The Cornell softball team’s primary goal this season is to win the Ivy League and reclaim the title that has escaped it for the past two seasons. If the Red does finish the season atop the standings, it will likely be due largely in part to its starting junior shortstop, Lauren May. May has anchored the left side of the Red’s infield for the past two years and is looking to continue her past success in 2004. However, May has not set any individual goals for the upcoming season, as she has stayed solely focused on the team.
“This year, we are looking to win the Ivy League title,” said May. “We have come up short the last couple of years. I just want to contribute as much as I can to the team. I don’t look to get anywhere personally, I just try to help the team attain its goals.”
“Just contributing” is an understatement for what May has given to the program. In just her freshman campaign, May played in 53 games, compiling a .366 batting average with a league-high 16 home runs and 52 RBI. Both her home run and RBI totals are single-season school records, as is her .745 slugging percentage and 108 total bases for the season.
But, what was most impressive last year was her clutch hitting. May batted .384 with runners on base and .429 with runners in scoring position. For her efforts, May was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and was voted first-team All-League.
Last season, as a sophomore, May put together another terrific season, hitting .388 with 11 homers and 37 RBI, including 10 doubles. However, in both seasons the Red found itself out of the top spot in the Ivy League standings.
Senior teammate Kate Varde feels that May has the ability to lead the team to its ultimate goal.
“She is an extremely important member of the team,” said Varde. “She is an incredible athlete and an incredible softball player. She is one of the most talented players I have ever seen and she does it all really quietly. That is one of the most admirable things about her. It is amazing how modest she is.”
Despite her unbelievable statistics over the past two seasons, May feels her greatest contribution to the team does not show up in the box score.
“In practices and games, I work hard and try to push my teammates to do the same,” May said. “I bring a lot of enthusiasm for the sport and try to get everyone pumped for the games and practices.”
May is off to an amazing start this season as well. May has a .634 batting average with 4 home runs, 11 RBI, and 8 runs scored. She compiled those statistics in only five games and 14 at-bats. But, her primary goal remains team-oriented.
“My goal coming in to Cornell was to win the Ivy League title,” said May. “Right now, that is what we are looking to do. We have a great team and I think our chances of winning the title are looking really good.”
Archived article by Bryan Pepper