ECSU Ace Pitcher Cited For Helping A Fellow Student In An Emergency

WILLIMANTIC, CT — A Vernon resident who is also one of the best softball pitchers at the NCAA Division III level Wednesday was recognized for more than her win-loss record. She jumped into action recently when a fellow Eastern Connecticut State University student suffered a medical emergency.

Morgan Bolduk, a 2017 graduate of Rockville High School who is now the senior right-handed ace for the Warriors, was presented with a Challenge Coin by Eastern Police Chief Stephen Tavares for her deed.

"Morgan showed no hesitation in assisting in a medical emergency here on campus. We applaud and thank her for her selflessness," the chief said while adding, "Morgan showed true leadership."

Bolduk said it was early last month during what seemed like a routine class in Eastern's science building. A female student near her suddenly fell out of her chair.

"She passed out and I just reacted, said Bolduk, who is a trained emergency medical technician and an Army medic in the National Guard. "I did not have any of my stuff, but I was able to check her pulse, comfort her and check it again before EMTs arrived. She kept going in and out but ended up being OK and was actually in the next class."

Taveras said he also wanted to commend Bolduk for "keeping everyone calm and comforting the young woman."

He added, "You can tell she's trained under pressure as an athlete and Natonal Guard member."

Bolduk said she relishes the pressure training exercises through the Army and being able to handle such situations.

"I love getting Challenge Coins," she said while nonchalantly divulging she has four others from the Army. "I like being able to react in situations. I've seen stuff happen, but I had never seen that happen before and I'll always be glad to help. It's also cool to be recognized for it."

On Wednesday Bolduk's mound record improved to 9-1 in 2022 with a 6-0 win over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Eastern is ranked fourth in the nation.

For her collegiate career, in 55 pitching appearances, Bolduk has 35 complete games in 41 starts and 14 shutouts with a 32-14 record with four saves and a 1.53 ERA. She has struck out 221 batters with only 44 walks in 301 innings and opponents are batting .214 against her.

Offensively, she has a .356 average with eight home runs and 31 RBI and 47 runs scored. He has a .980 fielding percentage.

In 2019, she was a third-team NFCA All-American, the Little East Conference Pitcher of the Year and a first-team all-LEC selection selection.

At RHS, she was an all-state performer as a senior, was named to the all-conference team all four years and she was a member of two conference championship teams.