SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel Softball opens their 37th year of competition on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 31/Feb. 1), traveling south to San Antonio to take on the reigning NAIA National Champions and current #1 ranked team, the Saints of Our Lady of the Lake.
SERIES HISTORY
Evangel is 1-2 all-time against the Saints, having most recently faced off with the southern team back in the 2011 season, falling 1-2 in extra innings.
OPENING STORYLINES
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Evangel is coming off a 37-9 campaign in the 2024 season, claiming the regular season and conference tournament title.
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The Valor qualified for the national tournament for the first time since 2008 last season, earning a three seed in the San Antonio pod, with #1 OLLU serving as the host.
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Jay Halbrook enters his tenth season at the helm for the Valor, where he boasts a 232-164-1 record as head coach.
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The Valor will look to replace graduating shortstop Megan Stone, center fielder Annslee Leeviraphan, and pitcher Ashland Diggs this upcoming season.
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Evangel returns several infielders from last season, including all-conference second baseman Kenna Mayfield, who batted a team high .401 last season. Ellie Facklam (KCAC Gold Glover) and Lauren Dill (11 RBIs) return for the Valor after playing third base and first base, respectively.
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In the outfield for EU, Naomi Perkins (12 SBs) and Danielle Cutbirth (11 SBs) return, looking to build off their 2024 campaigns.
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Quite possibly Evangel's biggest strength returns this season with conference pitcher of the year Maddy Meierer (1.44 ERA), as well as first team all-conference reliever Madi Bentley (1.37 ERA) returning to the circle. Catcher Karlie Romines completes the battery for Evangel, after batting .324 last season with a team high six home runs.
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Also returning this season for Evangel is Sarah Boyd (1.50 ERA), Sarah Wilkinson (2.93 ERA), Autumn Nold (12 runs scored), Kristyn Ramos (2.000 OPS), Riley Johannes (15 RBIs in 34 ABs), Dakota Hale (0 errors), Reagan Jenkins (3 RBIs), Keeley Aaron (11 runs scored) and Hayleigh Shubert (1B).
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The Valor add transfer newcomers Camryn Casey (OF) and Karli Facklam (INF), as well as freshmen Bodie Smith (P), Marli Perkins (UTIL), Adison Honeycutt (P), and Katie Harper (1B).
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Evangel is 4-5 in season openers under Coach Halbrook.
LOOKING AHEAD
Evangel Softball competes in their first of three tournament in Branson, Mo., on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 7/8), taking on Saint Mary of the Woods College to open the Branson Bash at 1:00 p.m.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.
