Western Wayne Today

The Wayne State University softball team is headed out of town for a pair of GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) doubleheaders this weekend. The squad, which currently sits at a 13-16 overall record and 2-4 in the conference, will begin its road series against Roosevelt University on Friday. Games are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Central time. The team will then travel to face Wisconsin Parkside on Saturday with matches set for Noon and 2 p.m. Central.

Earlier today, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released its 2025 Division II Player & Pitcher of the Year watchlist. Among the players highlighted are Wayne State's own freshmen Katelyn DeWitt and Elly Koopman. They join fellow GLIAC players on the list including Macy Irelan from Saginaw Valley State, Alexis Kozlowski from Ferris State, and Olivia Hernandez from Purdue Northwest.

Despite a recent split against Saginaw Valley State, Wayne State is looking ahead with anticipation to versus Roosevelt and Parkside on their home turf. Senior Rylie Josephson has been notably absent from the lineup for 20 games, but her performance, marked by a .577 batting average, has Wayne State at a steady 10-10 record with her participation. Standout batting performances from DeWitt, Koopman, and Morgan Williams are expected to bolster the Warriors this weekend.

Leading Roosevelt's lineup are sisters Ella and Brynn Dvoracek, who are among the team's leading hitters. Roosevelt's head coach Michele Alexander will also depend on her four-member pitching rotation to sustain their performance against Wayne State.

In Wisconsin, Parkside has enjoyed a promising start under ninth-year head coach Kristin Ortman. Leading the team in batting is Mia Johnson, the 2024 GLIAC Player of the Year. Parkside is noted for their high team batting average and strong lineup, promising a challenging contest for Wayne State.

Following the weekend doubleheaders, Wayne State will host a match against former GLIAC rival Tiffin University in a non-conference doubleheader on April 2.

The NFCA has revealed its 2025 Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year watchlist, including 116 student-athletes from across the country. The nominees hail from the eight NCAA regions, chosen by members of the NFCA Division II All-American Committee. Winners of the awards will be announced post the NCAA Division II National Championships on May 30.