Muskies Receive Votes in Latest NFCA/GoRout D3 Top 25 Poll
The Muskingum Softball team received seven votes in the NFCA/GoRout Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll ahead of this weekends massive matchup against #12 Mount Union.
The Muskies head into this Saturday with a chance to become Ohio Athletic Conference Regular Season Champions when they host #12 Mount Union. They have had an incredible 29-7 overall record and stand 12-2 in conference play. Muskingum has continued to dominate away from home with a 14-4 road record while also posting a 10-2 mark at home. Through 36 games, the Muskies have established themselves as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the region while continuing to receive strong production in the circle.
The Muskies are hitting .347 as a team with 364 hits and 258 runs scored this season. They own a .409 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging percentage while collecting 89 doubles, 11 triples, and 16 home runs.
Senior standout Cara Taylor has continued to lead the offensive attack for Muskingum. Taylor is in the running for player of the year in Division 3, batting an incredible .548 with 68 hits in 124 at-bats while scoring 52 runs. She has driven in 32 runs and leads the team with 23 doubles and five triples while posting a .613 on-base percentage and a remarkable .863 slugging percentage.
Several other Muskies have continued to provide major offensive support throughout the season. Sophomore Kasey Timko is batting .379 with 47 hits and a team-high 36 RBIs. Junior Bethany Rodman is hitting .434 with five home runs and 28 RBIs, while sophomore Emily Travis is batting .324 with 23 RBIs and three home runs. Senior Elizabeth Wauford has also added 24 RBIs and nine doubles this season.
Muskingum has also continued to pressure opposing defenses with its aggressive base running, stealing 54 bases this season.
The Muskies' pitching staff has remained a major factor in the team's success. Muskingum owns a 3.00 team ERA and has limited opponents to a .249 batting average while recording 123 strikeouts in 240.2 innings pitched.
Rodman has led the way in the circle with a 12-2 record and a 2.78 ERA in 100.2 innings pitched. She has allowed just 90 hits while striking out 42 batters. Junior Tareyn Born has added an 8-4 record with a 3.14 ERA and 45 strikeouts, while Freshman Dani Wright owns a 7-1 record with 26 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. Freshman Lillian Fillippinie has also been effective with a 1.67 ERA and two saves this season.