To the storied history of college sports in Indiana, add one more entry.
The University of Southern Indiana welcomed home its national champion softball team Wednesday.
Long-time supporter Barbara Marr fretted about the weather as she waited with several hundred others for the USI softball team to arrive at the rally.
“I’m just glad it’s not raining so they get to ride the fire truck. I want them to get to ride on the fire truck and I'll be shouting and waving my pom poms.”
Marr got her wish.
Thundershowers from the remnants of sub-tropical depression Alberto held off long enough for the team to arrive atop a Perry Township ladder truck.
Tournament MVP Jennifer Leonhardtpitched all but two innings of the team’s two-game sweep in the final round. The sophomore pitcher says the reality of the title hasn’t sunk in yet. “Not yet. Today made it feel a little bit more real, but it feels great to see all the people out here and the support from the community.”
With many key players returning, Leonhardt says the team is looking forward to another championship run in 2019.