This summer, we'll be recapping the 2024-25 athletic season at Emmanuel. First up, Softball, a team that finished strong under first year head coach, Kenneth Bellamy with a conference tournament run, reaching the semifinals.

BY THE NUMBERS 

• The Lions finished the season with a 23-29 record, 12-12 in conference play, making a late run in the Conference Carolinas Championships earning a trip to the semifinals. 
• Jaryn Gibson led the Lions with a .389 batting average with 8 home runs, a triple and 13 doubles.
• Ellee Varner led the Lions in hits (65) and runs scored (39). 
• Gabby Buffington led the team with 15 doubles on the year. 
• In the circle, Cassidy Jenkins led the way with 67 strikeouts and a save on the year. 

We caught up with Coach Bellamy on his first year with the program and why he believes the future looks bright for the Lady Lions. 

1.What were a few highlights from your season? 
 
Carly Forrester's perfect game and the run we put together in the conference tournament to finish 3^rdoverall! 
 
2.What was your favorite memory of the season? 

Besides the two above, I would have to say just how this team came together. With a new staff and half of the team being new players to the program, this team came together and bonded through all the practices, meetings, games, etc. 
 
3.Was there a point in the season where things "clicked" for you as a team? 
I think it "clicked" twice for us. One is when conference play started, we went on a roll starting off 7-1. Then, things clicked again when the tournament started the girls did not want the season to end. 

4.What are you looking forward to in year two?
 
Continuing to build on what we did this year.  We are excited to have a huge 2025 class.  A lot of talent will be coming in and our returners will be a big asset as well.
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.