DETROIT (4-16-26) – The Detroit Mercy softball team has won their last two #HLSB series over IU Indy and Green Bay and looks to keep the momentum going with a Metro Series showdown at arch-rival Oakland. Titans and Golden Grizzlies doubleheader play on Friday, Apr. 17, at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., followed by a single game on Saturday, Apr. 18, at 12 p.m. on ESPN+.

Leaders of the Pack:
• Junior Jada Davis leads the team in hits (32), ranks second in total bases (42), third in batting average (.308), and runs (18), and fourth in RBI (13).
 
• Senior Trinity Fessler ranks second on the team in RBI (17), slugging percentage (.422), and batting average (.313), and third in hits (26) and total bases (35).
 
• Freshman Hannah Schlachter leads the team in slugging percentage (.519), ranks second in runs scored (22) and total bases (41) while ranking third in RBI (14), fourth in batting average (.267), and fifth in hits (21).
 
• Sophomore Abby Klaft leads the Titans in RBI (17), third in hits (22), and ranks fifth in batting average (.265).
 
• Freshman Jenna Higgins leads the team in batting average (.342), ranks second in hits (26), third in RBI (16), fourth in runs (14), and fifth in total bases (29).
 
• Freshman Savanah Schultz ranks third in slugging percentage (.410), fourth in RBI (14), and fifth in runs (13).
 
Last Time Out: Schultz Powers Titans to Doubleheader Split, Earning #HLSB Series Win Over Green Bay
Game 34: Detroit Mercy 0 vs Green Bay 5 | Game 35: Detroit Mercy 2 vs Green Bay 0 – Apr. 11, 2026:
• After Detroit Mercy fell 5-0 in the first game, freshman Savannah Schultz delivered a dominating double-duty performance in the nightcap, tossing her first complete game shutout of the season with seven strikeouts. She also hit 2-for-2, connecting on her fifth home run of the season, followed by a sacrifice fly, accounting for both runs in the Titans' 2-0 win to secure the #HLSB series win over Green Bay.
• Madeline Hallman went 1-for-2.
• Davis, junior Liv Peterson, and junior Claire Borg each hit 1-for-3 to round out Detroit Mercy's (13-22, 5-4 HL) five total hits.
• Davis and Borg accounted for the only two hits in game one.
• Flynn had a solid outing, going the distance with five strikeouts. Her only mistake came in the sixth inning, surrendering a grand slam home run after two walks and a hit batter to load the bases.
 
Double-Duty Schutz is Sizzling:
• Schultz also leads the pitching staff in wins (9), strikeouts (77), innings pitched (111.2), and complete games (4).
• For the second consecutive week, Schultz went a perfect 2-0, in 11.0 innings of work and 12 total strikeouts.
• Delivered a dominating double-duty performance, tossing her first complete game shutout of the season and ninth win of the season with seven strikeouts, leading Detroit Mercy to a #HLSB series-clinching win over Green Bay.
• She also hit 2-for-2, connecting on her fifth home run of the season, followed by a sacrifice fly, accounting for both runs in the Titans' 2-0 win vs the Phoenix.
• Picked up her eighth win of the season with five strikeouts in 4.0 innings in UDM's 12-7 series-opening win vs Green Bay.
• Went 2-for-5 with two RBI, two runs scored, two stolen bases, and picked up her fourth win in the circle, tossing 5.0 innings in relief with three strikeouts in the Titans' third straight win at Alabama A&M (3/11).
• Had two hits on the day with two RBI and also picked up the win in the circle in game one, going 6.2 innings with a career-best nine strikeouts in UDM's win at Alabama A&M (3/8).
• Picked up her second win of the season, tossing her first career complete game, allowing only three hits and a run with three strikeouts, and also had an RBI groundout to lead Detroit Mercy to a 5-1 win over Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2/27).
• Went 2-for-4 at the plate and picked up her first career win in the circle, going 3.0 innings in relief with a strikeout vs Butler (2/20).
 
