Finlandia

Softball News

Finlandia Softball has Successful Weekend - March 2, 2009

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University women's softball team held their annual dome tournament at the Superior Dome in Marquette, Mich. this past weekend. It turned into a successful weekend for the Lady Lions, going 4-2 for the weekend, which is the first time in the six year history of the dome tournament that Finlandia has won 4 games during the weekend.

Finlandia started off the weekend by winning their 2 games on Friday night. They started off with a 10-7 victory over the University of Minnesota-Morris. They were led by freshman Hannah Buechler (Stephenson, Mich.), who was 2 for 3 from the plate with 3-rbi's; and freshman Tiffany Coppens (Placentia, Calif.), who was 2 for 3 from the plate with 3-rbi's and pitched 7 innings striking out 6 and giving up 2 walks and 5 earned runs. Senior Jamie Bellinger (Coleman, Mich.) led the team in the field with 13 put outs.

Their second win came against Concordia University-Wisconsin in a battle of pitchers, final score 4-2. Leading the way on the mound was again Tiffany Coppens, pitching 7 innings striking out 6 and only giving up 1 earned run. Helping the Lions at the plate was senior Amy Bellinger (Coleman, Mich.) who was 2 for 3 with 1-rbi; and freshman Alisha Ellertson (River Falls, Wis.) was also 2 for 3 with 1-rbi and also recorded her first career home-run.

Finlandia came back on Saturday and started right where they left off on Friday, with a pair of 9-1 wins over Bethany Lutheran College. Tiffany Coppens was on the mound for the Lions in both games, pitching 5 innings in each game and only allowing 1 earned run in the 2 games and a total of 8 strike outs and no walks. She helped herself out at the plate as well going 5 for 6 with 5-rbi's and her first career home-run. Others contributing from the plate in these two games were Jamie Bellinger, who was 4 for 6 with 3-rbi's and scored 5 runs, freshman Danika Giguere (Winnepeg, Manitoba), who was 2 for 4 with 2 walks and 1-rbi, and freshman Dawn Engman (Dollar Bay, Mich.), who was 3 for 6 with 3-rbi's.

In the final game on Saturday for the Lions they ran into a very tough College of St. Scholastica team, losing 12-2. The Lions struggled from the plate, only able to come up with 4 hits, which came from 4 different players [Amy Bellinger, Jamie Bellinger, freshman Shannon Miller (Banks, Oregon), and freshman Andrea Graves (Munising, Mich.)].

On Sunday, the final game at the dome was between Finlandia and a strong team from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Finlandia struggled to get the bats going and ended up losing in 5 innings by a score of 15-0. Shannon Miller continued to hit the ball hard and came up with the Finlandia's only hit of the game.

Next for Finlandia is their spring trip to Florida and a doubleheader versus Skidmore College on March 8th.

Finlandia Softball Adds Three Recruits - August 7, 2008

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University women’s softball program is pleased to announce the addition of three outstanding athletes to this year’s program.

The new players who have committed to play for the Lions in the 2008-09 academic year are Nikole Metter (Rapid River, Mich.), Andrea Graves (Munising, Mich.), and Tena Vajcner (Ida, Mich.).

Nikole Metter, a 2008 graduate of Rapid River High School, played shortstop throughout her high school career. She earned numerous awards including team captain and selection for the MHSAA All-District softball team as a junior and senior.

“I’ve met with Nikole and her family several times and she is a very respectful, dedicated, and motivated young lady,” said Head Softball Coach Shawn Hendrickson. “Nikole has all those great intangibles that you need in a collegiate athlete and I can’t wait to get her out and on the field this year. With her outstanding work ethic and positive attitude she’ll be a great fit to the team.”

Andrea Graves, a 2008 graduate of Munising High School, was a four-sport athlete in high school, playing softball, basketball, volleyball, and golf. Graves will take the mound for the Lions and also spend some time in the shortstop position. In high school, she received 10 varsity letters and seven Most Valuable Player awards, was MHSAA Division II U.P. Golf Champion, and played on the District Championship volleyball team.

“Andrea is a true athlete, which is something that just can’t be taught,” said Coach Hendrickson. “Athletics are her life and through her years of hard work she has become an outstanding athlete. Andrea’s undeniable athletic ability and work ethic will most definitely shine for the Lion’s this year. I believe she’ll be an unstoppable force for us.”

Tena Vajcner, a 2008 graduate of Ida High School, rounds out the new softball trio. Vajcner plays third base and catcher.

“Tena has played softball her entire life and it shows in her knowledge, fundamentals, and respect for the game. She is a true leader and a very hard working, dedicated and motivated young woman. She knows the game of softball inside and out,” said Coach Hendrickson. “I look forward to the positive attitude and hard work that she’ll bring to our program.”

Finlandia Softball Team Award Winners - May 22, 2008

Most Valuable Player - Amy Bellinger

Most Improved Player - Jessica Jones

Lion Award - Jamie Bellinger

Academic - Megan Petros