DETROIT (3-26-25) – Fresh off their #HLSB series win over Youngstown State, the Detroit Mercy softball team hits the road for a series at Purdue Fort Wayne. The Titans and Mastodons will play a doubleheader on Thursday, Mar. 27 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. followed by the series finale on Friday, Mar. 27 with the game time to be determined due to possible weather in the Fort Wayne, Ind. area.

Logging in the miles:
The Titans racked up the miles in their 16-game season-opening road trip.
Detroit, Mich. to Chicago, Ill. round trip - 566 mi.
Detroit, Mich. to Lubbock, Tex. round trip – 2,746 mi.
Detroit, Mich. to Huntsville, Ala. – 649 mi.
Huntsville, Ala. to Florence, Ala. – 72.9 mi.
Florence, Ala. to Detroit, Mich. – 665 mi.
Total Roundtrip Miles Traveled: 4,698.9 miles
 
Last time out:
Game 19 - Detroit Mercy 1 vs YSU 2 (8 Inn.) – Mar. 22, 2025:
Freshman Erin Flynn had a solid performance in the circle, tossing seven scoreless innings with two strikeouts while allowing her only two runs off a double in the top of the eighth inning as Detroit Mercy came up short in a 2-1 setback against Youngstown State in the series finale at Buysse Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.
 
Freshman Wendy Ketola went 1-for-3 with a clutch RBI double in the bottom of the eighth inning. Juniors Jenna Holt and Trinity Fessler, along with freshmen Natalie Babcock and Allison Fluker, each accounted for a hit to round out the five total for UDM (5-15, 2-1HL). The Titans were also held scoreless for seven innings by YSU (5-25, 1-5 HL) pitcher Kelsey Orin.
 
Game 17 - Detroit Mercy 6 vs YSU 5 | Game 18- Detroit Mercy 7 vs YSU 6 – Mar. 21, 2025:
Freshman Natalie Babcock had quite the breakout performance, leading Detroit Mercy to a 6-5 and 7-6 #HLSB doubleheader sweep over Youngstown State in home opening action on Friday at Buysse Ballpark. In game one, Babcock hit 2-for-3 with three RBI, connecting on a two-run shot for her first career home run with an RBI single. In the nightcap, she went 2-for-4 with her first career double and delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning.  
 
Junior Trinity Fessler went a combined 4-for-7 with three two RBI, a double, and a run scored. Freshman Erin Flynn picked up her second win of the season, tossing 5.2 shutout innings in relief, allowing only three scattered hits with a career-best six strikeouts in game one. In game two, senior Jordan Kavanagh also picked her second win in relief with two strikeouts in 2.2 innings of work.
 
Redshirt sophomore Lauren Creon had hit in each game including an RBI double. Sophomore Jada Davis had a hit in game one and went 2-for-4 with an RBI in game two. Freshman Wendy Ketola hit 2-for-2 with an RBI double, run scored, and walk while junior Jenna Holt had two total hits and a pair of RBI in the nightcap.
 
Offensive Production:
YSU Series:
• Babcock Hit .500, going 5-for-10 overall with a home run, three RBI, and three runs to lead Detroit Mercy to their first #HLSB series win over YSU.
• Had quite the breakout performance, leading Detroit Mercy to a 6-5 and 7-6 #HLSB doubleheader sweep over the Penguins.
• In game one, she hit 2-for-3 with three RBI, connecting on a two-run shot for her first career home run along with an RBI single.
• In the nightcap, Babcock went 2-for-4 with her first career double and delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning.
• Also went 1-for-3 in the series finale.
• Fessler hit a team-best .556, going 5-for-9 with three RBI, a double, a run scored, and two walks.
• Ketola posted a .429 average hitting 3-for-7 with two RBI, two doubles, and four runs scored.
 