Schultz Named Under Armour® #HLSB Pitcher of the Week:
• Schultz was named Under Armour® #HLSB Pitcher of the Week, announced by the league office (4/6).
• Went 2-0 for the week, recording one complete game win and another in relief, tossing 18.0 innings with 14 strikeouts.
• She was dynamite in the circle, tossing 100 pitches over 4.2 innings of relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win in Detroit Mercy's historic 5-4 victory at Michigan State that marked the first time UDM defeated the Spartans and a Big Ten opponent in 18 years since a 9-5 decision at MSU on May 1, 2008.
• Picked up her second consecutive win, going the distance in 6.0 innings of work, recording seven strikeouts, to lead UDM to an 11-3 series-opening win vs IU Indy.
• She tossed 5.0 innings with three strikeouts in the no-decision effort and also hit 2-for-4, blasting a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to cap off Detroit Mercy's 7-6 come-from-behind #HLBS series win over IU Indy after trailing 5-0.
 
Liv Living with the Long Ball:
• Peterson went on quite the tear against MSU (4/1) through Green Bay (4/9), hitting .312, going 5-for-16 with all five hits being home runs with seven RBI and seven runs scored.
• Hit fifth consecutive home run against GB (4/9).
• Had a breakout week, hitting .333, going 4-for-12 with all four hits being home runs with six RBI, five runs scored, 1.333 slugging percentage, and a team-best 16 total bases, helping Detroit Mercy to a 3-1 record for the week vs MSU and IU Indy.
• Picked the perfect time to hit her first career home run with a two-run shot in the third inning to lead Detroit Mercy to a historic 5-4 victory at Michigan State that marked the first time UDM defeated the Spartans and a Big Ten opponent in 18 years since a 9-5 decision at MSU on May 1, 2008.
• Peterson picked up where she left off at MSU, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, belting two home runs with a solo shot in the fourth and a two-run bomb in the sixth, helping the Titans rally from 11-1 down in their game two setback vs IU Indy.
• Went 1-for-4, hitting her fourth home run (third of the series) in the bottom of the seventh inning, sparking UDM's rally in the Titans' 7-6 come-from-behind #HLBS series win over IU Indy after trailing 5-0.
 
S&S Home Run Duo:
• Schlachter and Schultz are tied for the team lead in home runs (5), only needing one more to tie the all-time home run season record for a freshman set by Erin Huddleston with six in 2011.
 
That Ball is Long Gone:
• Peterson (4) and Ketola (4) rank second on the team in homers, followed by Borg (2), Tanguay (2), Fessler (2), and Klaft (1).
 
Double Trouble:
• Davis (6) leads the team in doubles with Schlachter (5) ranking second, followed by Fessler (3), Klaft (3), Higgins (3), Schultz (2), and Babcock (2).
• 12 total players have hit a double.
 
Give Em' Three Bags:
• Davis (2) leads the team in triples, followed by Babcock (1), Fluker (1), and freshman Jaycee Reams (1).
 
Walk it Out:
• Davis (15) also leads the team in walks, Fessler (13) ranks third, and Schlachter (12) second, followed by freshman Addison Pokley (10), Ketola (10), Higgins (10), Babcock (8), Schultz (7), and Klaft (6).
 
Swiping Bags:
Speedy sophomore Wendy Ketola leads the team and league in stolen bases (15) with a perfect 15-for-15 in stolen base attempts.
 
Don't Test Her:
• Fessler leads the team and ranks second in the league, tossing out 10 runners caught stealing.
 
Multi-Hit Madness:
• 14 players have posted multi-hit games, led by Davis (9), followed by Fessler (7), Higgins (5), Klaft (4), Schlachter (4), Schultz (3), Babcock (3), Ketola (3), Fluker (2), Pokley (1), Myer (1), Tanguay (1), Borg (1), and Peterson (1).
 
Crack Open a Five-Pack:
Two players have posted five RBI games:
• Borg sparked a rally (which UDM batted around to rally from 11-1 down with 11 runs in the sixth inning), posting five RBI with a three-run double and the go-ahead two-run homer for a 12-11 lead. However, the Titans would eventually lose 18-12.
• Higgins had a breakout game, going 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored, with a team-best five RBI at Alabama A&M (3/10).
 
