Western Wayne Today

The Wayne State University softball team is set to begin its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play this weekend, subject to weather conditions. The conference schedule has already been adjusted, with Davenport visiting on Friday, March 21st for games at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., instead of the originally scheduled date of March 22nd. The doubleheader against Ferris State remains scheduled for Sunday, March 23rd at noon and 2 p.m.

Wayne State recently split a non-conference doubleheader against Northwood. In the first game, Northwood overcame a 2-0 deficit by scoring seven runs in the sixth inning to win 7-3. Wayne State secured a victory in the second game, maintaining leads of 4-0 and 7-2 before concluding with a 7-5 win.

Freshmen Katelyn DeWitt and Elly Koopman have been key players for Wayne State offensively. DeWitt boasts a batting average of .425 with multiple extra-base hits, while Koopman holds a .388 average with a team-leading number of RBIs. Other notable contributors include Morgan Williams and seniors Jessie O'Donnell and Madison Martinez.

On the pitching front, junior Grace Fisher leads with four wins and a total of 41 strikeouts over 53.2 innings. Sydney Long and Elly Koopman also contribute significantly as pitchers.

Davenport's interim head coach Ronda Varnesdeel brings experience from her previous tenure at DU, leading them to two NAIA National Tournaments. Currently, Davenport holds a record of 9-11 after recent losses at Quincy.

Key players for Davenport include shortstop Savanna Disbrow and outfielder Brooke Bernt, both showing strong batting averages this season. Pitcher Hailey Whisman has completed seven games this spring with notable statistics in strikeouts.

Ferris State arrives with an overall record of 11-5 following successful performances in Florida. Jayden Marlatt stands out as their top batter alongside other significant contributors like Alexis Kozlowski and Emma Gillard.

Ella Covill-Marter and Cecelia Bell have led Ferris State’s pitching efforts this season under head coach Jake Schumann's leadership.

Following these matchups, Wayne State will host Saginaw Valley State for another GLIAC doubleheader on Wednesday, March 26th.