Western Wayne Today

Wayne State University's softball team is preparing for a challenging conclusion to their regular season with five doubleheaders scheduled over seven days. The Warriors, currently holding a 14-23 overall record and 6-10 in the GLIAC, will face Saginaw Valley State on Saturday and Grand Valley State on Sunday. They will then host Cedarville, Davenport, and Ferris State next week. The games against Ferris State will include a Senior Day recognition for players Alexis Bonk, Abby Favela, Becky Hodder, Kiley Lewandowski, and Shelby Miller.

The Warriors have experienced mixed results in their conference games this season. After an initial 4-4 start in the GLIAC, they have since gone 2-6. Wayne State is presently sixth in the standings; only the top six teams qualify for the league tournament scheduled from May 2 to May 5 in Rosemont, Illinois.

In past encounters with Saginaw Valley State, Wayne State holds a historical advantage of 75-56 despite losing ten of their last eleven meetings. Against Grand Valley State, Wayne State recently achieved a sweep on April 10th for the first time since March 2016.

Key players for Wayne State include junior right fielder Rylie Josephson who leads with a .491 batting average in league play. Senior designated player Kiley Lewandowski and freshman catcher Logan Forman are also significant contributors offensively. In pitching, sophomore Sasha Buckberger has recorded a 3.80 ERA while senior Alexis Bonk leads with strikeouts during conference games.

Saginaw Valley State enters the weekend tied for first place in the GLIAC alongside Purdue Northwest with an overall record of 24-17. Freshman Ella Reifschneider leads SVSU's batting statistics while senior Emily Depew heads their pitching staff.

Grand Valley State improved to a 26-13 overall record following recent victories against SVSU. Senior Hannah Hollister is notable for her .373 batting average and leading stolen bases within the GLIAC.

Wayne State's final week of regular-season play includes home doubleheaders starting Tuesday against Cedarville followed by matches against Davenport and Ferris State.