Three the Hard Way:
Four players have posted three-RBI games:
• Fessler vs Northwestern (4/8)
• Fessler vs Northwestern (3/14)
• Klaft at Alabama A&M (3/11)
• Schlachter vs Butler (2/20)
 
Three players have recorded three-hit games:
• Fessler (3-4) at YSU (3/20)
• Klaft (3-3) vs Texas A&M Corpus Christi (2/27)
• Klaft (3-5) at YSU (3/21)
• Higgins (3-5) at Alabama A&M (3/10)
 
We're Goin' Streakin':
• Three players have recorded the team's longest hit streak at five games.
• Davis (3/8 UNA – 3/13 UNI).
• Schultz (3/27 PFW – 4/19 NKU).
• Klaft (3/20 Butler – 2/27 Abilene Christian)
 
Ouch!!
• Higgins (7 – 2nd HL) and Schlachter (5) lead the team in being hit by a pitch.
 
In the Circle:
• Sophomore Erin Flynn
• Recorded her second career save, tossing 3.0 innings in relief against Green Bay (4/9).
• Tossed her fourth complete game to secure her fourth win of the season, allowing only three scattered hits with five strikeouts to lead Detroit Mercy to a 3-1 win over Northwestern Ohio.
• Added third win with 2.0 innings in relief with a strikeout against IU Indy (4/4).
• Won her second game of the season in game two, going 6.1 innings with five strikeouts to lock up a doubleheader sweep at Alabama A&M (3/10).
• Flynn was lights out in the circle, tossing 6.0 shutout innings with seven strikeouts and three scattered hits to pick up the complete game win vs Drake (2/6).
 
On the Road Again = Racking Up the Miles:
The Titans racked up the miles in their 28-game season-opening road trip.
Detroit, Mich. to Chicago, Ill., round trip - 566 mi.
Detroit, Mich. to Lubbock, Tex., round trip – 2,746 miles
Detroit, Mich. to Florence, Ala. – 655 miles
Florence, Ala. to Huntsville, Ala. – 73 miles
Huntsville, Ala. to Detroit, Mich. – 649 miles
Detroit, Mich. to Highland Heights, Ky., round trip - 540 miles
Detroit, Mich. to Youngstown, Ohio, round trip – 454 miles
Detroit, Mich. to Bloomington, Ind., round trip – 676 miles
Detroit, Mich. to East Lansing, Mich., round trip – 175 miles
Total Distance Traveled Round Trip: 6,534 miles
 
BIG TEN Times 3:
• UDM's game at MSU marked the third team from the Big Ten Conference that the Titans have played.
• Before the win at MSU (4/1), the last time UDM defeated a team from the Big Ten was ironically a 9-5 decision at Michigan State on May 1, 2008.
• Detroit Mercy dropped a pair of games last weekend at Indiana (3/27 & 3/28).
• The Titans also fell twice against Northwestern at the NKU Tournament (3/14 & 3/14).
 
Season Recap:
 
Titans Blast Three Home Runs in #HLSB Series Opening Win Over Green Bay
Game 33: Detroit Mercy 12 vs Green Bay 7 – Apr. 9, 2026:
• Fessler had a day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI single and a three-run homer.
• Junior Liv Peterson and sophomore Wendy Ketola each connected on one of three home runs in the Titans' 12-7 series-opening win over Green Bay on Thursday afternoon at Buysse Ballpark.
• Peterson finished 1-for-4 with two runs scored and has now hit a home run in three straight games and five total over her last five games. • Higgins also had three hits, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
• Schultz picked up her eighth win of the season with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings of work.
• Flynn recorded her second career save, tossing 3.0 innings in relief.
• Schultz also hit 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
• Borg went 1-for-3, with a pair of RBI off a walk and a single, while freshman Hannah Schlachter hit 1-for-2 with an RBI single.
 
