ANGOLA, IND.-- The Trine softball team has climbed into a tie for the no. 5 national ranking in the latest NFCA Division III Top 25 Poll, which was released Wednesday.
With 160 points, the Thunder find themselves in a tie with Luther for the fifth spot in the poll. Last week, Trine extended their winning-streak to 15 games with a sweep over Ohio Northern. The ranking is the highest for Trine this season and comes on the heels of the team being ranked sixth in last week's poll. The Thunder are 16-1 overall this season, with their lone loss coming to 12th-ranked Coe. The NFCA Division III Top 25 Poll is selected by eight NCAA Division III head coaches representing the eight NCAA regions. Votes reflect games played through Monday.
As a team, Trine ranks second in the nation in home runs per game (1.12), third in scoring (9.24 runs per game) and second in slugging percentage (.599). The team's .367 batting average ranks 22nd in the nation. The Thunder also rank 20th in doubles per game (2.12) and 23rd in steals per game (2.29).
Leadoff-hitter Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) ranks among the nation's best in numerous categories. Her seven triples rank second in the nation and third in triples per game. The junior ranks second in runs per game (1.94), 18th in slugging percentage (.983), 27th in on-base percentage (.620) and 30th in batting average (.550).
Leading the power surge has been sophomore Kaitlyn Clark (Mount Juliet, Tenn./Wilson Central). Clark's seven home runs rank eighth in the nation. The left fielder is batting .357 and has driven home 24 runs.
Bree Fuller (Hubbardston, Mich./Fulton) has led Trine with solid performances in the circle this season. The junior's 80 strikeouts rank 16th in the nation, while 9.7 strikeouts per seven rate is 17th. Fuller is 9-1 with a 2.17 ERA this season.
The Thunder open MIAA-play tomorrow when they host Kalamazoo at 3:30 p.m. Also on tap for this weekend is a pair of games against MIAA-foe Olivet Saturday afternoon.