LOUISVILLE, KY. -- The Trine softball team is ranked eighth in the nation according to the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Top 25 poll released yesterday.
The Thunder received 144 points in this weeks poll to move up one spot from last week. Trine has been ranked as high as fifth in the poll this spring. The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) is making its presence known nationally placing three other teams in addition to Trine in the top 25. Newcomer Saint Mary's College comes in at No. 25 to join Hope College at No. 24 and Calvin College at No. 18.
The Thunder finished last week with a pair of victories against Kalamazoo College, before picking up another sweep of Albion College, yesterday. Trine currently owns a 24-4 record overall and are currently in second in the MIAA standings behind Saint Mary's and Hope.
The Thunder hold a 2-2 record against teams currently ranked in the Top 25. The team's wins came over No. 11 St. John Fisher and No. 23 Central (Iowa), while they have suffered losses to No. 12 East Texas Baptist and No. 22 Saint Benedict. Trine has yet to face off with the other members of the MIAA that are currently ranked.
Trine leads the nation with a team batting average of .427, in scoring with 11.07 runs per game and with a .691 team slugging percentage. They come in second with 1.5 home runs per game, having belted 42 balls out of the park in their first 28 games, and in doubles per game with 2.82.
Trine will continue their season when they travel to face Saint Mary's in an MIAA doubleheader. The games are currently scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, starting at 3:30 p.m.