JMU cancels the rest of its softball season after death of player

James Madison University on Monday canceled the final games of its softball season as the team deals with the recent death of sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett.

The Dukes (21-21) called off their previous five games following Bernett’s death. JMU had four regular-season games remaining.

“This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly,” JMU coach Loren LaPorte said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the support of our fans all season and for the love from the softball community during the past week. We will use this time to continue healing and to honor Lauren’s memory while finishing the academic semester strong. Most importantly, we’re thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion. We will make sure that they are honored for the commitment and dedication they have made as student-athletes at James Madison University.”

Bernett, a dean’s list student from McDonald, Pennsylvania, played a key role in the Dukes’ postseason run to the Women’s College World Series last year. Bernett, 20, was JMU’s cleanup hitter this season and was named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week just before her April 25 death.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s office has said the death was being classified as an apparent suicide. — Jami Frankenberry, The Virginian-Pilot