home after break, the Eagles won five of six, sweeping doubleheaders from Mary Baldwin College and Wesley College, and splitting with Bridgewater. UMW swept twin bills from Hood College, Frostburg State University, and Stevenson University before splitting with York College to give the Eagles a 9-3 conference record and the second seed in the CAC Tournament.

The Eagles opened postseason play in grand fashion, topping Hood, 10-2, in five innings in the first round of the league tournament. After falling to Frostburg in the second round, UMW eliminated Stevenson from the event before bowing in the semifinal round. UMW closed the season with a doubleheader split with Catholic University, which raised the team’s win total to 20 for the fifth time in the past six years.

The Eagles were led offensively by junior first baseman Morgan Lamon, who started every game and batted .325 with six doubles, two home runs, and 25 RBI. She was subsequently named to the All-CAC team. Freshman Bireet Chitty also started all 42 games, batting .315 and scoring 20 runs.

Catcher Kerry Busby hit .308 on the year with a team-high three homers, and starting outfielders Brandee Adams (.301) and Amanda Adams (.292) also provided pop in the lineup. Danielle Cunetta emerged as one of the Eagles’ top pitchers, winning five games, in addition to hitting .302.

Freshman Julianne Sweat went 3-3 with a team-best 2.25 ERA in 16 appearances, walking eight and striking out 15. Junior Nicole Black led the team in wins with nine in posting a 3.93 ERA with 41 walks and 84 strikeouts.