Aurora University Slates Softball Fan Day April 24

AURORA, Ill.—Aurora University will hold Softball Fan and Senior Day on Thursday, April 24, at Stuart Sports Complex at Jericho and Barnes roads in Aurora.

Graduating seniors will be recognized in a ceremony between games of a 3 p.m. doubleheader against the University of Chicago.

The public is invited. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served by the AU Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Seniors to be recognized are infielders Julie Beenes, Palos Park; Dana Cebular, Brookfield; and Jamie Mueller, Hanover Park.

Other local players are Abby Peters, Aurora; Abby Young, Stephanie Horist, Sarah Tjaden and Karisa Hansen, Elgin; Kylie Albright, Mary Pat Cummings, Gabby Smith and Ashley Barichello, Joliet; Bethany Okrie, Lisle; Becki Hayducak, Minooka; and Beverly Feeney, Morris.

AU’s Office of Alumni Relations is coordinating the celebration. Barbara Calvert, director of alumni relations, said, “We invite AU alumni, students, employees, and the local community to join us in paying tribute to our graduating softball student-athletes and their teammates.”

Spartan softball Coach Mike McKenzie said, “The 2008 Aurora University softball team looks to continue its top rank in the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) and obtain an NCAA Tournament berth.”

The Spartans have seven returning starters and a crop of talented young freshmen. The 2007 Spartans finished the season 35-8 with only one loss in the NAC competition.

“Last year’s success gives a great deal of momentum to this year’s team,” McKenzie said. “AU is returning its core players from a team that finished with one of the top records in school history.”

For reservations or information, call (630) 844-5486.

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