Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
In its first season competing at the NCAA Division II level, Kennesaw State made an immediate impact by posting an impressive 53-5 record and claiming a national championship. It was the first of back-to-back title seasons for the Owls, led by NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Scott Whitlock. After starting the season 8-4, the Owls kicked it into high gear highlighted by a D-II record 40-game winning streak that included a perfect 14-0 conference mark. Top-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside snapped the Owls streak with a 4-3 win in the first round of the World Series. The resilient Owls fought their way out of the loser’s bracket by winning five straight games, including a 9-1 victory over Wisconsin-Parkside, and defeated Bloomsburg twice to claim the crown. KSU was led by NCAA Division II Player of the Year Kelly Rafter who finished the season with a 32-5 record and 0.85 ERA. The right-handed pitcher also struck out 196 batters and walked just 26 in more than 230 innings pitched. Joining Rafter as All-American, All-Region and All-Peach Belt Conference were Tonya Carlisle (.420, 47 RBI) and Cara Dornstauder (.373, 53 RBI), while Colleen Thorburn (.400, 7 HR, 41 RBI) and Kathy Morgan (.349, 37 RBI) were all-conference selections. Other top contributors were Shannon McDonough (.360), Nada Hlohvosky (.333) and Dee Webb (15-0, 1.10 ERA).
Back To Hall of Fame
