The Kentucky Wesleyan Softball Team, after finishing last season 15-24 (8-14 G-MAC), are predicted to finish 8th in the conference by the league coaches.
KWC earned 50 voting points, two in front of G-MAC newcomer Ashland (48) and just eight behind Cedarville (58). After winning the G-MAC and advancing to the NCAA Regional, Trevecca Nazarene was picked to win the conference.
It will be an exciting year for Head Coach Miles Mallette and Assistant Coach Jessica Johnson, as they added eight freshman this season to a team with six returners. A key returner will be 2021 First Team All-Conference honoree Meryck Hardley, who led the Panthers last season with a .392 batting average to go along with 51 hits and nine RBI’s. Sophomore Hannah Scheberle was extremely valuable in her first year as a Panther, batting .320 with 40 hits. Catcher Mikayla Benson returns after a sophomore season that saw her start all 39 games behind the plate. Lacie Mills returns as the only senior on the team, bringing experience and maturity to a young roster. With the graduation of All-Conference performer Evyn Hendrickson, pitchers Grace Scott and Cameron Hamilton will look to step up on the mound.
We added a lot of young talent to mix with the returners, so I’m extremely excited about the upcoming season,” said Mallette. “I’m throwing the team into the fire with a tough non-conference schedule that will get them ready for the very competitive G-MAC this season.”
The Panthers open up their season on the weekend of February 11-13 when they head to Huntsville, Alabama for the Charger Chillout. They are set to play Young Harris at noon in their opening game on the 11th.
2022 GREAT MIDWEST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SOFTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Trevecca Nazarene – 114 points (6 first-place votes)
T2. Ohio Dominican – 109 points (5 first-place votes)
T2. Hillsdale – 109 points (1 first-place vote)
4. Findlay – 87 points
5. Tiffin – 79 points
6. Malone – 62 points
7. Cedarville – 58 points
8. Kentucky Wesleyan – 50 points
9. Ashland – 48 points
10. Ursuline – 36 points
11. Walsh – 26 points
12. Lake Erie – 14 points
