AMBER ROL By 1vlichael DeSaluo I Rachel Youny The Lady Bison's softball team placed fifth in the Great American Conference (GAC) tournament this spring. During the winning tournament game against Southern Arkansas University, pitcher and 2015 alumna Amber Rollins threw her third career shutout. Rollins was the first Lady Bison to be named to the first-team All-Great American Conference (All-GAC), ranking fourth in the conference with 124 strikeouts. Head softball coach Philip Berry said he held his senior players to a higher standard as they were responsible for setting a strong example for their teammates. "Amber had an opportunity to set the standards for the softball team along with other senior players," Berry said. "She gave us two years of excellence and led us in wins both years. She gave us an opportunity to win ... and kept us alive in the tournament." Originally a Searcy native, Rollins joined the Lady Bison's softball team for her junior and senior years after transferring from the University of the Ozarks. Rollins began playing softball when she was a toddler and said she grew up in an athletic family. "I started playing softball when I was 4 and started pitching when I was 8," Rollins said. "I played softball, basketball and soccer growing up, but I just really enjoyed softball more than all the rest. Plus, both of my parents and older sister played fast-pitch softball, so it kind of runs in the family." Senior outfielder Carolyn Clayton said Rollins' achievements inspired her not only as a softball player but also as an individual. Clayton said Rollins was an incredible example of hard work, dedication and positivity. "The two years I got to play with Amber were a privilege and a lot of fun," Clayton said. "Amber is not only a former teammate, but one of my closest friends and someone who wants the very best for the people she cared about. She worked hard for what she wanted and did everything she could to make it happen." Rollins said she greatly appreciated her time in the Harding softball program and enjoyed having a Christian team that felt like family. Rollins graduated from Harding with various athletic accomplishments, but she credited all of her success to God. "Being named All-GAC was such a great honor, and it was nice to just see how hard work pays off," Rollins said. "God truly blessed me with an incredible talent, and I worked hard to use it for him. So to receive this kind of recognition really just brings him more glory, which is all I could ask for." Senior infidder Kinsey Beck bunts the ball uguinst Henderson State un April 11. 2015. Beck pluyed 55 games with 51 slurts. i Photo by Grant Schol Senior pitcher Amher Rollins pitches to a Ilencierson State batter 011 April 11, 201.5. Rollins became the first Ludy Bison lo be named to first-team All-GAC. I Photo by Grnnt Schol SO FT B ,\ L L 2 2 7
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