Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS

Softball 4/29/2026 4:31:00 PM Savanna Disbrow, Assistant Manager of Athletic Communications

Final Regular Season Test Awaits Panthers vs. Ferris State

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport softball celebrated its six seniors in style on Saturday, April 25, securing its first GLIAC doubleheader sweep of the season against Roosevelt.

The Panthers opened the day with a dramatic 1–0 walk-off victory, as Madison Cole delivered in the bottom of the seventh to seal the win. Davenport carried that momentum into Game 2, where an offensive surge powered an 8–0 run-rule victory in five innings. Chloe Parker led the charge with two home runs, highlighting a dominant all-around performance on Senior Day.

Davenport returned to action Sunday against Wisconsin-Parkside, dropping a narrow 4–3 decision in Game 1 before responding with a thrilling 6–5 walk-off win in the finale. Cole once again sparked the late-game rally, creating chaos on the basepaths with a perfectly placed bunt that led to a misplay. Moments later, graduate student Kailyne Luna delivered the game-winner, as her walk-off knock deflected off the pitcher's glove and beat the throw at second to cap another comeback victory.

The weekend marked a pivotal stretch for the Panthers, who entered needing a strong showing to create separation in the tightly contested GLIAC standings. With key matchups against fellow contenders like Wayne State and Parkside impacting the race, Davenport capitalized with crucial wins to strengthen its hold on a postseason position.

Davenport will close out the regular season at home with a four-game series against Ferris State. Meanwhile, Wayne State faces Saginaw Valley State and Parkside takes on Roosevelt, with each series carrying significant implications in the race for the final GLIAC Tournament spots.

Top Panthers from the Weekend

Chloe Bruman went 5-for-10 at the plate, scoring three runs and adding an RBI to spark the Panther offense.
Chloe Parker matched that production, finishing 5-for-10 with two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBI in a dominant weekend at the plate.
In the circle, Hannah Tahaney, Kayla Widner, and Alaina Schwanke each played key roles in Davenport's success.
- Tahaney carried the bulk of the workload, starting Game 1 on both days and totaling 14.0 innings pitched. She allowed just 11 hits while striking out 13 across her outings.
- Widner turned in one of her strongest performances of the season, tossing a near-complete game shutout in the Game 2 win over Roosevelt. The freshman logged 6.1 innings, allowing just one hit—a bunt single in the first—and kept the Lakers off the board.
- Schwanke earned her sixth win of the season, delivering 5.2 innings of work without allowing an earned run in the walk-off victory over Parkside.

Scouting the Opponents
Ferris State

Ferris State is currently ranked second in the GLIAC, holding a 15–7 record in GLIAC Ferris State is currently ranked second in the GLIAC, holding a 15–7 record in conference play and sitting at 29–18 overall. The Bulldogs enter the weekend on a five-game winning streak, highlighted by a 3–2 victory over league-leading Saginaw Valley State.
The Bulldogs have been one of the top offensive teams in the conference, totaling 268 runs this season while posting a .385 on-base percentage. They have also hit 29 home runs as a team, with Ava Gardner and Emma Gillard leading the way with eight apiece.
Individually, Ferris State features several of the GLIAC's top hitters. Ava Gardner ranks seventh in the conference with a .378 batting average, while Alexis Kozlowski sits ninth at .373. Gardner also ranks fifth in slugging percentage at .655, just ahead of Gillard, who is seventh at .620. Gillard leads the GLIAC with 47 RBI, while Kozlowski and Gardner are tied for the conference lead in doubles with 13 apiece. Ella McDonald adds to the offensive depth, ranking fourth in the GLIAC with 35 runs scored.
In the circle, Cecelia Bell leads Ferris State with 73 strikeouts, anchoring a pitching staff that has helped the Bulldogs maintain consistent success throughout the season.
Historically, Davenport holds a 23–11 advantage in the series since 2012, though Ferris State won both matchups against the Panthers during the 2025 season.

Live Coverage:
May 1st: Live Stats // Livestream

Alumnae Day: Teams 1 & 2 of the program will be honored after Game 1.
May 2nd: Live Stats // Livestream

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#9 Madison Cole: C/IF; 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R

#8 Kailyne Luna: IF; 5' 6"; Graduate Student; R/R

#99 Alaina Schwanke: P/IF; 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R

#27 Hannah Tahaney: P; 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R

#5 Chloe Bruman: OF; 5' 9"; Freshman; L/R

#17 Chloe Parker: C; 5' 3"; Sophomore; R/R

#23 Kayla Widner: P; 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#9 Madison Cole
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R
: C/IF

#8 Kailyne Luna
: 5' 6"; Graduate Student; R/R
: IF

#99 Alaina Schwanke
: 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R
: P/IF

#27 Hannah Tahaney
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R
: P

#5 Chloe Bruman
: 5' 9"; Freshman; L/R
: OF

#17 Chloe Parker
: 5' 3"; Sophomore; R/R
: C

#23 Kayla Widner
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R
: P