Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Lipscomb University

Offcanvas Scoreboard

2021 softball seniors

Softball Mark McGee

2021 Seniors Honored By Lipscomb Softball

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Few athletes, regardless of the sport they play, have endured the challenges of the 2021 senior class for Lipscomb softball.
 
Following the 3-2 comeback win against Tennessee State Wednesday afternoon four were honored on "Senior Day" - fifth-year transfer pitchers Breana Burke and Maddie Siemer along with outfielder Caitlin Turner and first baseman Jenna Endris.
 
"These seniors all have unique journeys," Lipscomb coach Kristin Ryman said. "Despite battling a COVID-shortened season and injuries, they have all played key roles in helping the Lady Bison program establish itself as one of the best in the ASUN and the Southeast.
 
"These four represent the best of Lipscomb softball. Over the last four years they have continued pushing the program onto the national scene. They are a special and resilient class of impressive young ladies."
 
Ryman pointed out this class has beaten 11 Power-5 teams (including a top-15 team), received votes in the NFCA top-25 poll, finished in the top-55 in RPI in three of four years, and earned 103 wins. In addition, they consistently helped the program finish top-20 in the nation in team GPA.
 
 Siemer, No. 23
 
Siemer, from Aurora, Colorado, took a long road to Lipscomb. She started at Butler Community College where she was part of an NJCAA National Championship team before and moving to Appalachian State.
 
"Maddie's path to Lipscomb has not been simple, but she jumped at the opportunity for an extra season due to COVID-19, and made her way to Nashville," Ryman said. "Despite spending only one season in the purple and gold, Maddie's level-headedness, maturity, and commitment to the process have been vital for a young Bison team."
 
This season Siemer has posted a 2.39 ERA and 46 strikeouts are both career highs for her on the NCAA Division I level. Her 55 innings pitched rank second on the team. Opponents are also hitting a .162 against her, both a career best and one of Lipscomb's all-time single season bests. She has allowed 3 hits or less in 9 of her 11 outings this season. 
 
"Maddie has grown so much this year," Ryman said. "I can't imagine not having her on my team. Her calm demeanor and maturity have brought much needed perspective. Seeing her succeed and pitch with confidence genuinely makes me smile."
 
Siemer will graduate next December with her master's degree in biomolecular science. She plans to apply to medical school in the fall of 2022. 
 
"I feel like she has gotten some redemption this year," Ryman said. "To see her finish her career in such a positive place makes me believe she has come full circle with her growth. I truly believe this was part of God's story for her all along, and I know she is finishing her career with us for a reason.
 
"Maddie makes those around her better. She is a good friend and teammate, and her role on our pitching staff has been vital. What I will remember the most about her is her kind-heartedness towards her teammates and her desire to better herself."
 
Endris, No. 44
 
Endris, from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, joined the Lady Bisons in 2017.
 
"Jenna joined an experienced team and very quickly got to work," Ryman said.  "She spent the early parts of her career learning and developing. She kept her nose to the grindstone and worked hard for every game moment she would get.
 
"Jenna's story is such a special one to me because she has truly earned her way. In a time when everyone is in search of instant gratification, Jenna has been dedicated to improving every step of the way and has bought into the process more than most I have coached."
 
She earned her first start as a freshman at the designated player position against No. 14 Ole Miss. She then collected her first hit and first run batted in in a 9-inning win vs. Ohio.
 
 As a sophomore, she earned valuable innings late in games at 1B, and played an important role defensively in helping the Lady Bisons win the 2019 ASUN Championship.
 
Last season, she set career highs in nearly every offensive and defensive category. She earned the start in all but one game of the COVID shortened season and tied for the team lead in home runs. Her two-HR game vs. Indiana State put her in a unique category, and for the season, half of her hits went for extra bases. She finished third on the team in RBIs and committed only one error at first base.
 
For her career, Jenna has made only two errors in 169 chances for a. 988 fielding percentage. Off the field, Edris has been named to the ASUN All-Academic Team. 
 
Jenna will graduate this Saturday with her degree in biology. Upon graduation, she plans to work as a physical therapy technologist with a goal of attending PA school in the future. 
 
"She could've walked away a long time ago to seek more playing time, but she stayed committed to her people and this program," Ryman said. "And for that, I am grateful.
 
"Jenna's intentionality will always stick with me. She is a player I have secretly rooted for because she works so hard to improve and does so with a purpose in mind. I have been so impressed by her work ethic and determination to find a way."
 
Her attitude has suited her perfectly as she and the rest of the team have faced so many unexpected events the past two seasons.
 
"Even when it's been hard, Jenna has persevered," Ryman said. "She has put the team first. Rather than seeking the spotlight, she has more often sought to put in the work when the lights are off. Jenna is someone we will not only miss on the field, but in every aspect of our program. She is someone who truly understands the value of earning what you get."
 
