The James Madison University softball team said Monday that it was canceling the final games of its season after the death of catcher Lauren Bernett last month.
The team had four games remaining, all this week. It had canceled their previous five games after Bernett’s death April 25.
“This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly,” JMU Head Coach Loren LaPorte said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the support of our fans all season and for the love from the softball community during the past week. We will use this time to continue healing and to honor Lauren’s memory while finishing the academic semester strong.”
LaPorte added that the team was “thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion. We will make sure that they are honored for the commitment and dedication they have made as student-athletes at James Madison University.”
JMU finished the season 21-21, 10-5 in conference play.
The death of Bernett, 20, a dean’s list student, was announced the day after she was named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week.
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