Softball pitching ace Candice Miller was this year’s Betty Cleland Award winner.

Miller’s accomplishments on the diamond make her an outstanding selection for this prestigious award.

The four-year letterwinner and two-time First Team All-OAC honoree closed out a remarkable career in 2004, but not before she etched her name into the record books. This past spring, Miller became the Marietta and OAC career strikeout queen as she finished her career with 591 strikeouts.

The righthander is ranked number one on the MC career list in shutouts (19), games pitched (95), complete games (64), wins (41), and innings pitched (541 2/3), while is second in ERA (1.69). She also holds the season record for shutouts (7), games (30), innings pitched (155 1/3) and strikeouts (168).

“Candice is quite possibly the most accomplished pitcher in the history of our program,” said Jeanne Arbuckle, head softball coach. “She dominated in the OAC and, in my opinion, was one of the top pitchers in the region, if not the nation.”

Miller finished her senior season with an overall record of 8-8. She worked 103 1/3 innings, and allowed 36 runs (21 earned) on 93 hits to finish with a 1.42 ERA. Miller fanned 120 hitters and walked just 17 this past spring. Opponents hit just .231 against Miller in her 17 appearances.

A leader by example, Miller displayed the highest level of sportsmanship and was an excellent role model for others to follow. The co-captain in 2004 always kept her composure and remained positive even when she was not given the run support needed to win.

The marketing major graduated from Marietta College this spring with minors in both finance and psychology and is currently searching for a job in her field.