There were many highlights this season, including wins over Emory & Henry and conference rival Ferrum.  A one-run loss to NC Wesleyan and a two-run loss to Roanoke College—both nationally recognized programs— signaled the fast progress of Greensboro softball. 

“We won the games we were supposed to,” said Head Coach Ben Guiliano. “We were also extremely competitive against the more established teams in the Region.”

The Pride batters ranked second in the conference, hitting .350, while three players made the top 10 in batting average: Emily Clodfelter at .435,  Karin Johnson with a .391 and Missy Fesperman at .385.  Johnson also ranked seventh in ERA and led the conference in strikeouts per innings pitched.  Fesperman, the lone GC player to be selected to the Dixie Conference team, was first in the DIAC in triples.

The MVP for the 2001 season is no stranger to athletic success. She was a key part of the GC basketball program, and won last year’s softball MVP. Johnson established her importance with raw power at the plate, and  a dominating fast ball on the mound.  Her abilities on the field are rivaled only by her desire to win.  Coach Guiliano said of Johnson: “Two years ago I made a commitment to build our program around this young lady—I could not have made a better choice.”

While The Pride loses a standout performer in Johnson, GC returns a strong nucleus of players that should continue to improve next year.