By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

Crowder College softball coach Brandi Arthur can — and does — delve into history when looking to inspire the Lady 'Riders.

It’s a good time for Arthur to do just that.

Crowder must tackle No. 1 seed Chipola Junior College (52-5) of Marianna, Fla., in the first round of the double-elimination NJCAA Division I Tournament at noon Thursday in Plant City, Fla.

Arthur looks into the somewhat distant past by pointing out that Crowder’s 1986 national championship team, coached by Annie Westfall, lost its first game (in an eight-team field) before rebounding to win the title.

Crowder assistant Lori Videmschek was a member of that 63-8 team.

Just this year, eventual champion Crowder was seeded second in the six-team Region 16 playoffs.

Arthur was the shortstop for Crowder when it finished fifth nationally in 2000 under Crowder athletic director Millie Gilion.

Crowder then dropped its softball program until resuming in 2006 with Arthur at the helm.

“We’re proud of these kids,” Arthur said. “It’s great to bring attention to Crowder softball and Crowder itself on the national level.”

Crowder, 42-13, finished the regular season playing its best ball of the season, Arthur said.

“Our hitting has come around and been more consistent,” Arthur said. “Now, it seems, one through nine in the batting order are more consistent.

“We really came together as a team the last 3-4 weeks and realized we have a common goal,” Arthur said. “We just need to do our part.”

Arthur listed a probable starting lineup of center fielder Cassie Martin, second baseman Tiffany Eden, first baseman Richelle VanGennip, catcher Katie Rackliff, shortstop Jessica Marble, third baseman Whitney Clute, designated player Keylie Panter for pitcher Megan Leonard, left fielder Sondra Bachmann and right fielder Bridget Baldwin.