Student Assistant Sports Information Director Will Rottler was able to catch up with lone Cougar softball senior Kelli Hamilton to talk to about the UMAC Softball championship, which the Cougars open today (May 4) against Northwestern at 10:30 a.m.

What a wild season for the Cougars. Starting with a rough start in Florida, Morris was able to record a 17-7 record once the calendar turned to April. This momentum will play a key factor when they hit the road to Duluth, Minn. today for the UMAC Tournament.

Whether the weather will play a factor: The prediction has a high of 57 on Friday and high of 55 with a 30% of rain, so you be the judge.

I'll have seconds: The Cougar softball team finished the regular season locking up the number two seed in the conference tournament for the second time in a row last weekend. The Cougars finished the regular season with a 17-17 overall record and a14-7 record in conference play.

The low down: There are four teams left to win the title. Morris, Northwestern, Northland, and St. Scholastica.

For the record: Morris 14-7, Northwestern 13-8, Northland 11-10, St. Scholastica 20-1.

Against the field: 2-1 Northwestern, 3-0 Northland, 0-3 St. Scholastica.

Freshmen phenom:  Molly Olson (Fr., Lakeville, Minn.) is currently riding a 25 game hit streak, leading the UMAC in batting average (.551), hits (38), doubles (15), total bases (64). Second in slugging percentage (.928), on-base percentage (.597).

Pitching equals success: All four teams in the tournament have an ERA of 4.70 or less.

Taking care of business on the road: The Cougars are 9-1 in away games, which is beneficial, playing away from Cougar Field in Duluth.

Getting the lead early: Morris is 12-1 if they have the lead after four innings, compared to 2-15 if they are trailing. The Cougars will need to get the offense going early if they want to be able to bring the title home.

Playing smart: Morris is 5-1 when they have committed 0 errors on the day.

Essig getting the job done: Mariah Essig (Fr., Aurora, Minn.) is 10-2 in conference play and has only allowed 37 runs in 11 starts.

Senior Thoughts: Kelli Hamilton (Sr., Delano, MN) discussed topics from previous years to running bases?

On this season and her career: “One of our goals this year was to reach the UMAC tournament. In my career we have made the tourney in each of the past four years. This shows that the program is improving and that recruits are coming to Morris and making an impact. It is easier to recruit when we are winning.”

Earning back to back second seeds in the UMAC Tournament: “It is very good, since we were picked third in the preseason poll and we ended up with the second seed, everyone played well last weekend. We are all able to show up and play when we needed to. It gives us a better chance in the tourney when we have a higher seed.”

Preview against Northwestern: “We have seen them enough to pitch to them, we know that it is hard to beat the same team three times. We also know what to expect from their pitchers as well. Northwestern is a team a lot like us and we need to be able to produce the runs to be able to win.”

Possible match-up against St. Scholastica: “We are going to have to field cleanly, also be able to move players in the field to where they need to be. With a righty batter we do not need to be on the right field line, we also will have to be able to produce runs. We cannot be intimidated against them, we are always a lot more fired up against them.”

What it would be like to win the UMAC: “It would feel so good, we obviously need help from other teams in the tournament. This would be the highlight of my collegiate career. It would be a good goal for the girls next year to achieve.”

Advice I been giving the team over the year: “A lot of telling people to relax at the plate. Base hits count, try to get a base hit. People will be more successful. Trying to motivate them to take care of themselves, going the extra mile.  A lot of injuries could have been prevented. Academically, we were able to get required library time. The first job you have is to be a student, being organized will help you be more relaxed. It's a lot more fun, to be playing for fun and also not to get too hung up on wins or loses.”

What I will miss most: “The friends I have made at softball, some of my best friends came from the softball team. A lot of these girls have seen me at my worst or my best. I also will miss running the base paths, it's one of my favorite things to do.”

Playing with all the underclassmen: “They have come a long way, not only from fall ball, but spring break even more. Everyone is playing more like a team. I was kind of nervous about the team going into the year, but it is nice to see how far they have come. I hope they can stay healthy and play all their four years. They are really fun to play with.”

Advice for the team for the next season and the rest of their careers: “Even though you might not think it's worth it with all stress, I would not trade all of this for anything. Take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you.  You also should go the extra mile to better yourself.