LOUISVILLE, Ky.-- For the third-consecutive week, the Trine softball team is ranked eighth in the nation in the NFCA Division III Top 25 Poll.
The Thunder checked in with 145 points in this week's poll, down slightly from last week's 151 points. Trine went 3-1 in a pair of MIAA doubleheaders since the last national rankings. The Thunder swept Adrian before having a 49-game winning-streak in conference games snapped in game two of a doubleheader against Hope. Trine has been ranked as high as sixth in the nation this season. The Thunder are 19-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
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Entering this week's action, Trine was leading the nation in averaging 4.24 stolen bases per game. The Thunder have already swiped 80 bases this season, the third-most in a season in team history. Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey), Dani Kirchner (North Vernon, Ind./Jennings County) and Amy Newell (Three Rivers, Mich./Three Rivers) all rank in the top 40 in the nation in stolen bases per game.
Searles has once again been a catalyst atop the lineup, leading the nation with eight triples. The two-time All-American is five triples from tying the all-time NCAA career mark of 51. The senior is batting .455 with three home runs, 16 RBIs, 20 steals and an .805 slugging percentage.
Bree Fuller (Hubbardston, Mich./Fulton) has been one of the toughest pitchers to hit in the nation so far this year. As of the NCAA Statistics report released Monday, the senior's rate of 2.55 hits allowed per seven innings ranked fourth in the nation.
Justine Robles (Long Beach, Calif./Lakewood) entered the week tied for seventh in the nation with four shutouts. The junior has since picked up her fifth shutout of the year. Trine pitchers have held opposing hitters to a .186 batting average this season.
Trine returns to action this Saturday, Apr. 4 at Kalamazoo. First pitch of the MIAA doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.
The team will dedicate the new SportONE/Parkview Softball Field next Tuesday, Apr. 7 at 2 p.m. A doubleheader against conference-foe Calvin will follow at 3:30 p.m. For more information on the dedication, CLICK HERE.