Alabama A&M DH and UNA Tournament:
• Freshman Allison Fluker started in all seven games for the week, hitting .294, going 5-for-17 with three RBI, a double, first career home run, and 13 defensive putouts.
• Recorded a hit in four straight games of UDM's State of Alabama road swing.
• Hit her first career home run against Samford.
• Went 1-for-3 with a pair of runs and two RBI, helping Detroit Mercy to a 13-9 come-from-behind win at Alabama A&M for their second consecutive win of the season.
• Also hit 1-for-3 helping the Titans to a 3-2 come-from-behind win at North Alabama, handing the Lions just their fifth loss of the season.
• Freshman Leah Daniels had quite the day hitting 1-for-3 with two a run double, four RBI, and a pair of runs scored, leading in the Titans' 13-9 win at Alabama A&M.
• Redshirt freshman Lauren Creon has a breakout performance, hitting 5-for-10 with two doubles, an RBI, and a run.
• She went 3-for-6 in two games at Alabama A&M with her first career double as a Titan.
• Creon also went 2-for-2 with an RBI double with a run scored in UDM's 3-2 win at North Alabama.
• Sophomore Jada Davis went 1-for-4 with a triple, run, and a pair of RBI in UDM's win at Alabama A&M.
• She also went 2-for-3 belting her first homer of the season along with an RBI double at North Alabama
• Overall, Davis hit .261 with a home run, triple, double and four RBI.
 
Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic at Texas Tech:
• Borg hit a team-best .667 with four hits, a run going 3-for-3 with two RBI, including driving in the winning run in the eighth inning, leading the Titans to a 3-2 win over former #HLSB opponent UIC, securing the victory of the season.
• Daniels hit .429 with three hits and an RBI.
• Davis posted a .333 ave. with four hits, a double, and a run.
• Ketola hit .300 with three hits.
• Fessler had two hits with a double.
 
DePaul Rosemont Tournament
• Fluker and Klaft led the team, hitting .364 with four hits each with a double and triple, respectively.
• Fessler hit .333 with four hits and a double.
• Davis hit .250 with a double and two triples with three RBI.
• Keown also hit .250 with two hits with a team-best five RBI while hitting the team's first home run of the season.
 
Double Trouble:
• The Titans have three players led the team in doubles: Fessler (3), Davis (3), and Ketola (3) followed by Fluker (2), Babcock (1), Daniels (1), Hoff (1), and Schick (1).
 
Give Em' Three Bags:
• Davis hit a pair of triples at the DePaul Rosemont Tournament against Butler (2/8) and St. Thomas (2/9) to lead the team (3).
• Klaft hit her first career triple against WIU (2/8).
• Wendy Ketola posted her first career triple at Alabama (3/6).
 
It's Long Gone:
• Keown hit her first career home run (and the team's first of the season) against WIU (2/8.)
• Fluker posted her first career home run against Samford (3/7).
• Davis also belted her first homer of the season against Samford (3/7).
• Babcock connected on a two-run shot for her first career home run in the series-opening win over YSU (3/21).
 
In the Circle:
• Flynn tossed 12.2 consecutive scores innings over two days with eight strikeouts in Detroit Mercy's #HLSB series win over YSU.
• Picked up her second win of the season, tossing 5.2 shutout innings in relief, allowing only three scattered hits with a career-best six strikeouts in the Titans' 6-5 series-opening win.
• In the series finale, Flynn had another solid performance in the circle, tossing seven scoreless innings with two strikeouts, allowing only two runs off a double in the top of the eighth inning as Detroit Mercy came up short in a 2-1 setback.
• Jordan Kavanagh picked up her first win of the season going the distance, allowing only two runs on five scattered hits with two strikeouts. as Detroit Mercy grinded out a 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the seventh inning at host North Alabama (3/8).
• Freshman Paige Keown picked up her first career and collegiate win in the circle tossing a complete game with four strikeouts while allowing only four earned runs in Detroit Mercy's 13-9 come-from-behind win at Alabama A&M (3/8) for their second consecutive victory of the season.
 
2025 Team Breakdown:
 
Oh Captain, My Captain:
Senior Jordan Kavanaugh, junior Trinity Fessler, and sophomore Claire Borg were named team captains for the 2025 season.
 
