Amber Bishop Succeeds on Lady Flames Softball Team

A resounding crack echoed throughout the softball park of Murrieta Valley High School as Autumn Bishop soaked in the applause that celebrated yet another home run.

Amber looked on from the dugout as her twin sister touched home plate, receiving hugs and compliments from teammates and coaches. Amber Bishop glanced down at her injured wrist, shaking her head as she reflected on how her once promising high school senior season was taken from her because of an injury.

Amber Bishop’s high school softball career was highlighted by three straight first-team All-Southwestern League selection seasons. In her three seasons with Murrieta Valley, Amber Bishop hit 20 homers and recorded a 93 RBI in 91 games played.

At the end of Amber Bishop’s senior year of high school, the Liberty Flames came calling with scholarship offers for Amber Bishop and her sister. Following a visit to the Flames state of the art softball facilities, Amber Bishop was sold. The twin sisters visited with the Flames after touring the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The Flames offer to bring both sisters on board ended any considerations they once had about playing for different schools.

“We always thought that we would go to the same school,” Amber Bishop said. “But then at one point we thought that maybe we should separate and go to different schools.”

Now as a sophomore, Amber Bishop is enjoying a season that has consisted of good health, adequate playing time with her sister and abundant on-field success.

“Playing with my sister is always fun,” Amber Bishop said. “I think that we’ve competed this year more than we have in the past because last year she wasn’t able to play as much. It’s been nice having her back on the field. I love competing and playing against her, but also being on the same team and encouraging each other.”

Amber Bishop and her sister’s introduction to softball began before they had even entered the world. Amber Bishop’s mother Elizabeth played in a slow pitch softball league while she was pregnant with the twin girls.

“We like to say that that is how we got started,” Amber Bishop said.

Amber Bishop hopes that her days of playing second base alongside of her sister, who plays at first base, are going to last long after their college years.

“If it could be a possibility, I would love to play after college,” Amber Bishop said. “Hopefully go to the Olympics some day with my sister.”

Amber Bishop also mentioned that she has aspirations to play professional softball in the future. But as Amber Bishop focuses on the present, she realizes that there is reason to be excited for the Flames postseason potential.

“We’re all working hard to get to the point of the Big South Championship,” Amber Bishop said. “One game at a time and playing in the moment.”

Although the team has worked hard to improve their game, one of their primary focuses this season has been to play in a manner that glorifies God.

“One of the main focuses and mindsets that we’ve had this year is trying not to be scared of making errors or mistakes and just play to bring honor and glory to

The Lady Flames currently boast a 39-12 record at the top of the Big South conference, with the closest competition being Longwood University who sport a 32-14 record.

Liberty will return to action against University of Virginia in a doubleheader at 6 p.m. May 1.