Last Time Out: Flynn Goes the Distance, Leading Titans Over Northwestern Ohio
Game 32: Detroit Mercy 3 vs Northwestern Ohio 1 – Apr. 6, 2026:
• Sophomore Erin Flynn tossed her fourth complete game of the season, allowing only three scattered hits with five strikeouts to lead Detroit Mercy to a 3-1 win over Northwestern Ohio. The second leg of the doubleheader was canceled due to rain and lightning in the area.
• Junior Claire Borg went 1-for-3, hitting her second home run in three games, while freshman Addison Pokley also went 1-for-3 with an RBI single.
• Junior Jada Davis, freshman Hannah Schlachter, sophomore Aleah Tanguay, and senior Elyssa Adams also each hit 1-for-3 to account for four of Detroit Mercy's (11-21) six hits.
 
Schultz Hits Walk-Off Two-Run Homer Giving Titans #HLSB Series Win Over IU Indy
Game 31: Detroit Mercy 7 vs IU Indy 6 – Apr. 4, 2026:
• Schultz went 2-for-4, connecting on a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to cap off Detroit Mercy's 7-6 come-from-behind series win over IU Indy after trailing 5-0 on Saturday afternoon at Buysse Ballpark.
• She also pitched 5.0 innings with three strikeouts in the no-decision effort.
• Higgins was dynamite at the plate, going 4-for-4, with two doubles and three RBI.
• Peterson went 1-for-4, hitting her fourth home run of the week, sparking UDM's rally in the bottom of the seventh inning.
• Fessler's lone hit was a big one as she reached on a single in the bottom of the seventh after Peterson's home run.
• Davis went 2-for-4 with an RBI double.
 
Titans Split Wild Home Opening Doubleheader
Game 29: Detroit Mercy 11 vs IU Indy 3 (6 inn.) | Game 30: Detroit Mercy 12 vs IU Indy 18 – Apr. 3, 2026:
• Tanguay belted a two-run homer, while Schlachter posted a two-run double.
• Babcock hit a two-run single, and freshman Jenna Higgins added two RBI off a single and a double.
• Davis went 3-for-5 on the day with three runs, while Ketola hit 3-for-3 with three runs scored.
• The nightcap was a wild one as UDM batted around to rally from 11-1 down with 11 runs in the sixth inning, sparked by junior Claire Borg, who posted five RBI with a three-run double and the go-ahead two-run homer for a 12-11 lead. However, the Titans couldn't hold on, as the Jags posted seven runs in the top of the seventh to win 18-12 and foil the possible comeback for the ages.
• Tanguay also added a three-run double in the sixth inning, giving her five RBI on the day.
• Peterson picked up where she left off at MSU on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, belting two home runs with a solo shot in the fourth and a two-run bomb in the sixth.
 
No April Fool's: Titans Hold Off Michigan State to Secure First Win Over Spartans and Big Ten Opponent Since 2008
Game 28: Detroit Mercy 5 at Michigan State 4 – Apr. 1, 2026:
• Sophomore Abby Klaft hit a clutch game-winning two-run double in the sixth inning.
• Junior Liv Peterson picked the perfect time to hit her first career home run with a two-run shot in the third inning to lead Detroit Mercy to a historic 5-4 win at Michigan State on Wednesday night at Secchia Stadium.
• The win marked the first time UDM defeated the Spartans and a Big Ten opponent since a 9-5 decision at MSU on May 1, 2008.
• Freshman Savannah Schultz was dynamite in the circle, tossing 100 pitches over 4.2 innings of relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win.
• Klaft and Peterson each finished 1-for-3, while freshman Hannah Schlachter went 1-for-2 with a double, a pair of runs scored, and a walk.
• Senior Trinity Fessler also drew two walks, with junior Jada Davis and sophomore Wendy Ketola drawing a walk each.
 
Game 27: Detroit Mercy 5 at Indiana 7 – Mar. 28, 2026:
• Detroit Mercy bounced back with a solid effort led by Ketola, who belted her third home run of the season, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored as the Titans' seventh-inning rally came up short.
• Davis went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a run scored, while junior Liv Peterson hit 1-for-4 with two RBI.
• Higgins also had one of the UDM's six hits, going 1-for-4 with a run, while sophomore Abby Klaft also added an RBI.
 