2024 Kavanagh Highlights:
• Saw action in 36 games, making 28 starts
• Led the pitching staff in strikeouts (68), complete games (8), and innings pitched (109.2 – 7th HL).
• Earned the win on the mound against Green Bay, giving the Titans their first #HLSB series victory since 2019 (5/4).
• Tossed her third complete game of the season, which proved to be the charm as she picked up her first career win in a Detroit Mercy uniform, allowing only one run on five scattered hits with a strikeout as the Titans locked down a 2-1 Metro Series win over arch-rival Oakland for the first time since the 2019 season (4/11).
• Recorded first career complete game, tossing 6.0 innings with a season-high eight strikeouts at IUPUI (4/6).
• Also went 3-for-7 overall with an RBI double and walk at the plate.
• At the plate, hit .294 in 51 at-bats with two home runs and nine RBI
 
2024 Fessler Highlights:
• Started all 44 games
• Led the team in hits (30), doubles (8), runs (20), walks (19), batting average (.254), slugging percentage (.441), total bases (52), in multi-hit games (7), at-bats (118), and games started (44).
• Ranked second in home runs (4), RBI (11), triples (1), and stolen bases (2).
• Went 2-for-5 with a grand slam home run in the season finale against Green Bay (5/4).
• In game two of the doubleheader, she hit 1-for-2 with three RBI and two walks while coming up huge hitting a clutch two-run double to tie the game in the seventh inning sparking a 5-4 come-from-behind win against NKU (4/27).
• Overall in the DH, she went 3-for-5 with four RBI, two doubles, two walks, and two runs scored while hitting her third home run of the season.
• Went 3-for-3 with a walk in the first game and drew three walks in game two at IUPUI (4/6).
• Hit the team's first triple against EIU (2/25) which also was the first of her career.
• Hit 3-for-4 with two doubles and a pair of runs at North Alabama (3/7).
• Posted a .925 fielding percentage
 
2024 Borg Highlights:
• Played in all 44 games, starting 42
• Ranked second on the team in walks (15)
• Posted her first career hit vs EIU (2/23) and first career double at MTSU (3/3).
• Posted a .933 fielding percentage
• Made 12 appearances on the mound, including four starts
• Drove in two runs at Oakland (4/10)
• Closed the door on the Norse, picking up her first career win in the circle, tossing 1.1 innings in relief helping the Titans to a 5-4 win at NKU (4/27). Borg also hit 1-for-3 in both games, with an RBI in game two.
 
Returning Starters (8)
Junior Jenna Holt, junior Trinity Fessler, sophomore Jada Davis, senior Amanda Schick, sophomore Alexis Hoff, junior Elyssa Adams, sophomore Claire Borg, and senior Jordan Kavanagh.
 
2024 Holt Highlights:
• 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic (CSC) Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Softball Team selection.
• 2024 Valeo #HLSB All-Academic Team Honorable Mention with a 3.85 GPA.
• Started in 37 of 38 games played leading the team in triples (2), stolen bases (4), and sacrifice bunts (4).
• Also finished the season ranking second in batting average (.224), third in runs (13) and walks (8), fourth in hits (22) and at-bats (98), and fifth in total bases (27) and slugging percentage (.276).
• Went 1-for-3 reaching on a fielder's choice to bring home the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning lifting Detroit Mercy to a 3-2 series-opening win over Green Bay (5/3).
• Also ranked third on the team in multi-hit games (4) and reached base in seven consecutive games during the season.
• Hit lead-off triples on consecutive days against MSTU (3/3 & 3/4).
• Hit 2-for-3 against St. Louis (2/24), YSU (3/16) and RMU (4/22).
 
2024 Davis Highlights:
• Appeared and started in all 44 games
• Had quite the season leading the team in RBI (15), home runs (5), and games started (44).
• Ranked second in hits (23), runs (14), total bases (47), doubles (7), slugging percentage (.402), triples (1), sac bunts (3), and at-bats (117) while ranking third in walks (8).
• Hit a pair of home runs against PFW (4/20) for her fourth and fifth of the season.
• Connected on her first career home run at MTSU (3/4) which was UDM's first long ball of the season. Followed with a second in the Titans' 6-2 win over CSU (4/14). Her third long ball was a three-run shot against Toledo (4/18).
• Went 2-for-3 with a double and run scored in UDM's 6-2 win over CSU (4/14).
• Recorded her first career hit against WKU (2/24).
• Posted her first career double with a run scored vs Saint Louis (2/24).
 
