Daughters Break Softball Win-Streak Record Set By Moms In 1997 At University Of Mobile

Mobile AL

12 May, 2022

11:44 PM

Description

Press release from the University of Mobile: May 12, 2022 MOBILE, Ala. – When the undefeated University of Mobile Rams softball team beat Talladega College 8-0 in the first game of a conference double-header in March, outfielders Katie Head and Carleigh Bowden weren't thinking about breaking records. But their mothers were. Lesley Head and Jennifer Bowden sat in the stands watching their daughters and teammates break a 28-win-streak all-time program record the moms had helped set as outfielders on the 1997 Rams softball team. Members of the 1997 team were also on hand to watch their 25-year record fall and cheer on the next generation of Rams softball standouts. It was a proud moment for the mothers who had passed on to their daughters a love of the game – and a love for their alma mater. "In 1997 when we set the win streak, I knew it would be very hard to break. Little did I know that my daughter would be a part of the team that would eventually tie, and then shatter, that record," said Jennifer. "It was a very emotional day for me when I watched Carleigh and her teammates walk off the field that day with a new record. It brought back so many awesome memories of my years as a Ram." Lesley said it was "an awesome feeling and honorable moment for my very own daughter, and my best friend's daughter who is like my own, to be on the team that broke the record. There's not many, if any at all, mothers and daughters who can actually tell and share this type of story, but the four of us can and that's something that can never be taken away." The 2022 team goes to the regional championship tournament Monday in Gulf Shores, Alabama as the No. 1 overall seed in the National Association of Intercollege Athletics (NAIA) world series – with an impressive 46-2 season and a new all-time program record of 34 consecutive wins. SSAC Coach of the Year Alison Sellers-Cook said the 2022 team has a special chemistry that brings them together to win – and to love, support and encourage one another. "They truly want each other to do well. I can't tell you how many times my starters have come and said 'put that kid in for me.' The thing about college athletics – the bond you make in that college experience is something that lasts a lifetime," Sellers-Cook said. Carleigh said following in her mother's footsteps hasn't always been easy – Jennifer's name is listed on the dugout "wall of awards" as All-Conference in 1997 and 1999. That's where Carleigh wants to see her name, as well. Both Carleigh and Katie were named to the 2022 SSAC Softball Second Team All-Conference, and Carleigh was named to the All-Freshman team. "Carleigh is a little fireball. She's just gritty. She makes things happen. She does what she's supposed to do and does it well," said Sellers-Cook. "Katie is an absolute goofball. She keeps us entertained and keeps everything light. This press release was produced by the University of Mobile. The views expressed here are the author's own.