Turner, No .2
 
Turner, from Greenbrier, Tennessee was recruited as a utility player. After spending most of her career as a middle infielder she had to adjust to the outfield.
 
"I remember when Cait came in as a freshman," Ryman said. "She had so many tools and so much upside but was new to the outfield.
 
"Her versatility at the plate was obvious, but what I believe she brought was a youthful spark. Whether igniting the fire or coming up with a clutch play or hit, Cait brings a focus and energy that jump starts us."
 
She had an immediate impact in her first season being chosen unanimously for ASUN All-Freshman Team honors. Her first career RBI came in a win over No. 14 Ole Miss in just her second game. Her .304 average and 15 stolen bases both ranked second on the team as she spent the majority of the season as the team's leadoff. 
 
As a sophomore, she started 13 games before an injury sidelined her for over a month. Despite struggling to get into a rhythm, she still played a key role in helping the Lady Bisons to the 2019 ASUN Championship.
 
Last season, she got back to form hitting .284 and starting all 22 games before the COVID shutdown. Ryman points to a game with No. 4 Texas as one of the most memorable in Turner's career. She connected for two hits in four at bats, including a double. She also had two RBI as the Lady Bisons fell 12-11.
 
This season she is hitting a career best .327 with a team-leading six doubles. For her career, Caitlin has hit .289, with a .346 on-base percentage in 107 starts. She has collected 100 hits and 20 doubles. She has committed only three errors in the outfield. She has a 3.86 GPA, while being named to the ASUN All-Academic Team. 
 
Caitlin will graduate this Saturday with her degree in law, justice, and society. After graduating, she plans to work as a paralegal for Freeman and Bracey, a law firm in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. In the future, she hopes to either attend law school or work for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. 
 
"She finds a way to connect with everyone, and her teammates appreciate her calming influence, humor, and positivity," Ryman said. "One of the things that has always stood out to me about Cait is her ability to overcome.
 
"She has had major things thrown at her over her entire career, and she remains faithful and truly believes she is here in this place with these people for a reason. I couldn't agree more."
 
Ryman has been impressed with Turner's ability as a team leader this season.
 
"I will always be proud of her for not only answering the call to lead a young team, but to do so continuously by putting others ahead of herself," Ryman said. "She may think we have helped her hold it together, but the reality is that she is the glue that has held us together during tough times. Simply put, we are better because of Cait." 
 
Burke, No. 8
 
Burke, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, also made it to Lipscomb in a unique way. Like Siemer, Burke took advantage of the extra year offered due to the COVID pandemic after four years at UNLV.
 
"Bre took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville," Ryman said. "And that leap has provided a huge boost to the Bisons this season. Her ability to be a workhorse this year has provided stability, and her toughness and bulldog mentality will be missed.
 
"To say I am thankful Bre is finishing her career as a Bison is an understatement. I knew from the start she could be a difference-maker for us, and she has been nothing short of that."
 
Burke earned the No. 1 role on the pitching staff. She has posted career highs in several categories including innings pitched (125), strikeouts (87) and wins (12). Her 1.95 ERA is tops on the team. She has the fifth best single season ERA for the Bisons since 2012. She has posted five wins against ASUN teams and owns 12 of the teams 17 wins.
 
"As a coach, you want your players to compete every pitch, and Bre is one of the best examples of that," Ryman said. "She is feisty and absolutely hates to lose. 
 
"Her confident demeanor was one of the first things I noticed about her, but what really sets her apart is how gutsy she is. She does not back down from a challenge and has filled a role we desperately needed this season."
 
Burke has posted a 4.0 GPA. She will spend next fall as a graduate assistant with the Lady Bisons. She will graduate next December with her master's degree in business administration. She plans to continue her involvement in sports either through coaching or a position with a professional team. 
 
"She has helped provide a fire and competitiveness to our team," Ryman said. "She is very softball savvy and has an edge about her that enables her to find a way to win. 
 
"I love those qualities about her, and I am so thankful she trusted us and chose Lipscomb. I truly believe she is finishing her career exactly where she is supposed to be."
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Caitlin Turner

#2 Caitlin Turner

IF/OF
5' 3"
Junior
Jenna Endris

#44 Jenna Endris

IF/C
5' 6"
Junior
Breana Burke

#8 Breana Burke

P
5' 4"
Graduate Student
Maddie Siemer

#23 Maddie Siemer

P
5' 10"
Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Caitlin Turner

#2 Caitlin Turner

5' 3"
Junior
IF/OF
Jenna Endris

#44 Jenna Endris

5' 6"
Junior
IF/C
Breana Burke

#8 Breana Burke

5' 4"
Graduate Student
P
Maddie Siemer

#23 Maddie Siemer

5' 10"
Graduate Student
P
Lipscomb University athletics logo