2024 Schick Highlights:
• Appeared and started in 42 games
• Ranked third on the team in hits (23), RBI (9), doubles (5), at-bats (109), and total bases (31).
• Ranked fourth in batting (.211), slugging percentage (.284), and home runs (1).
• Went 1-for-2 hitting her first career home run in a Titan uniform at YSU (3/17).
• Had a .926 fielding percentage
 
2024 Hoff Highlights:
• Appeared in 42 games, making 40 starts
• Ranked third on the team in batting (.221) and slugging percentage (.295)
• Also ranked fourth in RBI (7), doubles (4), and total bases (28) and fifth in hits (21).
• Hit first career home run in Titans 3-2 victory over Green Bay (5/4)
• First career hit was a double at MTSU (3/1).
• Recorded a .562 OPS
 
2024 Adams Highlights:
• Named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic (CSC) Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Softball Team.
• Started in all 44 games leading the team in fielding percentage (.977) while ranking second in putouts (116) defensively.
• Posted nine hits, four RBI, and four runs scored.
• Went 1-for-1 with two walks in UDM's 3-2 win over Green Bay (5/3) and added an RBI sacrifice fly in the series-clinching win over the Phoenix (5/4) helping the Titans secure their first #HLSB series win since the 2019 season.
• Went 1-for-3 with a two-run double for the first of her career vs UMES (3/8).
• Recorded first career RBI off a sacrifice fly vs Saint Louis (2/24).
 
Other Returners (4):
Redshirt sophomore Rusti Glenn, redshirt junior Chole Spitzer, junior Avery Paul, sophomore Alicia Avina, and redshirt sophomore Lauren Creon.
 
Fresh Faces (14):
The Titans have 14 newcomers in Natalie Babcock, Jade Blanchard, Leah Daniels, Josalyn Dietlin, Allison Fluker, Erin Flynn, Paige Keown, Wendy Ketola, Abby Klaft, Madeline Hallman, Mia Hubbell, Mikayla La Bounty, Liv Peterson, and Aleah Tanguay.
 
The Skipper Returns:
• Head Coach Dan Vitale returns for his second season at the helm of the Detroit Mercy softball program. Vitale returned to the program in 2024 after helping guide the Titans to the 2019 Horizon League Championship as a Volunteer Assistant Coach.
• Helped the Titans to a series victory over Green Bay, giving them their first #HLSB series win since 2019.
• Led the UDM to a 2-1 Metro Series win over arch-rival Oakland for the first time since the 2019 season (4/11).
 
Coaching Staff Additions:
 
Christina Skalsky (Assistant Coach/Pitching):
Skalsky was named Assistant Coach of the Detroit Mercy softball team in the Fall of 2024 and brings over 20 years of pitching coach experience to the Titans.
 
Skalsky served as Assistant Varsity Coach at L'Anse Creuse North High School for three years (2020-23) and spent 12 years as an Assistant Coach for the Michigan Batbusters travel team (2010-22), helping many student-athletes sign and continue their love to play collegiate softball.
 
Skalsky also spent time as the Pitching Coach at Northwood University in 2005, where she helped guide one of the greatest turnarounds in program history. The 2005 team earned 34 overall wins while going 14-6 in league play, earning the first conference championship in school history. Her pitching staff won the most games while recording the most strikeouts, shutouts, and lowest ERA in school history. The Timberwolves also made their first appearance in the NCAA tournament in program history advancing to the quarterfinals. For their accomplishments, the 2005 team was inducted into the Northwood Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024
 
Tony Misuraca (Assistant Coach/Outfield):
Misuraca was named Assistant Coach of the Detroit Mercy softball team in 2024 and brings 25 years of coaching experience to Titans, including 16 years as the head coach at Sterling Heights Stevenson High School. He earned 444 career victories while leading Stevenson to two Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Red titles, nine district titles, and two regional titles.
 
Under his direction, 39 former Stevenson players went on to play collegiate softball. Misuraca also was inducted into the Macomb County Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2025.
 
