2025 Hall of Honor Inductee: 2002 Softball Team

ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University Athletics proudly announces the induction of the historic 2002 Oakland Softball Team into the prestigious Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor.

The 2002 season was a landmark year for Oakland Softball, as the team etched its name in the record books with a series of firsts and remarkable accomplishments. Under the leadership of a talented roster with five all-conference players and a coaching staff led by Steve Ogg, the Golden Grizzlies captured the first Mid-Continent Conference Championship in school history and secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Their triumphs included a monumental victory 3-1 over Canisius, marking the program's first NCAA Tournament win.

On their way to the title Oakland dominated the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament, going 4-1 en route to the title, culminating in a dramatic 1-0 championship victory over UMKC to clinch an NCAA Tournament berth. Standout performer Ericka Burns was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, capping off a stellar season in which she led the team with a .363 batting average.

The 2002 squad was filled with star talent, earning numerous individual accolades. Three players—Ericka Burns, Nicole Marzano, and Jaymie Voss—were named to the Mid-Continent Conference First Team, while Megan Piar and Lauren Seffens earned Second Team honors. Marzano made history with a dominant pitching performance, throwing a no-hitter against IPFW.

Beyond their offensive and pitching prowess, the Golden Grizzlies were a defensive powerhouse, setting program records for most assists (654) and putouts (1,268). The team also excelled in the classroom, ranking in the top 30 nationally in NCAA Division I GPA with an impressive 3.3 grade point average.

Oakland's resilience and dominance were on full display during a late-season surge, where they won nine of ten games, outscoring opponents 50-19 over the stretch. Over the course of the season, they posted eight wins by four or more runs and finished with 26 total victories—the third-most in a single season in program history.

The induction of the 2002 Oakland Softball Team into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and pioneering success. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Golden Grizzlies.

The 2002 Softball team will be honored at the 2025 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Feb 8., 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.

Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased HERE.

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