Lauren Bernett: Member of JMU's improbable run at the 2021 Women's College World Series dead at 20

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James Madison University has announced the death of softball athlete Lauren Bernett -- one of the key players of the 2021 Women's College World Series.

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The cause of her death nor any other details were announced. A co-statement posted by JMU president Jonathan Alger and director of athletics Jeff Bourne said:

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Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program.

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She was a key member of our 2021 Women's College World Series team as a freshman catcher last year."

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Tuesday's statement included contact information for school resources, including the phone number for the school crisis center

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A sophomore catcher, Bernett was just named "Player of the Week" on Monday by the Colonial Athletic Association.

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The team's scheduled doubleheader on Wednesday against Longwood University was canceled.

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