LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Trine University softball team was once again selected as the best team in the country according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Coaches Poll, remaining the only team to hold the top spot this season.
The rankings went largely unchanged this time around, with the top 15 holding firm and only one change among the top 21 teams. That change occurred at 16th where Tufts changed places with Pfeiffer. Salisbury University remained at second with Linfield University and East Texas Baptist University rounding out the top four.
The Thunder played just two games this past week, sweeping Kalamazoo College to open the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) portion of their schedule. Alexis Michon was the standout for the team, earning MIAA Pitcher of the Week after her start in the second game. She pitched the complete five innings of the game as the Thunder earned an 8-0 victory. Michon allowed just three baserunners, two on hits and one on a walk, while striking out seven.
Earlier last week, the NFCA announced that Ninety-eight student-athletes from across the country were tabbed as potential candidates as part of the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division III Pitcher and Player of the Year watchlist. Four members of the Trine squad were among the names, including Michon, Debbie Hill, Macy Rocha, and Tyra Marcum.
The team is set to face Adrian College this afternoon in their second MIAA doubleheader. The Bulldogs distinguished themselves as a strong contender in the conference after sweeping Calvin University last weekend. The Knights were runners-up last year in both regular season and tournament play. Game one of the doubleheader at Adrian is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 9.