Lund Succeeds at the Plate with 10 Hits during Willamette's First Four Games

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University first-year softball player Mia Lund (OF, Omaha, NE/Westside HS) has started the season with tremendous success as the plate. In Willamette's first four games, she has gone 10 for 15 at the plate for a .667 batting average, including 8 for 9 (.889) in two games versus Pacific University this past weekend.

"We are very excited to have Mia be a part of our program this year," Willamette Head Softball Coach Paige Hall said. "She has a lot of potential to lead this conference in multiple categories."

Lund is tied for the team led with four runs scored and ranks first for the Bearcats with four RBIs. She has pounded out one double and is 3 for 3 on stolen bases. She has walked once and has been hit by one pitch. Her slugging percentage is .733 and she owns an impressive .706 on-base percentage.

"Mia brings an aggressive mentality that has really shown in these first four games," Hall noted. "We are hoping this continues and she has a great first-year season as a Bearcat."

In the first game at Pacific on Saturday, March 6, Lund went 5 for 5 on offense, with a double, one run, and an RBI. In the second game, she was 3 of 4 with a run and 3 RBIs.

Lund attended Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where she was named Second Team All-State and was chosen for the All-Metro Coaches' Team. She was selected as Westside's Most Valuable Player. Lund earned Academic All-State honors three times.

"I chose Willamette because once I stepped foot on campus and was around the softball team, I immediately felt at home and (it was) like I had found another family," Lund said. "Being so far from home, it was important to me to be as comfortable as possible right away. I love that the team and coaching staff are so welcoming, friendly, and fun, but we are all there to work and compete."

The coaching staff has been pleased with Lund's skills and her development at the college level.

"Mia being just a first-year player brings a bright future for Bearcat Softball. I am excited for the potential of this team," Hall said.

"The adjustment to college softball hasn't been too hard for me because I played for a rigorous club and high school softball team," Lund explained. "Because I put in a lot of work prior to coming to Willamette, it has made the transition much easier. Being a first-year though, it is nerve-racking to not know anyone and be thrown in with other girls who have been in the program and have made a name for themselves. The hardest transition has been academically because the course-load asks for a lot of time and dedication in order to stay afloat. Balancing softball and school has been challenging, but I have a great support system in my teammates and coaches."

Lund has made a commitment to the Bearcats and puts the team first as she thinks and prepares for softball games. So far, she's experienced great individual success at the plate, but she's even more concerned with everyone on the team succeeding.

"I think one of my greatest strengths as a softball player is the team-first aspect," Lund said. "Of course, I work hard to see my dreams come true, but I want the team to do well before anything. Even if I am not having a great day on the field, if my teammates are doing well, I will lift them up because there is more to the game than just myself. I also believe in all of my teammates unconditionally and want nothing but success for them."

She's proud of the progress she's made at Willamette, and she looks forward to continuing to improve and find ways to contribute to the team. Lund is one of four players who have started all four games.

"I am just very grateful to be playing softball during this crazy time. I worked very hard to be college-ready before coming onto the team and I am ecstatic to see it paying off," Lund commented. "Starting as a first-year was definitely one of my goals coming in, and achieving that and doing so well on top of it is more than I could ask for. I am very excited to see how I can grow and learn from here."

The Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday, March 13 when they will host Lewis & Clark College in a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PST).