Twin Sisters Lead SIU-E to NCAA
By: Kurt Pegler - WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: May 7, 2007
Twin sisters Emily and Libby Lenart have been playing softball together for as long as they can remember. And theyre not ready to think about their final softball hurrah.
"Its hard to think about not playing anymore," said Emily Lenart, a senior firstbaseman for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. "We still have a job to do. Our season isnt over. It probably wont hit until after the very last game."
After winning five games and the title at the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament last weekend at EastSide Centre, Southern Illinois Edwardsville earned the top seed for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. SIUE (41-8) will play Shepherd (31-17) in the opening round of the national tournament Thursday in Romeoville, Illinois.
The NCAA Tournament berth is extending the careers of the Lenart sisters, who were prep stars at Limestone High School. "Its neat to have her down there at first base," said Libby of her twin sister. "Were together on pick off plays and every past of the game, actually."
Libby is an all-conference catcher who enters the postseason with a .330 batting average. Emily is a second team all-conference selection entering the postseason hitting .325.
"Emily is an emotional leader for our team, shes upbeat" said head coach Sandy Montgomery. "Libby is a rock behind the player. Theyre both good ballplayers and Im going to miss them."
Emily and Libby have played softball since they were six years old. And theyve played on the same team every year except one summer squad. "A lot of our conversations consist of what we couldve done better. How we couldve helped each other. Stuff like that," said Libby.
Even though their collegiate careers will end sometime this month, the twins say theyll still find time to play softball with each other. "I cant imagine not having her as a teammate," said Emily.
Added Libby, "Theres womens fast pitch leagues in the summer. Were going to play together and Im looking forward to it. Well play until we cant play on the weekends any longer and have to go and get jobs!"