Game 26: Detroit Mercy 0 at Indiana 8 (6 Inn.) – Mar. 27, 2026:
• Higgins drew the lone walk for Detroit Mercy.
• Each player in the Titans' lineup had two at-bats, but they were unable to connect against IU pitcher Aubree Hooks, who completed the no-hitter in 6.0 innings of work.
 
Game 24: Detroit Mercy 0 at YSU 8 (5 inn.) (Game 1) | Game 25 Detroit Mercy 4 at YSU 10 (Game 2) – Mar. 21, 2026:
• Schlachter posted UDM's lone hit of the game in the second inning of game one.
• Schlachter also went 2-for-4, belting her team-best fifth home run of the season along with a double in game two.
• Davis, Fessler, Hallman, and Babcock each accounted for one of UDM 's (7-18, 1-2 HL) four hits in the nightcap.
• Schultz added an RBI while Higgins had a run and drew two walks while making a spectacular catch at the center field wall in the third inning.
 
Titans Rally to Lockdown #HLSB Opening Day Win at Youngstown State
Game 23: Detroit Mercy 3 vs Northwestern 8 – Mar. 20, 2026:
• Hallman and Ketola each hit clutch RBI singles, followed by a huge two-run single from freshman Jenna Higgins to cap off a five-run sixth inning rally as Detroit Mercy posted a 9-6 come-from-behind win at Youngstown State in #HLSB opening day action.
• The Titans posted a season-high 15 hits.
• Higgins finished the day going 2-for-5, while Ketola went 2-for-4 and Hallman went 1-for-1 with a run scored.
• Fessler led the Titans at the plate, going 4-for-3 with a double, RBI, and a walk
• Klaft also had three hits, going 3-for-5 with an RBI.
• Davis hit 1-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored
• Babcock hit 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored, while Schlachter added an RBI and a run scored.
• Schultz picked up her fifth win of the season, going 6.2 innings with six strikeouts while also drawing two walks at the plate and scoring a run.
 
Game 22: Detroit Mercy 3 vs Northwestern 8 – Mar. 14, 2026:
• Fessler hit her first home run of the season with a three-run shot in the top of the third inning.
• Junior Jada Davis recorded the only other hit for the Titans.
 
Game 21: Detroit Mercy 2 vs Northwestern 11 (5 inn.) – Mar. 13, 2026:
• Ketola hit her second home run of the season, which was a two-run shot in the bottom of the second.
 
Game 20: Detroit Mercy 2 vs Northern Iowa 6 – Mar. 13, 2026:
• Higgins, Davis, and Fessler each recorded a hit, while Schlachter had an RBI
 
Titans Win Third Straight at Alabama A&M
Game 19: Detroit Mercy 11 at Alabama A&M 7 – Mar. 11, 2026:
• Klaft, who hit 1-for-2 with a team-best three RBI
• Schultz went 2-for-5 with two RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases and picked up her fourth win in the circle, tossing 5.0 innings in relief with three strikeouts.
• Higgins, Fessler, and Davis each posted two hits and an RBI, with Davis notching her team-best second triple of the season. Freshman Addison
• Pokley recorded one of UDM's 10 total hits on the day.
• The Titans were also leading game two 11-5 with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. However, the game was called due to rain and lightning in the area, and it is not official because four full innings were not completed.
 
