Published: May 1, 2008

With her team four games below the .500 mark, Fordham University third baseman Jocelyn Dearborn, FCRH ’11, found the strength to put up monster numbers in a week where she helped the women’s softball team go 6-2 and won the Atlantic 10 Softball Co-Rookie of the Week in the process.

With just two weeks remaining in the season, the red hot Rams (25-21) rose to the challenge during a crucial period in the season. They have won eight of their last 11 but will play their final ten contests on the road against teams such as Temple University (doubleheader on April 27) and La Salle University (the final double header of the season on May 4).

Dearborn’s .407 batting average, two home runs and eight RBIs during those eight games have helped her collect her third Rookie of the Week award. She joins pitcher Beckah Wiggins, FCRH ’11, who is 10-8 and also has three Rookie of the Week Awards to her credit.

“When we were at the East Carolina tournament, Jocelyn was hit in the temple with a pitch and was bleeding,” said Stephanie Mott, FCRH ’08. “She had to go to the hospital and get stitches, but she ended up playing the next day.  I think this shows how tough she is.”

“Sometimes it takes one hitter to pump up the entire team,” said head coach Bridget Orchard. “She helps us rally.”

Although just a freshman, Dearborn has been the Rams’ most productive hitter, leading the team with seven home runs and 40 RBIs.

Dearborn has already tied Fordham’s record for home runs by a freshman with seven. With over a dozen games remaining, odds are Dearborn’s name will likely stand alone at the top of the record book sometime soon.

“My personal season has gone better than I could have ever imagined,” Dearborn said. “I wish I could be a little more consistent with my at-bats, but that is something I’m working on.”

From the dugout, Dearborn is constantly being rooted for by her teammates. It is impossible to go to a Fordham softball game and not leave without knowing everyone who bats, since their names are cheered for time and time again.

“My teammates have been very supportive of me and have really helped me adjust to Division 1 softball,” Dearborn said.

Although not the most dominating team in the league, Fordham has been turning it around as of late and may possibly make the playoffs.  The future of the team also looks bright, as both the hot-hitting Dearborn and skilled pitcher Wiggins are only freshmen. Dearborn does have a competitive edge, but she also plays to have fun—a quality that makes her relaxed and, quite possibly, even more dangerous.

“I feel blessed to be in the position that I am right now,” Dearborn said. “I am surrounded by great athletes, and we play hard and have a good time, too.”