Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS

Walter Cronk

Softball 2/15/2024 1:26:00 PM Justice Steiner, Manager of Athletic Communications

Preview: Softball Begins 2024 Campaign at Music City Invitational

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University softball team is to embark on its 2024 campaign, heading south to Smyrna, Tenn. for the Music City Invitational. The Panthers will play five games over the weekend, starting with Harding on Friday (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m.

It is a new-look Panther team, as they head into the opening weekend with 10 newcomers (seven freshmen and three transfers). Former familiar foe Alexis Gills will now be a key piece for Davenport this year. The third baseman spent four years at Saginaw Valley State, garnering Second Team All-GLIAC and All-Region honors in her final year with the Cards.

As far as returning players, graduate Hayley Kreiger leads the way. The first baseman garnered First Team All-GLIAC and Second Team All-Region (D2CCA) in 2023. She led the team in OPS (1.070), slugging percentage (.625), doubles (7), home runs (8), RBIs (38) and total bases (38) a season ago. The South Haven, Mich. native also recorded the first cycle in school history, doing it in order against Purdue Northwest (April 29).

DU returns three other All-GLIAC performers: Kelsey Byers (Second Team), Becca Daoust (Honorable Mention), and Riley Hasseld (Honorable Mention).

DU Tournament Schedule
Harding (4-4, 0-0 GAC)
Friday (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m.
About the Lady Bisons

Ended their 2023 campaign with a 46-14 overall record, going 26-7 in conference play.
Finished as the GAC regular season champions for the first time in program history in 2023.
Fell in NCAA Central Region Finals against No. 4 Central Oklahoma to end their season.
The Bison return three All-GAC performers; second baseman Adi Reese, outfielder Sammie Greene and designated player Morgan Max.

Cedarville (0-3, 0-0 G-MAC)
Friday (Feb. 16) at noon
About the Yellow Jackets

Finished their 2023 season with a 22-26 overall record, going 16-8 in the G-MAC.
Return their top two players from a season ago, Dana Betke and Casey Bertke. The sinister tandem led the squad a season ago, both garnering All-Region honors.
Picked to finish sixth (tied with Northwood) in the G-MAC preseason poll.

Ashland (0-0, 0-0 G-MAC)
Saturday (Feb. 17) at 10 a.m.
About the Eagles

In 2023, Ashland finished with a 21-29 overall record while going 13-11 in conference play.
The Eagles return two all-conference players from last season, Danielle Robbins and Cassidy Shaffer.
Picked to finish eighth in the G-MAC preseason poll.

Northwood (0-0, 0-0 G-MAC)
Saturday (Feb. 17) at noon
About the Timberwolves

In 2023, NU finished 34-24 while going 15-9 in conference action.
The Timberwolves return two All-Conference honorees in Jillian Krawczak (outfield) and Ashley Ziel (designated player/outfield).
Picked to finish sixth (tied with Cedarville) in the G-MAC preseason poll.

Quincy (0-0, 0-0 GLVC)
Sunday (Feb. 18) at 10 a.m.
About the Hawks

Concluded their 2023 campaign with a 22-22 overall record, going 13-11 in GLVC action.
Did not return any of their three All-GLVC performers from last season.
Picked to finish ninth in the GLVC preseason poll.

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Players Mentioned

#28 Kelsey Byers: P; 5' 7"; Graduate Student; R/R

#77 Becca Daoust: UT; 5' 4"; Junior; L/R

#5 Riley Hasseld: OF; 5' 7"; Junior; L/R

#13 Hayley Kreiger: IF; 6' 1"; Graduate Student; R/R

#2 Alexis Gills: INF; 5' 5"; Graduate Student; R/R

Players Mentioned

#28 Kelsey Byers
: 5' 7"; Graduate Student; R/R
: P

#77 Becca Daoust
: 5' 4"; Junior; L/R
: UT

#5 Riley Hasseld
: 5' 7"; Junior; L/R
: OF

#13 Hayley Kreiger
: 6' 1"; Graduate Student; R/R
: IF

#2 Alexis Gills
: 5' 5"; Graduate Student; R/R
: INF