May 1, 2008

The Wayne State University softball team (29-14 overall and GLIAC Co-Champions at 16-4) advanced one place in the NCAA Division II regional rankings this week to fourth. SIU-Edwardsville, the defending national champions and winners of 14 straight, is first and is followed by Lewis (GLVC regular-season champion) and Saginaw Valley (GLIAC third-place team at 14-6/30-14 overall).

Behind WSU are Indianapolis (34-24), Ferris State (GLIAC Co-Champions at 16-4), West Virginia Wesleyan (WVIAC regular-season champions), Southern Indiana (31-21), Missouri S&T (GLVC third-place team) and Ashland (GLIAC fourth-place team). Click here for complete regional polls.

The Warriors are ranked 22nd in this weeks NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll released on April 30.

In terms of national team and individual statistics released this week by the NCAA:

WSU is 10th in earned-run average (1.32), 37th in doubles per game (1.58), 47th in winning percentage (.674) and 89th in double plays per game (0.26).

Senior pitcher Molly Yetman (Cambridge, Ont.) is third in both earned-run average (0.76) and hits allowed per seven innings (3.4). She is 10th in strikeouts per seven innings (9.7) and 24th in victories (22).

Sophomore hurler Nicole Abel (Kitchener, Ont.) is 22nd in saves with three.

Senior catcher Sarah Berry (Acton, Ont.) is 89th in doubles per game (0.31), while sophomore Stephanie LeClair (Kitchener, Ont.) is 54th in toughest to strikeout (once ever 21 at bats).

Wayne State begins GLIAC tournament play at noon on Friday versus Gannon. The 2008 GLIAC tournament is being played at Emerson Park in Midland.