WAVERLY, Iowa— Entering their tenth NCAA Division III Softball Tournament, the Wartburg College Knights Softball (27-12) squad is set for an opening round game against Illinois Wesleyan University (27-13) on May 13. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
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Wartburg has previously made NCAA Appearances in 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2019.
Previewing the Field
Illinois Wesleyan has a .294 average, with 192 runs scored this season. The Titans are led by Hayley Earl (.380 average), who has 20 runs, 38 hits, and 25 RBIs. Madison Moore (.328 average) leads the team in runs scored (31), while Colleen Palczynski (.316 average) leads the team in RBIs (35). The Titans are led in the pitchers' circle by Natalie Grubczak (1.85 ERA) and Nina Mardjetko (3.04 ERA). Combined, the Titans have a 2.97 ERA as a pitching staff and an opponent batting average of .246.
Saint Benedict brings a 28-8 record into the NCAA tournament. The Bennie's are led by Gabby Spencer with a .486 average, 41 runs scored, 52 hits, and 12 doubles this season. Bryn Carlstrom (.333 average) leads the team in RBIs (27). The Bennie's pitching is led by Elly Novak (1.70 ERA) in 23 appearances. Novak has recorded three shutouts, 14 complete games, and four saves this season. Saint Benedict has combined 2.18 ERA and holds their opponents to a .242 batting average.
Nebraska Wesleyan, the 2022 American Rivers Conference Softball tournament runner-up, bring a 22-14 to Minnesota. The Prairie Wolves are led by Hanna Roth (.388 average) who has scored 27 runs (team leader), 45 hits (team leader), and 26 RBIs this season. The Prairie Wolves are led in the circle by Kailey Meyer (2.67 ERA) in 28 appearances this season. The Prairie Wolves have a combined 2.94 ERA as a pitching staff, while holding their opponents to a .274 average.
Looking at the Numbers
The Knights are entering the tournament with a .324 average, .509 slugging percentage, and on-base percentage of. 408. The Knights lead the American Rivers Conference in home runs (41), hits (338), runs (271), stolen bases (154), and hit by pitch (42). The Knights pitching has a combined ERA of 3.58, with six shutouts, and 140 strikeouts.
Kaylie Springer leads the team with a .393 average, sits at No. 7 (tie) for most hits in a season at 57 and has scored 35 runs for the Orange & Black.
Ella Link (.366) average has a .792 slugging percentage and leads the team in home runs this season (11).
Ashley Nelson leads the Knights pitching with an ERA of 3.06, six complete games, two shutouts, and 22 appearances this season. Nelson has held opponents to a batting average of .266 with the Knights pitching staff holding a .271 opponent batting average.
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