LOS ANGELES — Jacqueline Shimamoto and a crop of five other seniors with an average grade point average of 3.5 among them played their last game for the Occidental College softball team.

The Tigers were able to scrape together a few runs, but fell in both games of their season-finale doubleheader against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Bell Field on Saturday.

Jerika Barron, Meghan Luera, Amber Garland and Elissa Minamishin were honored prior to the game, along with Shimamoto. The entire team celebrated after with a post-game barbeque.

All five have developed unique stories in their time at Oxy.

Shimamoto is considered one of best Oxy softball players in program history. She is a two-time All-SCIAC selection and almost a lock to land on the First Team again this season after batting .459 overall and .444 in SCIAC (fifth-best in the conference). She also slugged .608 (fifth best) and played an excellent center field.

She went 2 for 5 with two runs scored and a double against the Athenas.

"Shimi is obviously a force at the plate and a leader on the field," Oxy head coach Ali Haehnel said. "Her work ethic and natural ability set the bar high for our team and she inspired her teammates to compete everyday for four years."

Barron, a fixture at shortstop throughout her career, has become known for making flashy plays with her athleticism.

"Jerika is an exceptional student and athlete," Haehnel said. "She brings relentless passion and has been a great example to our younger players. We've definitely got big shoes to fill at shortstop."

Garland has been one of Oxy's top starting pitchers. She made her final appearance against CMS in Game 1 on Saturday.

"Amber has an incredible work ethic and has made herself a better pitcher every year at Oxy," Haehnel said. "We're going to miss her consistency in the circle along with her sense of humor."

Luera has spent most of her time at the hot corner as Oxy's third baseman, but has also played other infield positions and spent a lot of time behind the plate catching.

"Meghan has owned her role at third base and has become a driving force for our team," Haehnel said. "She brought a sense of balance to our team. She is both fun loving and fiercely competitive."

Minamishin, a three-time All-SCIAC member of the women's soccer team, picked up softball for the first time this spring and got the hang of it faster than anyone could have imagined. She developed into a slap hitter from the left side of the plate despite not even being left-handed. She has a reputation for being one of the best athletes on campus in any sport and for her contagious smile.

"Although Mini has only been with us a short time, she has made a big impact on our team," Haehnel said. "She brings joy and passion to the field everyday, and she's been a blast to coach."

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