AKRON, Ohio- Senior second baseman Melissa Palmer became Western Michigan's all-time leader for career hits, breaking a 25-year old program record Thursday in the Broncos' 2-0 win over Central Michigan in the Mid-American Conference Softball Tournament.
In the third inning, Palmer drove a first-pitch delivery up the middle into center field for her 218th career hit. Palmer matched the previous school record of 217, set by in 1991 by Julie Lijeberg, yesterday with a sixth-inning single.
Palmer's 218 hits ties her for 19th in the MAC all-time record book and puts her one hit shy of 18th place.
“I was very surprised,” said Palmer. “I had no idea about the record until I tied it yesterday.”
The senior put in hours of work to achieve the feat, which she was unaware she was on the cusp of breaking.
“My dad and I set up a net and tee in our basement and every day in high school I would go down there for at least 20 or 30 minutes,” Palmer said. “My mom and dad have been huge supporters of me. I have spent so much time with my dad practicing."
A four-year starter at Western Michigan, Palmer has been a constant for the Broncos. She was a First Team All-MAC selection this year and was a Second Team selection in 2013 and 2015.
“It really feels like a special accomplishment,” said Palmer. “To be able to play all four years and to also make a difference on the team, it's exciting.”
"Breaking a 25-year old record is quite a feat for the record setter and the record breaker," WMU head coach Kathy Leitke said. "I'm very happy for Palmer, it's a tribute to her talent and work ethic.
"That combination has provided her consistency for four years in our program," Leitke said. "She truly has made a mark in Western Michigan softball."
Palmer and the Broncos are not done yet in their 2016 campaign. The No. 5 seed in this year's MAC Tournament, the team is trying to repeat its postseason run of last year, which saw the Broncos drop their opening game before storming all the way to the championship round out of the one-loss bracket. WMU began this year's MAC Tournament with a 3-1 loss to Northern Illinois yesterday before defeating Central Michigan this morning. In a win-or-go-home situation, Western Michigan's next test comes tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. against either No. 2 seed Miami or No. 3 Ohio.
“Tomorrow we just have to play like we did today,” said Palmer. “We just need to play loose, relaxed and play together, when we do that nothing is going to stop us.
“It is very bittersweet knowing that I am playing the last games that I will ever play,” said Palmer. “I am just so thankful and blessed to play for Western Michigan. This team is my favorite of the last four years and I'm just happy I get to go out with these girls and play our hearts out.”
