Last year, senior outfielder Courtney Herr thought Senior Day — the last home game of the season for graduating members of the Boston University softball team — was “no big deal.”
But before the start of yesterday’s doubleheader against Towson University, Herr had a weird feeling itching at her during pregame warm-ups. She finally realized this was the last time she would be playing in front of the hometown fans.
“It’s really sad,” Herr said. “It’s always been somebody else leaving. Now, it’s our turn.”
Yes, it is time for the five seniors — Kenya Palmer, Robyn King, Leslie Linnemeyer and the Herr twins, Courtney and Kerry — to pass the torch on to their fellow teammates. Every senior will leave a lasting impression of themselves they hope will continue to shine long after they step off the playing field: Palmer’s enthusiasm, King’s confidence, Linnemeyer’s silent leadership and the Herrs’ determination.
But they still have unfinished business to take care of.
The seniors have already accomplished one of the goals they set out for at the beginning of the season in remaining undefeated at home. But for someone like Linnemeyer, who has seen her team come within one run of winning the conference championship last season and, ultimately, an automatic birth into the NCAA tournament, there is only one thing left on the minds of the seniors: take home the America East trophy.
“If there was ever a team ready that deserves it more,” Linnemeyer said. “This is it. This is the year.”
And who can blame her for being so confident? The seniors have developed a lasting bond between themselves and their teams over the past four years. This has allowed them to count on every member of the squad, from a rookie freshman to an experienced senior, to step up when needed most.
“They refuse to lose,” said BU coach Amy Hayes. “Where other players may lie down and quit when it gets tough on the field because they know it’s their last year, these players play every game like it’s their last.”
Before they know it, the season will wind to a close. All the friendships created, all the games won, all the goals attained will become mere memories as these players move on to pursue other goals in their lives. No matter what happens this season, one thing is for sure. These seniors leave their former teammates with something they probably will never find anywhere else: a confidence to compete with the best teams not only in their own conference but with the best teams in the country.
“This program is still continuing to build,” King said. “But we showed this year we can compete with teams in the West, with teams in the South. As long as the team shows heart, they’ll go far.”
But that’s all for next year. The seniors hope this is the year they will not be denied.
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