April is a great example of a Hornet softball player and really most student-athletes that have chosen Division II - good on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Thanks for helping get the word out.

Yeah April!! We love you girl! You're the bomb.com and our team couldn't survive without ya!

This comment is for the Arizona, Tennessee game 2. How can the umpires let the Arizona pitcher have tape on her pitching index finger and why were they letting her push off to the side of the pitching rubber? Rule is no foreign substance on the pitching hand & the pitcher must stay within the pitching rubber.

Regarding the pitcher's feet, I think the umpire would have called it had he or she seen it. If you want more details, I can provide information from the rules book as well as how the umpires are instructed to make - or not make - the call.

As for the tape, Arizona's pitcher had extreme blisters, and neutral tape is allowed, even on the fingers.

Link to the online rules book.

Link to the umpire manual.

After reading this blog it makes me wish I went on with softball after finishing 16 and under. She is a true softball player at heart. I don't know too many people (esp. females) nowadays that have the dedication she has for this sport and still be able to maintain a excellent GPA. I really did enjoy playing softball but I don't think it was my passion. With young females like her sticking with something like this and maintaining a good head on her shoulders she will always be a good role model for other young girls.
With her father passing away while she was at such a young age, that shows a lot of courage. She was able to stay strong and go on with her life. I know that had to be so hard, I couldn't even imagine. That once again shows what a good person she is and also shows how she was raised. I’m sure she will go on and get a good education and continue to be an outstanding softball player.