Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin (This content was originally published in our newsletter)

Record – 51-10, 20-1 CAA

Top performer – Megan Good. The redshirt senior did it all in 2019, which was expected. She’s one of the best players in all of college softball and was a National Player of the Year candidate throughout the season. She smashed 16 home runs to go with 58 RBIs and a 1.62 ERA across 190 innings in the circle. Kate Gordon and Odicci Alexander deserve honorable mentions for great seasons.

Best moment – Beating Michigan twice in one day to win the Ann Arbor Regional. The Dukes needed a pair of victories to advance, and they got them in front of a national audience. Megan Good pitched all 14 innings and allowed just one run across the two victories.

Worst moment – While JMU had its fair share of disappointing losses, I’ll say the NCAA Tournament Selection Show. The Dukes were in the conversation for a seed, but ultimately didn’t earn one. That cost JMU a chance at hosting a Regional and playing NCAA Tournament games in Harrisonburg.

Season summary – It was another solid season in Harrisonburg. The program continued to stamp its place as a mid-major power deserving of a place in the national conversation. JMU is still without a WCWS berth since the program began in 2002, but the Dukes are getting closer to national relevancy each season. Ending the year in a Super Regional was a positive step for the Dukes.