Herbert, Velasquez, and Johanningsmeier Honored on Senior Day

Elgin, Ill.    The Judson University Softball Team Enjoyed Senior Day with an exhibition doubleheader against Aurora University on Friday. The Eagles won both contests 9-3 and 11-0.

Judson hit three home runs on the day including Braly Wiser, along with seniors Sarah Herbert and Gigi Velaquez. Sophie Schomer pitched a complete game shutout in game two. 

In between games, Judson's three seniors were honored for their contributions to the program. 

Herbert has been a part of the Judson University Softball program since the spring of 2020. Herbert played an integral part of the 2020 team that started off their season 14-6 and received votes in the NAIA National Poll as she batted .314. In 2021, Herbert was among the team leaders in doubles with five and led the team with 18 RBI. In 2022, she matched her 18 RBI mark and batted .327 on the season. The 2022-23 campaign has been her career best with a .370 average and an impressive .420 on-base percentage. 

Sarah's favorite memory as an Eagle was defeating #1 Campbellsville University as a freshman and having an amazing spring break. She is most thankful for building lifelong friendships and the opportunity to continue playing the sport that she loves. The advice she wants to leave with the team is to make the most out of the time you have because it sure does go by quickly. 

Gigi Velazquez came to Judson following a two-year stint at Elgin Community College. The Hoffman Estates native has appeared in 57 games with Judson and has an impressive .307 batting average with seven doubles and nine RBI. In 2022, she had an eight-RBI campaign and four walks along with a stolen base. She has a total of 164 at-bats.

Her favorite memory as an Eagle was beating Calumet College last season. She is most thankful to Judson for allowing her to continue to play the sport she loves while also being close to home. The advice she wants to give her teammates is to play in the moment and enjoy it because you never know when your last game could be.

Autumn Johanningsmeier came to Judson in 2021 after transferring in from Kishwaukee Community College. The Waterman, Illinois native has appeared in 38 games for Judson, adding 21 total hits 16 RBI, and 13 walks. This season, she has a career-high .293 average and a .396 on-base percentage. 

Autumn is most thankful for meeting and playing with amazing people, and getting the opportunity to play again with some of the girls she has played since she was 10. Her advice to the rest of the program is to cherish every moment on the diamond and don't blink because these four years go faster than you think. 

The Judson Softball season has come to a close with this doubleheader. The team thanks these three seniors for their effort on and off the field to enhance the softball program.