Titans Lock Down First Doubleheader Sweep of the Season at Alabama A&M
Game 17: Detroit Mercy 12 at Alabama A&M (Game 1) | Game 18: Detroit Mercy 8 at Alabama A&M 3 (Game 2) – Mar. 10, 2026:
• Higgins had a breakout game, going 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and five RBI in game one.
• Davis hit 4-for-10 overall with three RBI and a run.
• Schlachter also had a big day, going 3-for-7 with a pair of home runs and two RBI.
• Klaft also went 3-for-7 with a home run, RBI single, and three runs scored,
• Tanguay added a two-run homer and a pair of runs scored in game two.
• Babcock also hit 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, a pair of runs scored, and a walk,
• Fluker added a two-run single in game one.
• Pokley went 2-for-3 with an RBI double, a run, and a walk in the nightcap.
• Savannah Schultz had two hits on the day with two RBI and also picked up the win in the circle in game one, going 6.2 innings with a career-best nine strikeouts.
• Flynn won her second game of the season in game two, going 6.1 innings with five strikeouts.
 
Game 15: Detroit Mercy 4 at North Alabama 5 (Game 1) | Game 16: Detroit Mercy 3 at North Alabama 5 (Game 2) – Mar. 8, 2026:
• Schultz hit a pair of home runs, going 2-for-3 with a home run, double, RBI, and run in game one and 1-for-2 with a homer, run scored in game two. She also tossed a complete game with two strikeouts in the nightcap.
• Wendy Ketola hit her first career homer.
• Schlachter hit a combined 3-for-7 with a double, two RBI, and two runs scored.
• Babcock hit 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI
• Fessler went 2-for-4 in game one, and Higgins also went 2-for-4 with an RBI in game two.
 
Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic hosted by 2025 NCAA National Runner-Up No. 2 Texas Tech Highlights:
Game 14: Detroit Mercy 4 vs Texas A&M Corpus Christi 8 – Mar. 1, 2026:
• Fessler hit 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI, a run scored, and a walk
• Klaft went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI single
• Freshman Jenna Higgins went 2-for-2 with a run.
• Sophomore Madeline Hallman had an RBI single, with junior Jada Davis going 1-for-3 with a run and a walk.
• Freshman Aubrey Myer also went 1-for-1.
 
Game 13: Detroit Mercy 1 vs North Texas 18 (5 inn.) – Feb. 28, 2026:
• Davis got a hit in the first inning, added a walk in the third, and drove in UDM's lone run off a groundout to plate freshman Addison Pokley, who walked in the fifth inning.
 
Game 12: Detroit Mercy 0 at No. 2 Texas Tech 9 (5 inn.) – Feb. 28, 2026:
• Junior Jada Davis drew two walks and recorded Detroit Mercy's lone hit of the day.
• Davis and sophomore Natalie Babcock each drew a walk against Texas Tech, but the Titans had no answer for Red Raider pitcher Kaitlyn Terry, who tossed her second no-hitter of the season, going 5.0 innings with five strikeouts.
 
Titans Bounce Back with Win Over Texas A&M Corpus Christi to Split Opening Day Action at Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic
Game 11: Detroit Mercy 5 vs Texas A&M Corpus Christi 1 – Feb. 27, 2026:
• Freshman Savannah Schultz picked up her second win of the season, tossing a complete game, allowing only three hits and a run with three strikeouts, and also had an RBI groundout.
• Davis was on fire at the plate, hitting a combined 4-for-7 with three doubles, three RBI, and four runs scored.
• Fessler went 2-for-4 with a double and a pair of runs.
• Klaft went 3-for-3 with two RBI.
• Schlachter also added an RBI single with a run, with freshman Addison Pokley going 1-for-1 with two walks against the Islanders.
 
Game 10: Detroit Mercy 6 vs Abilene Christian 13 – Feb. 27, 2026:
• Fessler also posted four total hits, going 2-for-2 with an RBI double.
• Klaft went 1-for-2.
• Sophomore Madeline Hallman, freshman Hannah Schlachter, and junior Claire Borg recorded one of UDM's (3-8) 11 hits against ACU
• Sophomore Wendy Ketola went 2-for-3 while Aubrey Myer added an RBI single against ACU.
 
WKU Hilltopper Classic Highlights:
Game 9: Detroit Mercy 4 vs Butler 14 – Feb. 21, 2026:
• Schlachter picked up where she left off yesterday, going 2-for-2, hitting her second home run in back-to-back days.
• Sophomore Natalie Babcock went 2-for-3 with a two-run triple.
• Higgins and Klaft also added a hit each in game two against Butler. Sophomore Mia Hubbell added a hit, while junior Jada Davis had an RBI.
 
