Muskingum Softball Set for NCAA Swarthmore Regional

The Muskingum softball team (29-10) heads to Pennsylvania this week ready to make noise in the NCAA Swarthmore Regional, opening play Thursday at 1:30 p.m. against Case Western (27-12). The regional field features No. 15 Swarthmore (33-8) as the host, along with Messiah (29-15) and Case Western, setting up a competitive bracket with plenty of familiarity for the Muskies.

The tournament will be conducted in a double-elimination format, with the regional champion advancing to next week's NCAA Super Regional. Muskingum enters the postseason with confidence, having posted a 2-1 combined record this season against two of the four teams in the bracket: Messiah and Case Western. The Muskies earned a key 3-2 victory over Messiah at the Space Coast Games and later split a home doubleheader with Case Western, proving they can compete with the region's top programs.

Offensive Leaders
Muskingum's success has been fueled by one of the most productive lineups in the region.
• Senior Cara Taylor (.530, 71 H, 53 R, 32 RBI, .828 SLG)
Taylor has been the centerpiece of the Muskie offense, hitting a blazing .530 with 71 hits and 53 runs scored. She leads the team in doubles (24) and total bases (111) while adding 20 stolen bases.
• Junior Bethany Rodman (.416, 5 HR, 30 RBI, .663 SLG)
Rodman provides power in the middle of the order, batting .416 with five home runs and 30 RBIs. Her .663 slugging percentage makes her a constant extra-base threat.
• Freshman Payton Hochradel (.370, 34 H, 29 R)
Hochradel is hitting .370 with 34 hits and 29 runs scored.
• Sophomore Kasey Timko (.364, 48 H, 36 RBI)
Timko brings consistency and clutch production, batting .364 with 48 hits and a team-high 36 RBIs.
• Senior Elizabeth Wauford (.339, 24 RBI, .508 SLG)
Wauford rounds out the top contributors, hitting .339 with 24 RBIs and a .508 slugging percentage.

Pitching Leaders
Muskingum's pitching staff has complemented the offense with balance and reliability heading into postseason play.
• Junior Bethany Rodman (12-4, 3.09 ERA, 111.0 IP, 45 SO)
Rodman leads the team with 12 wins with a 3.09 ERA.
• Junior Tareyn Born (8-5, 3.55 ERA, 75.0 IP, 45 SO)
Born has delivered valuable innings with an 8-5 record.
• Freshman Dani Wright (7-1, 3.45 ERA, 44.2 IP)
Wright has been highly efficient, posting a 7-1 record and adding much depth to the Muskie rotation.

Regional Schedule
Day 1 – Thursday, May 14
Game 1: #15 Swarthmore vs. Messiah (11 a.m.)
Game 2: Case Western vs. Muskingum (1:30 p.m.)

Day 2 – Friday, May 15
Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 (11 a.m.)
Game 4 (elimination): Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 (1:30 p.m.)
Game 5 (elimination): Winner of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 3 (4:00 p.m.)

Day 3 – Saturday, May 16
Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 (11 a.m.)
Game 7 (if necessary): Game 6 Teams (1:30 p.m.)