Western Wayne Today

Wayne State University's softball team is set to conclude its regular season with a home game against Ferris State University. The games are scheduled for Friday, starting at 3:30 p.m., following Senior Day ceremonies at 3:10 p.m. Wayne State has an overall record of 16-27 and is striving to secure a spot in the 2024 GLIAC Tournament.

The Warriors have historically dominated their series against Ferris State with a record of 90-50 since 1982. However, Ferris State currently holds an eight-game winning streak over Wayne State.

Junior Rylie Josephson leads the Warriors with a .402 batting average, while senior Abby Favela has the most stolen bases on the team. Graduate student Becky Hodder leads in walks and sacrifice bunts, and freshman Logan Forman tops in extra-base hits and RBIs.

Wayne State's pitching lineup includes Alexis Bonk, Sasha Buckberger, and Sydney Long. Bonk has recorded six wins this season, while Long has pitched the most innings for third-year head coach Nicole Tines.

For Ferris State, freshman Alexis Kozlowski stands out with a .385 batting average and leads all GLIAC batters in doubles, triples, and total bases. Rookie Emma Gillard is noted for her speed on the bases with 20 stolen bases this season.

Under second-year head coach Jake Schumann, Ferris State's pitching staff features Aryn Gallacher as a key player with an impressive ERA of 1.72. Ashley Webb also contributes significantly to the team's performance on the mound.

Senior Day will honor several Wayne State players: pitcher Alexis Bonk, left fielder Abby Favela, first baseman/catcher Becky Hodder, designated player Kiley Lewandowski, and shortstop Shelby Miller.

As the regular season wraps up for most teams except Wayne State and Saginaw Valley State (SVSU), playoff positions remain open. Grand Valley State, SVSU, Purdue Northwest, and Ferris State have secured spots in the postseason tournament. Meanwhile, Parkside, Wayne State, and Davenport compete for two remaining slots.

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