BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University volleyball team had the great honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Tuesday’s Seattle Mariners game vs. the Cleveland Indians at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
The great honor celebrated the 2018 team that finished as national runner-ups in the NCAA Division II National Championships at the D2 Fall Championships Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. WWU finished the historic season 30-4 overall, won its second consecutive GNAC Championships and won the West Regional Championship hosted in Carver Gym.
Senior All-American setter Brette Boesel represented the team by throwing out the first pitch to Mariners utility player Dylan Moore. Boesel delivered a “one-hop” strike to Moore, beginning what was a wonderful experience for the student-athletes and coaching staff at T-Mobile Park. All 20 players and three coaches, composed entirely of student-athletes from the state of Washington, then gathered around the pitcher’s mound to take a photo with Moore. Senior Michaela Hall and junior Kayleigh Harper had the honor of holding the runner-up trophy.
“Having our team honored by the Seattle Mariners last night, and having our student-athletes get a chance to experience that was amazing,” said head coach Diane Flick-Williams, who will enter her 20th season leading the program in 2019. “It was something they will remember forever and proud of how they represented our university. It was a great way to celebrate an amazing season, and an even better chance to get to spend more time with this group. Beyond the success on the court, this is a group of young ladies that are leaders, great students, great teammates and wonderful people.”
