Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University is set to host Tiffin University for a non-conference doubleheader in softball on Tuesday, April 15. The first game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

Wayne State holds a 26-17 lead in the historical series that began in 2001. In home games against Tiffin, the Warriors have a 5-7 record. The teams have met in Detroit only twice in the last 11 years, both times in 2018, with Tiffin winning 2-1 and 4-0.

Senior Rylie Josephson has resumed her place in the Wayne State lineup after recovering from an injury. "She is batting .500 (20-for-40) on the season with a .574 on-base percentage."

Katelyn DeWitt and Elly Koopman, both freshmen, are contributing significantly, batting .361 and .339, respectively. Koopman leads with 34 RBIs, while DeWitt is tied for the team lead in doubles and triples. Sophomore Logan Forman has hit eight home runs, maintaining a .612 slugging percentage.

In pitching, Grace Fisher is leading the team with nine wins, a 3.67 ERA, and 67 strikeouts. Sydney Long has secured five wins, two saves, and 69 strikeouts. Hayden Batton has achieved 45 strikeouts in 61 innings.

Nicole Tines is leading the Warriors in her fourth season, achieving 19 wins this year, the second most in six years.

Under the leadership of Paige McMenemy, also in her fourth season as head coach at Tiffin University, the Dragons have a team batting average of .323 with 105 extra-base hits. Freshman Jessica Miller leads in batting (.398) and doubles (17). Maci Head has hit nine home runs, while Reagan Mengerink has driven in 38 RBIs. Freshman Tori Abel holds a perfect record in stolen base attempts.

Tiffin boasts a strong pitching lineup with Ella Esterby holding an 11-5 record with a 1.43 ERA, Isabella O'Brien maintaining a 9-0 undefeated record with a 2.27 ERA, and Lexi Key having an 8-5 record with a 2.60 ERA.

Wayne State will continue their season with upcoming games against Ferris State and Davenport on April 18 and April 19.