Game 8: Detroit Mercy 1 vs Western Kentucky 9 (5 inn.) – Feb. 21, 2026:
• Freshman Jenna Higgins broke up WKU's no-hit bid in the top of the fifth inning while sophomore Abby Klaft went 1-for-2 with an RBI to drive in Higgins for Detroit Mercy's lone run.
 
Game 7: Detroit Mercy 0 vs Western Michigan 1 – Feb. 20, 2026:
• Schultz also got the loss, going 3.0 innings, allowing only the lone run as the starter against the Broncos.
• Senior Trinity Fessler recorded two of Detroit Mercy's three hits, with Schlachter going 1-for-2 to record the other hit.
 
Titans Rally from 6-0 Down to 10-9 Win Over Butler in Hilltopper Classic Opener
Game 6: Detroit Mercy 10 vs Butler 9 – Feb. 20, 2026:
• Sophomore Abby Klaft went 2-for-5, delivering the game-winning hit, scoring freshman Hannah Schlachter in the 10th inning, to cap off Detroit Mercy's epic 10-9 win coming back from 6-0 down to Butler during the opening day of action.
• Schlachter also came up clutch, belting her first career home run with a three-run shot as the Titans scored nine runs in the sixth inning to take the lead.
• Freshman Savannah Schultz went 2-for-4 at the plate and picked up her first career win in the circle, going 3.0 innings in relief with a strikeout.
• Sophomore Madeline Hallman went 1-for-3 with two RBI, two runs, and two walks, while junior Jada Davis hit 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and a run.
 
DePaul Dome Tournament Highlights:
• UDM went 1-4 with a 2-1 walk-off win over Drake.
• Sophomore Allison Fluker Saw action in all five games with four starts, hitting a blistering .455, going 5-for-11 with three RBI, a double, triple, two runs scored, two walks, and eight total bases.
• Also posted a 1.298 OPS and 727 slugging percentage.
• Went 1-for-1 with a double and a walk in Detroit Mercy's 2-1 walk-off win over Drake.
• Sophomore Wendy Ketola hit .333 with two hits, three runs, and an RBI.
 
Game 5: Detroit Mercy 8 vs WIU 9 – Feb. 8, 2026:
• Fluker went 2-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored, a triple, and a walk, while Fessler hit 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.
• Sophomore Madeline Hallman went 1-for-3 with an RBI, run, and two walks, while Ketola hit 1-for-2 with a pair of runs and two walks.
• Sophomore Natalie Babcock also went 1-for-3 with a double. Sophomore Mia Hubbell added one of Detroit Mercy's (1-4) eight total hits, while junior Claire Borg had an RBI.
• In the circle, Schultz went 6.0 innings with two strikeouts. Sophomore Erin Flynn picked up the loss in relief, allowing four runs in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Game 4: Detroit Mercy 4 vs DePaul 6 – Feb. 7, 2026:
• Senior Trinity Fessler and sophomore Allison Fluker each hit 2-for-4 with an RBI.
 
Game 3: Detroit Mercy 0 vs Valparaiso (5 inn.) 11 – Feb. 7, 2026:
• After Valpo moved ahead 11-0, sophomore Mia Hubbell recorded UDM's lone hit of the game in the fourth inning.
 
Game 2: Detroit Mercy 2 vs DePaul 8 – Feb. 6, 2026:
• Sophomore Abby Klaft went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI
• Sophomore Josalyn Dietlin hit 1-for-2 with an RBI.
• Freshmen Hannah Schlachter and Jaycee Reams each recorded their first career hit, with Addison Pokley drawing three walks.
 
