Rocky Mount, NC - Prior to Sunday afternoon's doubleheader with Chowan University, the Battling Bishop softball program honored its 2008 senior class: Denise Pope, Ashlee Bass, Libby Fulford, and Katie Dunavant. These four young ladies have led Wesleyan to three consecutive winning seasons, including back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2006 and 2007. Below is a brief summary of each player's career.

#1 Denise Pope
Denise has seen action in 80 games during her four-year Bishop career. During that time, she has amassed 40 hits, scored 37 runs, and turned in a .280 batting average. Denise is a two-time recipient of the Mo Bauer Sportsmanship Award and is a member of both the USA South Academic All-Conference team and North Carolina Wesleyan President’s List. A native of Kinston, North Carolina, she is majoring in Mathematics and is the daughter of Dennis and Susan Pope.

#3 Ashlee Bass
Ashlee has seen action in 131 games during her four-year Bishop career. She currently holds six career records with 304 fielding assists, 202 hits, 298 total bases, 129 runs scored, 41 doubles, and a .440 batting average. A three-time USA South All-Conference selection and two-time Most Valuable Player, Ashlee was honored as the program’s first All-American in 2006, as well as North Carolina Wesleyan’s Female Athlete of the Year. A native of Midlothian, Virginia, she is majoring in Psychology and is the daughter of Garnet and Regina Bass.

#4 Libby Fulford
Libby has made 103 appearances on the mound during her career, which is one of eight records that she holds. She tops the career list with 546 innings pitched, 458 strikeouts, 66 complete games, and seven saves. In addition to winning 47 games and throwing three no-hitters (one perfect game), Libby has amassed 82 hits, 50 RBI, and 34 runs scored on offense. The 2005 USA South Rookie Pitcher of the Year, Libby is a three-time All-Conference Performer and two-time NC Wesleyan Student-Athlete of the Year. A graduate of Southwest Edgecombe High School, she is majoring in Exercise Science and is the daughter of Richard and Christine Fulford.

#9 Katie Dunavant
Katie has seen action in 102 games during her career. Offensively, she has tallied 37 hits and driven in 20 runs, while defensively, she holds the season record for fielding percentage and fewest errors. Both records were set during the Bishops’ 2006 campaign that saw her commit zero errors in 151 chances. Katie, in fact, currently boasts a solid career fielding percentage of .980 in 545 chances behind the plate and at first base. A native of Camden, North Carolina, she is majoring in Psychology and is the daughter of David and Sharon Dunavant. 

Coach Brackett and the Bishop softball program would like to thank each for their contributions to the College both on and off the field. Their softball abilities and leadership will be truly missed.