Softball and baseball teams pay tribute to JMU’s Lauren Bernett

The baseball and softball communities are paying tribute to James Madison softball star Lauren Bernett, who died earlier this week.

The university announced Bernett’s death Tuesday, just a day after the sophomore was named CAA player of the week.

JMU baseball honored the late star during the team’s game Wednesday at Virginia Tech. Dukes players emblazoned “LB” on their hats. Both the Dukes and Hokies used tape to mark Bernett’s initials in their dugouts, and a photo of Bernett was displayed on the scoreboard.

LB 💜 pic.twitter.com/r0diEXNufM

— JMU Baseball (@JMUBaseball) April 27, 2022

“We play for Lauren,” the Virginia Tech baseball account posted on Twitter, along with photos from the somber event.

𝙒𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙣 💜💛

≫ @JMUSoftball
≫ @JMUBaseball pic.twitter.com/fli94WCNbc

— Virginia Tech Baseball (@HokiesBaseball) April 27, 2022

The Liberty softball team honored Bernett as well, painting her number and initials on the field Wednesday for the team’s game against Tennessee.

LB 💜💜💜 @JMUSoftball pic.twitter.com/v0kGY6g1Mh

— Liberty Softball (@LibertySB) April 27, 2022

For Lauren 💜 pic.twitter.com/UP5fQoT6vD

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) April 27, 2022

George Mason softball donned purple ribbons, and sophomore infielder Marlaina Bozek wrote a message on her visor alongside Bernett’s initials and jersey number: “It’s more than a game.”

It’s more than a game.

Thinking of @JMUSoftball today 💜#BeDauntless pic.twitter.com/jmvmVQlHEG

— Mason Softball (@MasonSoftball) April 27, 2022

Texas A&M remembered Lauren at its Davis Diamond, placing her image on the scoreboard and her initials behind home plate.

Remembering Lauren 💜 pic.twitter.com/E4be4ng1j8

— Texas A&M Softball (@AggieSoftball) April 27, 2022

Note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.