Ketola Delivers Clutch Walk-Off Hit, Giving Titans Opening Day Win over Drake
Game 1: Detroit Mercy 2 vs Drake 1 – Feb. 6, 2026:
• Ketola up clutch with a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the Titans a 2-1 win over Drake, giving the Titans their first season-opening win since the COVID-19 shortened season in 2020.
• Freshman Savannah Schultz picked the perfect time to connect on her first collegiate hit with a solo home run, tying the game in the bottom of the sixth inning to set up the dramatic walk-off ending.
• After only surrendering an unearned run in the first inning, sophomore Erin Flynn was lights out in the circle, tossing 6.0 shutout innings with seven strikeouts and three scattered hits to pick up the complete game win.
• Junior Jada Davis went 1-for-3 with a triple, while sophomores Madeline Hallman and Natalie Babcock each hit 1-for-3.

2025 Season Highlights: Took it back to 2019:
• Detroit Mercy posted 4-3 and 1-0 Metro Series wins over arch-rival Oakland, giving the Titans their first overall series win over the Golden Grizzlies since 2019.
• UDM followed that performance with a 9-5 and 4-1 doubleheader sweep at Robert Morris, which gave the Titans back-to-back #HLSB series wins for the first time since the 2019 season.

2026 Team Breakdown:
 
Key Returning Starters (7)
Junior and 2025 #HLSB All-League Second Team selection Jada Davis (41 games started), sophomore Wendy Ketola (38), sophomore Allison Fluker (37), sophomore Natalie Babcock (34), sophomore Abby Klaft (30), senior junior Trinity Fessler (30), junior Madeline Hallman (27).

Other Key Returners (5):
Redshirt junior Lauren Creon (16), junior Claire Borg (15), junior Liv Peterson (14), junior Alexis Hoff (13), sophomore Aleah Tanguay (12).
 
Fresh Faces (8):
The Titans have eight newcomers in Jenna Higgins, Katie Modrzejewski, Aubrey Myer, Addison Pokley, Jaycee Reams, Savannah Schultz, Hannah Schlachter, and Alyssa Strohl, who will look to make an immediate impact.

The Skipper Returns:
• Head Coach Dan Vitale returns for his third season at the helm of the Detroit Mercy softball program. Vitale returned to the program in 2023 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:
Kara Vitale '19 (Director of Softball Operations):
• Kara Vitale returns to the Detroit Mercy softball program as the Director of Softball Operations after a four-year career as a softball student-athlete at UDM. Head Coach Dan Vitale
 
Vitale was a catcher for the Titans from 2015-2019 and a member of the 2019 Horizon League Championship Team, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Before her collegiate career, she also worked as a hitting and catching instructor at Vitale's Perfect Game, helping young athletes before continuing her own playing career at the Division I level.
 
Outside of softball, Vitale has built a career in the healthcare field. Since 2019, she has served as a Registered Nurse at the Children's Hospital of Michigan, where she works both as an Internal Resource Pool Nurse and a SWAT Nurse, providing specialized support across multiple units. A graduate of Stevenson High School, Vitale was a decorated student-athlete, earning All-County, All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, Academic All-State, and All-State honors during her career.
 
Dani Keighley (Graduate Assistant Coach):
Dani Keighley joined the Detroit Mercy softball coaching staff as a Graduate Assistant Coach. With a proven record of athletic excellence and academic achievement after an accomplished playing career, Keighley brings a strong competitive drive, a deep understanding of the game, and a strong leadership background to the coaching staff. She will be pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree at UDM.
 
A standout third baseman at the University of Northwestern Ohio, Keighley was a four-year starter and one of the most decorated athletes in program history. Keighley holds several UNOH program records, including single-season RBI (70) and multi-RBI games in a season (17), both of which rank first in school history. She also posted a .622 career slugging percentage, which is the second-highest mark in program history. A respected team leader, she served as captain for the 2024–25 season and was honored as UNOH's Female Athlete of the Year.
 
She led the team to a 2024-25 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Tournament Championship and NCAA regional appearance. Keighley graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Marketing and Management.
 
2026 #HLWBB Preseason Poll:
Detroit Mercy was picked to finish seventh in the 2026 #HLSB Preseason Poll announced by the league office and voted on by the league's nine coaches. The Titans received 16 overall points and one first-place vote.