2025 Preseason Poll:
For the second consecutive season, Detroit Mercy was picked to finish ninth in the 2025 #HLSB Preseason Poll announced by the league office and voted on by the league's nine coaches. The Titans received 16 overall points.
 
Season Rewind:
 
UNA Tournament Recap:
Game 16 - Detroit Mercy 1 vs ULM 9 (6 Inn.) – Mar. 9, 2025:
Detroit Mercy closed out UNA Tournament play with a 9-1 setback to Louisiana Monroe at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Sophomore Jada Davis recorded the Titans' only hit while junior Trinity Fessler secured an RBI off a sacrifice bunt.
 
Detroit Mercy Grinds Out Win at Northern Alabama after Setback to Louisiana Monroe
Game 14 - Detroit Mercy 0 vs ULM 10 (5 Inn.) | Game 15 - Detroit Mercy 3 at North Alabama 2 – Mar. 8, 2025:
• Redshirt sophomore Lauren Creon went 2-for-2 delivering the game tying RBI double while senior Jordan Kavanagh picked up her first win of the season as Detroit Mercy grinded out a 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the seventh inning at host North Alabama on the second day of UNA Tournament play on Saturday at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium. The Titans fell 13-0 to Louisiana Monroe earlier in the afternoon.
 
• Kavanagh went the distance, allowing only two runs on five scattered hits with two strikeouts. Junior Jenna Holt went 1-for-4 with a run, with freshman Allison Fluker going 1-for-3 with a run. Freshman Allison Fluker also recorded a hit to round out the five total for the Titans (3-12).
 
• Freshmen Wendy Ketola, Abby Klaft, Jade Blanchard and Holt each accounted for one of UDM's four hits against ULM (16-10) in the first game.
 
Game 12 - Detroit Mercy 3 vs Samford 10 | Game 13 - Detroit Mercy 0 at North Alabama 6 – Mar. 7, 2025:
• Freshman Allison Fluker hit her first career home run while sophomore Jada Davis went 2-for-3 belting her first homer of the season along with an RBI double as Detroit Mercy opened UNA Tournament play with a 10-3 setback to Sanford and 6-0 loss to host North Alabama on Friday at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium.
 
• Freshman Wendy Ketola went 1-for-3 with a double while redshirt sophomore Rusti Glenn, junior Jenna Holt, and sophomore Claire Borg each recorded a hit against the Bulldogs (14-7).
 
• Klaft and freshman Allison Fluker recorded the Titans' (2-11) only hits against the Lions (16-3) in the nightcap while Ketola drew two walks.
 
Detroit Mercy Wins Second Straight Game with Doubleheader Split at Alabama A&M
Game 10 - Detroit Mercy 13 at Alabama A&M 9 | Game 11 - Detroit Mercy 2 at Alabama A&M 10 – Mar. 6, 2025:
• Freshman Leah Daniels had quite the day hitting 1-for-3 with two a run double, four RBI and a pair of run scored leading Detroit Mercy to a 13-9 come from behind win in game one doubleheader action at Alabama A&M securing the second straight win of the season on Thursday afternoon at Bulldog Softball Field. Freshman Paige Keown picked up her first career win in the circle tossing a complete game with four strikeouts while allowing only four earned runs. The Titans dropped the nightcap 10-2.
 
• UDM (2-9) racked up a season-high 13 hits as sophomore Jada Davis went 1-for-4 with a triple, run and a pair of RBI while freshman Allison Fluker went 1-for-3 with a pair of runs and two RBI. Freshman Wendy Ketola posted her first career triple with two runs scored. Redshirt sophomore Lauren Creon, freshman Natalie Babcock, also recorded a hit while junior Trinity Fessler had a pair of runs and two walks.
 
