On behalf of all of us at Line Drive Softball, we’d like to extend our well-wishes for a quick recovery to full health for Purdue sophomore outfielder Moriah Polar.

On Saturday at “Seniors Day” against Indiana in the first game of a double-header, a fly ball was hit to left-centerfield in the top of the 7th inning.

Moriah, a left-fielder and fellow outfielder Jordan Ramos (who happens to be her best friend),were tracking the ball. Moriah dove to make the out but the two outfielders collided and the violent collision resulted in Moriah being left temporarily unconscious.

She was able to walk off the field with assistance from several coaches but, still, there was significant injury damage as was diagnosed later in the evening after the Texas native was initially taken to the hospital in West Lafayette, Ind. before being transferred to a trauma center at another nearby hospital,

Moriah was diagnosed with a serious injury to both sides of her jawbone and neck as well as a dislocated and fractured thumb. She underwent surgery today (Monday) which included having her jaw wired for the short-term and, according to family, she is recovering.

Her former head coach for the Hotshots National 18U team, Steve Jones, told Line Drive Softball tonight:

“In true Moriah fashion, when she was able to speak coherently, her first question was if Jordan was OK.”

It was an unexpected conclusion to an outstanding year for Moriah who is 4^th in the Big 10 in batting average with a team-leading .444 mark. She had started all 49 of the team’s games up to that point and also led her Big Ten team in OPS (1.073), hits (68), total bases (85), slugging percentage (.556) and steals (30.

She has also received several honors and recognitions for her play throughout the season including All-American status by one publication.

Her parents, Martin and Tiffany Polar, who were in attendance at the game on Saturday and witnessed the collision, said on Monday that:

“The Purdue staff, Moriah’s teammates, the Indiana players and coaches, and all of her doctors have been wonderful throughout this ordeal.”

“We are also thankful that we were able to be with Moriah through it all.”

“Finally, we would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. We are grateful for all of the support that we have received and expect Moriah and Jordan to fully recover from this unfortunate incident. Godspeed.”

Finally, as of Tuesday morning Moriah is reportedly in “good spirits”and is, understandably, “just hungry.”

— Brentt Eads/Executive Editor