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Duke Softball

Team One, A Season of Firsts

By Duke University

May 7^th, 2018

PHOTOS BY REAGAN LUNN/DUKE ATHLETICS; Taylor Jones; and Nat LeDonne

In a historic first season, the Duke softball team finished with a winning record in the ACC. As we wish them luck in the ACC Tournament, we look back a few of our favorite moments.

GO BLUE DEVILS!

Meet the Team

"Being a part of Team One is such a unique opportunity and I am thankful each day to be able to share it with my teammates. Having the ability to set our own standards and establish traditions for years to come has helped us grow as a Duke softball family. It all still seems so surreal, and I am just so grateful for all the support that has allowed us to come together and create something extraordinary."

-Amelia Wiercioch

Inaugural game

The team's first competition took place in the newly constructed Duke Softball Stadium against N.C. State on September 30, 2017.

Reilly Metzger is introduced during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Amelia Wiercioch is introduced during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Kortney Dry is introduced during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

“The atmosphere that was created from the 1,000-plus fans in our stands and grass areas was a unique experience. Not many people get to say they got to do something for the very first time in history, and we all can. Ultimately, I wouldn’t have wanted to share that experience with another group of girls. Every pitch thrown, every play made, every hit was the first of its kind on that field in a true game fashion."

-Ashley "Cash" Rodriguez

Katherine Huey pitches against NC State during the during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Teammates confer at the pitcher’s mound during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Hannah Pridemore takes the field during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Head Softball Coach Marissa Young gives opening remarks before the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

Duke University President Dr. Vincent Price throws the ceremonial first pitch during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

"It was an incredible feeling to walk out here today. From going to having no place to practice to this stadium and this crowd, it was just a great day."

-Marissa Young, Head Softball Coach

The team played their inaugural game on Saturday, September 30 at Duke Softball Stadium on Duke’s east campus.

Shadows of the team are seen against the wall of the newly constructed Duke Softball Stadium.

The team watches game action from the dugout.

Raine Wilson, left, congratulates Reilly Metzger, right, during the team’s inaugural game at the Duke Softball Stadium.

the season

The team kicked off its regular season competition with an inaugural away game win against Florida Atlantic University during FAU's "First Pitch" Classic in Boca Raton, Florida.

Head softball coach Marissa Young, center, huddles with the team during their first away game and season opener.

The team warms up during their first game of the season.

Raine Wilson is congratulated by her teammates.

Head softball coach Marissa Young is congratulated after the team’s first away game win against FAU.

"The first win was a great one and one we won't forget. It wasn't an easy one either. We had to hang in there and continue to battle."

-Marissa Young, Head Softball Coach

Brianna Butler pitches against Penn State.

Jameson Kavel slides into home plate against Penn State.

Jameson Kavel at bat against Penn State.

Jazmine Moreno shares a laugh with her teammates.

Rachel Abboud, left, Reilly Metzger, center, and Jameson Kavel, right, cheers against Kent State.

Members of the team embrace head softball coach Marissa Young.

The Blue Devils finished their regular season with a winning record in the ACC and are headed to the 2018 ACC softball tournament in Atlanta, Georgia on May 9th.

The softball team cheers on their teammates.

Produced by Duke Digital & Strategic Communications. Special thanks to Megan Mendenhall, Jonathan Lee, and Geoffrey Mock.

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