Bethune-Cookman Women Win Third Straight MEAC Softball Title

Bethune-Cookman College’s (BCC) softball team won its third straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship after edging Florida A&M University (FAMU), 2-1, in the title game on May 12 in Ormond Beach, Fla.

The Lady Wildcats have won eight total MEAC titles; they won five straight conference championships from 2000 to 2004 before winning three straight titles from 2010-12.

BCC pulled off the victory by overcoming a slow start. FAMU scored the first run of the game in the first inning as senior infielder Tera Gainer hit a single to left field, setting up teammate Jasmin Donaldson, a senior outfielder, for the score.

But BCC came back strong in the second inning as senior infielder Cesley Tafoya hit a single down left field, allowing both senior catcher/utility infielder Sabrina Ferguson and freshman infielder/outfielder Shamaria Engram to score.

Both teams wouldn’t surrender another score the remainder of the game, giving BCC the win and title.

BCC’s sophomore pitcher/infielder Shanel Tolbert was named the Outstanding Performer of the MEAC Tournament after pitching a complete game, including five strikeouts, two walks and only one earned run.

FAMU junior pitcher Jennifer Lindsey struck out two batters, allowing four walks in the loss.

BCC coach Chris Cochran earned his third Outstanding Coach of the Tournament honor.