TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – An objective, a goal, a set of standards that a team identifies and then applies themselves towards to reach an end result. The Samford University softball team did just that during the 2016 season even though final score was a 2-0 defeat to Texas State on Saturday, May 21, at Rhoads Stadium in an elimination game at the Tuscaloosa Regional.

The memories that the Bulldogs (40-20) made this season were filled with more positives than almost anyone would have anticipated after Head Coach Mandy Burford took over the program just a mere five seasons ago. The six seniors of her first signing class bought in wholeheartedly that great things for the program could be achieved through the laying of a solid foundation.

"I'm incredibly proud of our bunch for setting all of the goals that we reached and for setting expectations by coming here and taking a game, or two or by winning it all." Burford stated. "Even though we came out a little short on the stick, I couldn't be more proud of my kids for the way they played."

Samford claimed the Southern Conference regular season title then followed up with a SoCon Tournament Championship and trip to the NCAA DI Softball Championships. All things that have never been achieved in the program's history. Also, not to forget the fact that the team produced 40 wins which is the most ever by a Samford softball team in a season.

The senior class set this foundation, along with current and past members alike, and now leave it for the future Bulldogs to build upon in the coming seasons. They are the most decorated class in Samford softball history, leaving their mark as the winningest class along with having their names stamped all over the Samford record books.

"It wasn't me. We have a great group of leaders that set out to do something extra ordinary." Burford said. "They were extraordinary in the things that they set out to accomplish this year. They have left a legacy behind that they set the bar as high as it can possibly go. Now, it's my job to make sure we stay there."
Senior Callie Brister echoed coach Burford's sentiments.

"It's so rewarding to know that all of the hard work paid off. Coach Buford had a mission, a goal and we all bought in and here we are now." Brister said. "It all paid off. It's so rewarding to see everyone's hard work pay off. Coach Buford has been a mentor, a friend and anything we needed her to be. She's been great."

The Bulldogs will return 14 players along with an influx of new talent ready to uphold the mantle left behind by Mollie Hanson, Megan Dowdy, Callie Brister, Caitlin Bice, Caroline Wilder and Clara Bowen. They are now the standard bearers for the program for years to come. Those 14 now know what it takes to make it and they have a blueprint to work from moving forward.

"You know how it feels to get here. You know how much hard work it takes to get here, and now you know what it feels like to go home." Burford said. "I told them that the fall is not going to be fun. I already prepared them. Expectations are going to be just as high and now we know what it takes to get here again. Hopefully we don't leave again 0-2 next year."

Samford exited the Tuscaloosa Regional at the hands of Texas State who plated a pair of runs in the second inning which proved to be deciding factor of the contest.