Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS

Justice Steiner

Softball 3/26/2025 11:53:00 AM Justice Steiner, Manager of Athletic Communications

Preview: Panthers Prep for Home Opener

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - After beginning the season with 24 road games, the Davenport University softball team has three home doubleheaders this week. The Panthers (11-13, 2-2 GLIAC) are set to take on Ferris State (Wednesday), Grand Valley State (Saturday) and Purdue Northwest (Sunday).

Last week, sophomore Hailey Whisman eclipsed 100 career strikeouts. The Jackson, Mich. native has posted a team-high 15 wins this season with a 3.28 ERA and 51 strikeouts.

Scouting the Opponents
Ferris State (12-6, 1-1 GLIAC)
Series Record: DU leads 21-9
Last Meeting: 4/13/24 - Davenport defeated Ferris State 4-1 in Big Rapids, Mich.
About the Bulldogs

Finished last season 25-27 overall with a 12-12 record in conference play. It marked the most wins the Bulldogs have had in eight years.
FSU returned its top player from a season ago, Alexis Kozlowski. In 2024, Kozlowski was named the GLIAC Freshman of the year and was a First Team All-GLIAC honoree.
As a team, the Bulldogs have the second-best ERA in the GLIAC (2.60). Now, as a sophomore, she leads the squad in batting average (.397) while also adding 23 hits, three doubles, four triples, one home run and 15 RBIs.
Have won seven of their previous eight games heading into this week, with their only loss coming to Wayne State.
Picked to finish third in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Grand Valley State (11-15, 2-2 GLIAC)
Series Record: GVSU leads 26-2
Last Meeting: 4/20/24 - Grand Valley State defeated Davenport 7-2 in Caledonia, Mich.
About the Lakers

In 2024, GVSU ended the season with a 37-18 overall record, going 16-8 in GLIAC play. The Lakers fell in the NCAA Midwest Regional to Trevecca Nazarene, 7-1.
Senior Morgan Spicer is the top returner from last season's squad. The infielder earned First Team All-GLIAC honors in 2024.
In the circle, Nevaeh Ingram is the top returner, posting a 7-0 record and a 1.82 ERA a season ago.
So far this season, freshman Madelynn Pope is leading the GVSU offense, batting .347 (26-for-75) with 12 runs, three doubles, six triples and 12 RBIs.
Enter the week off a pair of losses to Parkside on Saturday, March 22.
Picked to finish second in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Purdue Northwest (6-17-1, 1-3 GLIAC)
Series Record: PNW leads 13-10
Last Meeting: 4/27/24 - Purdue Northwest defeated Davenport 4-0 in Caledonia, Mich.
About the Pride

Last season, PNW finished the year 33-22 overall, going 15-9 in GLIAC action.
PNW returned only two of their seven All-GLIAC honorees from last season; Kylie Dugan (First Team) and Amanda DeBoer (Honorable Mention). The duo is now leading the squad in batting average this season, Dugan batting .420 (21-for-50) while DeBoer is batting .406 (28-for-69).
Freshman Kylie Madura earned week five GLIAC Player of the Week honors (March 17).
Rylan Gick leads the Pride in the circle, currently sitting at a 4.74 ERA with two wins and 40 strikeouts, all of which are team-highs.
Enter the week on a three-game losing streak.
Picked to finish fourth in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Live Coverage
Wednesday, March 26 vs. Ferris State (3:00 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats
Saturday, March 29 vs. Grand Valley State (1:00 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats
Sunday, March 30 vs. Purdue Northwest (noon) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats

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Players Mentioned

#14 Hailey Whisman: P; 5' 9"; Sophomore; R/R

Players Mentioned

#14 Hailey Whisman
: 5' 9"; Sophomore; R/R
: P

Players Mentioned

#14 Hailey Whisman

Players Mentioned

#14 Hailey Whisman