The softball team ended its 2015 season at the NCAA Division II Central Regional Tournament for the eighth time in 11 years. The team had a 36-21 record overall and 17-10 in the MIAA.
Senior infielder Tiffany Gillaspy was a standout for the Griffons this season. She was named a third-team All-American at second base by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and received an honorable mention on the Daktronics/Division II CCA All-America Softball Team. It makes three All-American honors in Gillaspy’s career; she was named third-team Daktronics All-American in 2014.
She was also named first-team Daktronics All-Central Region for the second time in her career, and first-team All-MIAA, MIAA Hitter of the Week, National Player of the Week and a top-25 finalist for the National Player of the Year award. Gillaspy was also softball’s Athlete of the Year.
The baseball team finished its season with an impressive 29-21 record, 22-14 in the MIAA. The team, coached by Buzz Verduzco, will have to fill the void of nine seniors for the 2016 season.
Shortstop Cody Childs was named first-team Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District and earned All-MIAA honors. This season, the senior from Troutdale, Oregon hit .331 with 17 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 42 RBIs. Childs played in 48 games this season, 47 of them starts, and had a 3.82 GPA at the time of his nomination.
Senior outfielder Ryan Degner was named second team All-Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. The Hillsboro, Oregon native batted .361 with 16 doubles, 12 home runs and 43 RBIs this season and was named Griffon baseball’s student athlete of the year.