GOSHEN, Ind. - With a split against Taylor on Saturday afternoon on Senior Day, Goshen locked in the seven seed in the Crossroads League Tournament, which will begin Tuesday at Taylor University. The Leafs won game one 5-4 on a walk-off hit from Tatem Adams and the Trojans won game two 5-2. Before the game, Goshen's six seniors were recognized - Kamille Badibanga, Carissa Fillingame, Kaylee Kates, Alyssa McDonald, Grace Schmitt and Shea VanScoter.

Game One
Goshen started off with a three-run first inning which included an RBI double from Shea VanScoter and an RBI single by Alyssa McDonald. VanScoter and McDonald have more combined hits, doubles, or triples than any pair of teammates in Goshen College softball program history.

The Trojans responded with three runs in the top of the second to tie it, but the score stayed 3-3 for a while. While Goshen totaled four hits in the first inning, they didn't get their fifth hit until there was one out in the bottom of the sixth. It was an important hit, though, as VanScoter's single scored Bianca Diamond, who walked and stole second earlier in the inning.

Taylor had an RBI single in the top of the seventh to immediately answer GC for the second time in the game. In the bottom of the seventh, Ella Mcleod led off the inning with a single. Brinleigh Arredondo reached on a fielder's choice and Kamille Badibanga later reached base on a walk. Tatem Adams came in to pinch hit for the Leafs, and she crushed a shot to right center on the first pitch she saw. It nearly left the yard for a homer, but regardless, still allowed the game-winning run to score.

Grace Schmitt threw six innings and allowed four earned runs. Shea VanScoter got the win, allowing no earned runs on one hit in one inning of work. At the plate, VanScoter was 2-3 with a double and a single, a run and two RBIs. Bianca Diamond scored twice and had a hit, a walk and a stolen base. The win meant that Goshen had won four of their last five against the Trojans.

Game Two
Taylor held the lead from the middle of the first onward in game two. Kamille Badibanga hit a home run to left center in the second inning and Shea VanScoter scored after Brineligh Arredondo reached on a fielder's choice in the third inning. Aside from Badibanga's home run, Goshen had just two other hits - singles from Shea VanScoter and Esme Pico.

Pico had the loss, allowing five earned runs in 6.1 innings. She is now 6-8 this season.

Goshen plays at Marian on Sunday, April 27, at 1:00 pm for the final two games of the regular season. Then, the Leafs will play at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29, as the #7 seed in the league tournament. They will face either Taylor or Mount Vernon Nazarene. With a win, the Leafs are guaranteed to play at least two more games. If they lose that game, the season comes to an end.

Read below to see what was said about the seniors during the senior day recognition:

The Goshen seniors being recognized today have demonstrated full lives of faith, unity, learning, and leadership during their time as Goshen College student-athletes. Their legacies are cemented into the history of Goshen College and they will forever be Maple Leafs.

First to be recognized is #28, Kamille Badibanga! Kamille is being escorted by her father, Felix, her brothers, Kahlil and Kalombay and her nephew Kai. She is a public health major and plans to return home after graduation and begin working with her local health department to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field. During this time, she will also be continuing her education with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Coach Wagner says, "Kamille is one of the hardest-working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. She is a tough-nosed, no-nonsense athlete that I can always count on to get things done!" Thank you, Kamille!

Next up is #82, Carissa Fillingame! Carissa is being escorted by her parents, Ron and Marie, her grandmother Carmelita, her aunt Mellissa and her cousin Jackie. She is a nursing major and plans to work at the Children's Hospital of Orange County in California. She aims to share God's grace and love through caring for her patients and their loved ones. Coach Wagner says, "When you think of servant leadership, you think of Carissa. She is one of the kindest, most thoughtful young ladies you will ever meet. She never backs away from a challenge, and has incredible time management skills as demonstrated by her both earning the starting shortstop role and being an honors student in the nursing department!" Thank you, Carissa!

Next, we have #19, Kaylee Kates! Kaylee is being escorted by her parents, Susan and Richard, and her sister and teammate Rachel. She is majoring in elementary education and special education with a minor in deaf studies. After college, she plans to teach in an elementary classroom in Indiana, South Carolina or back home in Arizona. Coach Wagner says, "Kiwi is a perfectionist, both in the classroom and on the field. She is intrinsically motivated to give her very best, regardless of difficulty, a trait that will make her an exceptional educator when she graduates tomorrow… I also wouldn't be surprised if Kiwi added softball coach to her resume in the very near future…". Thank you, Kaylee!

Next up is #29, Alyssa McDonald! Alyssa is being escorted by her parents, Rory and Karena, and her siblings, Dylan and Natalie. She is a broadcasting major with a minor in business, and after Goshen, she plans to return to Salt Lake City to start her broadcasting career. Alyssa is at the top of the program record book for both single-season triples and career triples. Coach Wagner says, "Alyssa is a machine. Nothing stops this kid. Her work ethic, determination and love for the game are unrivaled. She is the definition of selflessness and one of the best teammates I have ever coached." Thank you, Alyssa!

Next we have #16, Grace Schmitt! Grace is being escorted by her parents Christine and Kim and her sister Hannah. She is a psychology major with a minor in criminal and restorative justice. Her future plans are to attend grad school for behavioral health psychology. Coach Wagner says, "Grace has carried a heavy load for us the last three years in the circle, and despite multiple bumps and bruises,, she has never complained. Because of her can-do attitude, Grace has earned more and more responsibilities within the program, both on and off the field - she just keeps smiling and giving her very best." Thank you, Grace!

Last but not least is #2, Shea VanScoter! Shea is being escorted by her parents Lisa and Bill. She is an exercise science major and plans to move to Florida to attend grad school, where she will pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. Shea has more hits and more doubles than any player in Goshen softball program history, as well as the single-season record for doubles. Coach Wagner says, "I'm so stinkin' proud of Shea, and probably surprisingly, more for her growth and development off the field than on it. She has grown so much during her time here at Goshen and she has my unmitigated respect. Her legacy will not only be about her athletic accomplishments, but also for her off-field contributions as well." Thank you, Shea!

Fans, please help me give a round of applause to your 2025 softball seniors!