LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In the sixth edition of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Coaches Poll, the Trine University softball team was once again featured as the top-ranked team. The Thunder once again took home all ten first place votes in the poll.
The lone shakeup in the top ten spots of the rankings was Christopher Newport University dropping from fifth to ninth after a pair of losses to DePauw University. Salisbury University remained at second with Linfield University and East Texas Baptist University rounding out the top four.
It was a slow week for the Thunder with just one doubleheader coming against Hiram College, but it ended in another lopsided sweep. The two teams were close in game one, before Trine pulled away in the sixth inning for a 10-3 victory. Game two was all for the home team with a 9-0 run-rule win.
Karley Trine led the way offensively posting six RBIs during the two games. Debbie Hill got the win in game one with eight strikeouts and the three earned runs. Game two went to Alexis Michon also with eight strikeouts, but also the shutout.
The team is set to enter Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) competition when they next take the diamond. They are scheduled to travel to Kalamazoo College on Saturday, April 6 for their next doubleheader with a 1 p.m. first pitch.