ASHLAND, Wis.--- With a win last Friday over Northwestern MN, the LumerberJills clinched a playoff spot in the UMAC Tournament which takes place this weekend (May 13-15) in Duluth, MN. This is the first time since the 2014 season the Jills have made the postseason tournament.

The Jills finished the regular season 17-17 and finished in 4th place in the UMAC conference standings. "When taking over the program 3 years ago I had set a few goals for myself and the team and making the conference tournament is one of them" commented head coach, Tiffany Hudack". "It has been 7 years since we have been in the conference tournament and I am very excited to see where we will end up. Its also a great accomplishment from the preseason poll of raking us at 8^th to be 4^th by the end of the season."

The Jills have 6 batters who are currently batting over .300 (Saylor Donnelly .405, Kaylee Harnack .388, Jenna Reyes .385, Markia Smith .344, Elizabeth Peters .343 and Natalie Erlier .307). 

The one/two punch of Sofia Garcia and Kayla Preisler on the mound has also played a huge part in the Jills success this season. Garcia, who is 10-9 on the year, finished the regular season with a 2.93 ERA and collected 131 strikeouts (most in the UMAC this season). 

Between strong hitting and timely pitching, the Jills believe they have the recipe for success. "Bringing in 10 recruits this past year has a big part of moving our program in the positive direction", commented head coach, Tiffany Hudack.  "I really feel this year's incoming classes has really pushed each other to our greater potential and us to the next level. The work ethic and driving for more and never settling is just amazing to see from this team" commented Hudack. 

The #4 Jills will play #5 UW-Superior this Thursday (May 12th) at 10am. "Our first game coming into the tournament is again UW-Superior that has some pretty good all-around players it will be a very good match-up throughout the tournament. Beside St. Scholastica, we have split with all the other teams also in the tournament. We should see some good ball games from all the teams".

For more information of the 2021 UMAC Softball Tournament: 2021 UMAC Softball Tournament

Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.