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Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
Lindsay Goodman
Walter Cronk

Softball Justice Steiner, Assistant Manager of Athletic Communications

Softball Weekly Preview: Panthers Prep for Busy Week, Set to Begin GLIAC Play

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -  The Davenport softball team returns to action for the first time since March 5 with three doubleheaders in six days on slate. The Panthers (5-12, 0-0 GLIAC) head to Ohio to matchup against Ashland on Tuesday, followed by a pair of home games on Saturday and Sunday against Purdue Northwest and Parkside.

The Panthers had a hot start to the season, winning three of their first four and 12 of their last 15 games dating back to April 23, 2022. Although they have experienced some bumps in the road since the opening weekend, DU has been able to remain competitive as nearly half of its losses have come by two runs or less (5 of 12).

Player Notes: 
Gabby Palazzolo: 
  • The senior broke the single-game home run record with three (all inside the park) in the second contest of the season against Findlay, leading DU to a 5-3 victory (Feb. 18). 
  • Eclipsed 200 career hits against Illinois Springfield (March 5).
  • Second highest batting average on the team with .411 (23-for-56).
  • All-time leader in career stolen bases (64) and leads the team on the season (7).
  • GLIAC Player of the Week in week one (Feb. 21).

Emma Miller 
  • The ptcher recorded a career-high in strikeouts (10) against Illinois Springfield (March 5). Leads the team in strikeouts on the season with 38.
  • Has moved to sixth all-time in career strikeouts (204).

Hayley Kreiger
  • Recorded first career home run against Illinois Springfield (March 5).
  • The only player on the team that has recorded a double, triple, and a home run this season.
  • Tied for most RBIs on the team this season with 13.

Scouting the Opponents:
Ashland (4-14, 0-0 G-MAC)
Series Record: Davenport leads 9-3
Last Meeting: 5/6/21 - Davenport defeated Ashland 8-0 (6 Inn.) in Ashland, Ohio. 
About the Eagles:
Ashland ended the 2022 season with a 12-23 overall record, 6-16 record in G-MAC, and finished the year winning three of its final four games. They come into the game off a 10-4 victory over Lock Haven on Friday, March 10.

The Eagles return both of their leading hitters from a season ago, Jordyn Severns and Lauren McMillin, each finishing the 2022 season with 32 hits. Senior Hailey Struckman leads the team this season offensively batting .378 (17-for-45).

In the circle, AU returned one of its two pitchers from the 2022 season, Josie Duncan. As a junior, Duncan registered an 8-18 record, tossing 62 strikeouts and one shutout on the year. This season, she is 1-4 with 10 strikeouts through 30.1 innings pitched. 

Purdue Northwest (16-10, 0-0 GLIAC)
Series Record: Davenport leads 10-5
Last Meeting: 4/30/22 - Davenport defeated Purdue Northwest 3-0 in Hammond, Ind. 
About the Pride:
Finished the 2022 season No. 5 in the GLIAC, posting a 27-17 overall record and a 15-11 record in the conference. PNW enters the game winning five of its last seven games, with both of its losses coming by one run.

Offensively, the Pride are led by senior Selena Michko, batting .431 (31-for-72), eight doubles, and five home runs. As a junior, Michko finished with a team-high batting average of .374 (52-for-139) to go along with eight doubles and 14 home runs. She was a first-team All-GLIAC selection a season ago.

The Pride utilize their depth in the pitching room, with four different pitchers registering at least three wins on the season. All four players returned from last year's squad and have all combined for 99 strikeouts. Gabby Paliska finished the 2022 season with an 8-6 record, tossing a team-high 68 strikeouts, and garnered honorable mention All-GLIAC honors. 

Parkside (9-13, 0-0 GLIAC)
Series Record: Davenport leads 10-3
Last Meeting: 5/2/22 - Davenport defeated Parkside 5-2 at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
About the Rangers:
After finishing the 2022 season 8-41, Parkside has already recorded more wins this season through 22 games than they did a season ago. The Rangers' best stretch of softball came at the Rosemont Dome Tournament from Feb. 23-26. The Rangers ended the weekend with a 4-1 record, with their only loss coming to the University of Minnesota Duluth (3-0). 

Mia Johnson, Cassie Rutledge, and Megan Maza lead the way at the plate, all sitting with 15 hits on the season. Jadynn Powell leads the Rangers in home runs with two to go along with three doubles and a triple. Powell was an honorable mention All-GLIAC performer a season ago.

In the circle, Kiley Akey leads Parkside with a 5-4 record, registering 24 strikeouts, and a 2.25 ERA. The redshirt senior has started nine of the team's 22 games this season. 

Live Coverage: 
Tuesday, March 21 vs Ashland (3 PM) - Live Video - Live Stats
Saturday, March 25 vs Purdue Northwest (1 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats
Sunday, March 26 vs Parkside (noon) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats

 
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Players Mentioned

Emma Miller

#32 Emma Miller

P
5' 6"
Senior
R/L
Gabby Palazzolo

#1 Gabby Palazzolo

IF
5' 5"
Senior
L/R
Hayley Kreiger

#13 Hayley Kreiger

IF
6' 1"
Graduate Student
R/R

Players Mentioned

Emma Miller

#32 Emma Miller

5' 6"
Senior
R/L
P
Gabby Palazzolo

#1 Gabby Palazzolo

5' 5"
Senior
L/R
IF
Hayley Kreiger

#13 Hayley Kreiger

6' 1"
Graduate Student
R/R
IF