JMU Softball to Honor Lauren Bernett During 2023 Season

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison will begin its 2023 season this weekend, with the Dukes unveiling a helmet sticker to be worn season-long in memory of Lauren Bernett, who passed away on April 25, 2022.

The sticker features a purple heart with softball threads crossing through and Bernett's No. 22 centered within the heart. The Dukes will wear the sticker on batting helmets throughout the 2023 season, their first as members of the Sun Belt Conference.

Bernett became JMU's starting catcher as a freshman in 2021, when the Dukes made their historic run to the Women's College World Series. As a sophomore in 2022, she was named All-District, All-State, All-ECAC and All-Conference as JMU's starting catcher. She hit .336 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs. She also set a JMU program record with seven RBIs in a single game, which was set at Charleston on April 16.

JMU will open its 2023 campaign on the same Charleston field with games against Chattanooga, Indiana State and the host Cougars this weekend, Feb. 10-12.

Lauren Bernett softball helmet decal

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Players Mentioned

Lauren Bernett

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Completed Event: Softball at Georgia Southern on March 15, 2026 , Win , 9, to, 3

Cancelled Event: Softball versus Virginia

Completed Event: Softball versus Coastal Carolina on March 20, 2026 , Loss , 8, to, 16

Completed Event: Softball versus Coastal Carolina on March 21, 2026 , Loss , 3, to, 12 , (6 Inn.)

Completed Event: Softball versus Coastal Carolina on March 22, 2026 , Win , 17, to, 2 , (5 Inn.)

Upcoming Event: Softball at George Mason on March 25, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus South Alabama on March 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus South Alabama on March 28, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus South Alabama on March 29, 2026 at Noon

Upcoming Event: Softball at Southern Miss on April 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)

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