Detroit Mercy Grinds Out First Win of the Season with Doubleheader Split
Game 9 - Detroit Mercy 3 vs UIC 2 (8 inn.) – Feb. 22, 2025:
• Sophomore Claire Borg came up clutch, going 3-for-3 with two RBI, including driving in the winning run in the eighth inning, leading the Titans to a 3-2 win over former #HLSB opponent UIC, securing the victory of the season.
• UDM racked up a season-high eight hits as sophomore Jada Davis went 2-for-4 with a run while junior Trinity Fessler went 1-for-4 with a run. Freshmen Allison Fluker and Natalie Babcock each recorded a hit, while Leah Daniels secured an RBI off a sacrifice fly.
• Freshman Erin Flynn was solid in the circle, tossing 7.0 innings with four strikeouts, allowing two runs (one earned), picking up her first career win.
• Senior Jordan Kavanagh picked up the save, keeping the Flames off the board in the eighth inning.
 
Game 8 - Detroit Mercy 0 vs UTEP 2 – Feb. 22, 2025:
• UDM had seven hits with Fessler and Davis each hitting a double but came up on the short end of a pitcher's duel, only surrendering both runs off a pair of wild pitches.
 
Game 6 - Detroit Mercy 0 at #12 Texas Tech 10 | Game 7 - Detroit Mercy 0 at #12 Texas Tech 20 (5 inn.) – Feb. 21, 2025:
• In game one, freshman Madeline Hallman broke up Texas Tech (10-3) pitcher Bailey Lindermuth's no-hit bid with a single to the shortstop. Freshman Wendy Ketola recorded Detroit Mercy's (0-7) second hit of the contest with a single to center field in the sixth inning.
 
• In the nightcap, freshman Leah Daniels accounted for half of the Titans' four hits going 2-for-2 while sophomore Jada Davis and freshman Wendy Ketola added a hit each.
 
DePaul Rosemount Dome Tournament Recap:
Game 4 - Detroit Mercy 1 vs St. Thomas 3 | Game 5 - Detroit Mercy 2 vs Valparaiso 7 – Feb. 9, 2025:
• Sophomore Jada Davis hit her second triple of the weekend
• Junior Trinity Fessler went 2-for-6 overall with an RBI and walk as Detroit Mercy fell in walk-off fashion with a 3-1 setback to St. Thomas.
• Freshman Paige Keown came up on the short end of a pitcher's duel tossing 6.1 innings with two strikeouts against St. Thomas.
• Senior Jordan Kavanagh picked up the loss against Valparaiso with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work.
• Freshman Allison Fluker posted a hit in each game
• Redshirt Sophomore Lauren Creon, and freshmen Abby Klaft and Leah Daniels each recorded a hit.
 
Game 2 - Detroit Mercy 6 vs Western Illinois 8 | Game 3 - Detroit Mercy 5 vs Butler 13 (5. Inn.) – Feb. 8, 2025:
• Freshman Paige Keown hit 1-for-3, connecting on a three-run homer along with a sacrifice fly to post four RBI
• Freshman Abby Klaft went 3-for-4 with an RBI triple and a pair of runs scored.
• Freshman Natalie Babcock went 1-for-3 with a RBI double and two runs scored.
• Junior Trinity Fessler hit one of three doubles for the Detroit Mercy while junior Elyssa Adams accounted for one of the Titans' six total hits.
• Freshman Erin Flynn made her first career start in the circle, going 4.2 innings with two strikeouts in the no-decision effort.
• Sophomore Jada Davis led the way in the nightcap, going 2-for-2 with three RBI off a two-run double and RBI triple.
• Freshman Allison Fluker added an RBI single
• Freshman Wendy Ketola added an RBI groundout.
 
Game 1: Detroit Mercy 0 vs DePaul 1 – Feb. 7, 2025:
• Senior pitcher Jordan Kavanagh went the distance, tossing 6.0 innings with seven strikeouts in the season opener. 
 
• The Blue Demons (1-1) scored the only in the bottom of the sixth inning with an RBI triple and retired the Titans (0-1) in the top of the seventh to earn the victory. Detroit Mercy's best scoring chance came in the top of the fourth. However, the Titans grounded into a fielder's choice and failed to plate any runs across. 
 
• The red, white, and blue registered three hits. Freshman Liv Peterson was 1-of-3, while fellow freshman Allison Fluker was 1-of-2, and freshman Wendy Ketola also went 1-of-2 with a walk. It was the first collegiate hits of their careers for all three players. Junior Trinity Fessler drew a walk, while junior Jenna Holt stole a base.