Florida Southwestern Softball Celebrates Third Straight National Championship
It’s a hat-trick for the Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) softball team, as they secured their third consecutive NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) DI Softball Championship title with a 5-2 win over Iowa Western Community College.
The team was dominant throughout the championship tournament, with victories over Wallace State Community College and Temple College, before delivering a standout performance in the final to secure their place in the record books. The win cements FSW’s position as a powerhouse in junior college softball, and they’ve become only the second program in NJCAA history to win three straight DI softball national championships.
A Challenging Season
The team may have secured another victory, but there was nothing easy about this year’s championship run. The COVID-19 pandemic meant a tumultuous 2021 season, with constant uncertainty surrounding schedules and the potential for cancellations. FSW was not immune to the chaos, with several key games postponed or canceled due to outbreaks.
However, they refused to let adversity define their season, and the team continued to work hard in practice, remaining committed to their goal of a third straight championship. And with the tournament back on the schedule, the team was ready to make their mark once again as the team that everyone knows to beat in NJCAA softball.
Big Game Performance
FSW’s performance in the final was a testament to their resilience and focus, as they delivered clutch hitting and airtight defense against a fierce Iowa Western team. FSW was the first to get on the board with a solo home run from shortstop Addison Simpson in the top of the 1st inning before extending their lead with two runs in the 3rd inning.
Iowa Western clawed back with two runs in the 5th inning, but FSW was resilient and unfazed, adding additional runs to their lead in the 7th inning. Pitcher Dallas Rowley rose to the occasion, delivering a complete game performance with six strikeouts and only one walk in seven innings pitched.
The victory in the final was a collective effort, with contributions from the entire lineup, as well as key defensive plays to snuff out Iowa Western’s rallies. In the end, the team’s preparation, hard work, and commitment paid off, with another championship trophy for FSW’s trophy case.
Coach Epstein Leads the Way
Of course, FSW’s success is not just down to the players. Head coach Robert Iamurri Epstein has led the team for eight seasons, and he’s responsible for building the program into the dominant force that it is today. Epstein praised the team’s resilience and dedication to maintaining their high standard of play throughout the challenging season.
“The team would not be here today without the players’ effort, relentless attitude, and positive approach,” Epstein said in an interview with NJCAA.org. “They have shown what it means to be a team and how to overcome adversity in tough times. It has been an absolute pleasure to coach these young adults to a third straight national championship.”
Epstein has created a culture of excellence at FSW, with a focus on developing players’ skills both on and off the field. He’s built a program that demands discipline, hard work, and excellence, and he’s helped countless players achieve their dream of playing college softball at a higher level.
Looking to the Future
Although FSW will graduate several key players from this year’s championship team, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for the Bucs softball program. Epstein has built a foundation of success, and FSW has a deep and talented roster of players who are ready to step up and continue the program’s legacy of excellence.
The team will undoubtedly face new challenges in the coming seasons, but with Epstein at the helm and a talented group of players, their fans can look forward to more exciting softball to come.
Conclusion
FSW’s third straight championship is a testament to the team’s resilience, hard work, and dedication. It’s also a testament to Epstein’s leadership and the program that he’s built over the past eight seasons. The Bucs have become a dominant force in NJCAA softball, and they’ve demonstrated that they can rise to the challenge and deliver when it counts.
As the team celebrates its historic achievement, they’ll undoubtedly look forward to the future with confidence and enthusiasm. Florida Southwestern State College softball has firmly established itself as a program that demands excellence, and they’re not done yet. Congratulations to the Bucs on their third straight national championship.