LOUISVILLE, KY. -- The Trine University softball team was once again ranked fifth in this week's National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 poll.
For the complete rankings check out the NFCA's release.
The Thunder remained in Arizona following the NFCA Leadoff Classic to compete in the Tuscon Invitational Games (TIG). In those eight games, Trine stormed to a 7-1 record with their lone loss coming to Saint Benedict, who is ranked 23rd in the current poll.
In each of the seven victories, the Thunder's high scoring offense was on display, with each game ending early due to the run rule. Trine currently boast the highest-scoring offense (11.86 runs per game), the highest team slugging percentage (.728), the second-best team batting average (.458) and fifth most home runs per game (1.29) in the country.
The team currently boasts three players with home runs totals in the top fifty in the nation. Sophomore Makenna Hartline (Niles, Mich. / Brandywine) is currently tied for fourth, while senior Kaylee Fox (Vermilion, Ohio / Edison) and freshman Kennedy Baugh (Walton, Ky. / Notre Dame Academy) are tied for 41st.
Senior outfielder Erica Robles (Long Beach, Calif. / Lakewood) and sophomore pitcher Danielle Ray (Hamilton, Ohio / Badin) were honored by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) as athletes of the week. Ray recorded her first career no-hitter to earn the award. Robles finished the week with a .714 batting average and a 1.036 slugging percentage to earn the award.
Following their 7-1 week, the Thunder improve to 12-2 on the season. They will continue their season by attending the DePauw Invitational which will take place at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. They will start the weekend slate of games by facing off with Illinois Wesleyan at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17.