Linfield University graduate student Kamryn Apling was in good spirits, one day after fracturing a vertebrae in her neck during the Wildcats' opening-round NCAA Division III softball playoff game in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
 
Apling, the Wildcats' captain and starting catcher, was caught in a rundown between second and third base. As she dove headfirst with arms extended for third base, her head collided with the glove and body of Southern Maine third baseman Madison Day.
 
Immediately upon impact, she cried out in pain. The game was delayed five minutes while certified athletic trainer Lauren Flood and Wildcats coach Jackson Vaughan assessed her condition. An ambulance was called and Apling was transported to the hospital where a thorough examination revealed the fracture.
 
Apling underwent surgery Saturday morning to install a halo that will immobilize her head. She will wear the apparatus for three to eight weeks while her spine heals.
 
Linfield went on to defeat Southern Maine 10-2 on Friday, advancing to play Alfred University Saturday afternoon.
 
Said Vaughan afterward: "We talked to Kam via FaceTime (Friday night). She is obviously worried about things but also in pretty decent spirits. We had a pretty emotional team meeting as well. I'm not sure how we will perform but with everything that has happened with Kam, it certainly keeps the importance of (Saturday's) results in perspective."
 
Apling's parents, Mike and Kelly, grandmother Bobbie, and boyfriend Christian, were in attendance at the tournament and accompanied her to the hospital, along with Linfield associate athletic director Jane Samuels.

Apling shared her feelings through a recent post on her Instagram account: 

Yesterday I unknowingly played my last game of softball. For those that don't know, yesterday in our regional game I had an unfortunate accident and fractured my C1 vertebrae. It will be a long road of recovery but I am staying optimistic for the future. I am so thankful for this extra year to play the sport I love. I owe it so much and I could never give back to it what it has given to me. To my parents and coaches, thank you for the endless love and support and pushing me to be my best everyday. To my teammates, I love you all and I wouldn't have wanted to play with any other group of girls. Of course this is not how I wanted my softball career to end but it has been one hell of a ride and I already wish I could be back out in the field with all my cats.
 
Roll Cats 
Kamryn Apling #3