Anderson Softball Opens 2023 Season in Pioneer Classic

The Anderson University softball team kicks off its season with the three-day Pioneer Classic, beginning on Friday in Elizabethtown, Ky.

ANDERSON PIONEER CLASSIC SCHEDULE (All games played at Elizabethtown Sports Park in Elizabethtown, Ky.)

Friday, March 17

12:30 p.m. – No. 11 Linfield University (8-2) vs. Anderson (Field #1)

3 p.m. – Anderson vs. Asbury University (4-12) (Field #1)

Saturday, March 18

11:30 a.m. – Anderson vs. Spalding University (7-1) (Field #1)

3:30 p.m. – Wittenberg (0-8) vs. Anderson (Field #1)

Sunday, March 19

11:30 a.m. – George Fox University (4-8) vs. Anderson (Field #4) (Live Stats)

3:30 p.m. – Anderson vs. No. 25 Washington University St. Louis (5-5) (Field #1) (Live Stats)

A LOOK AT THE RAVENS

Last season, the Ravens finished with a 7-27 record. Anderson went 3-13 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) play to finish tied for eighth in the HCAC standings. The Ravens were slotted sixth in the HCAC preseason poll.

KEY RETURNERS FOR RAVENS

• Jayden Brown (2021 Stats) – 35-for-101 (.347 AVG), 13 Stolen Bases (3rd in HCAC), 21 Runs, 2 Triples – All-HCAC Honorable Mention – HCAC All-Tournament Team
• Molly Buck (Hitting) – 25-for-76 (.329 AVG), 7 Doubles, 3 Homers, 14 RBI's, .435 OBP, .549 SLG, .984 OPS – All-HCAC Honorable Mention
• Molly Buck (Pitching) – 0-4, 25.1 IP, 42 H, 32 R, 16 ER, 7 K, 4.42 ERA
• Lexi Rankin – 2-9, 62 IP, 85 H, 60 R, 45 ER, 32 BB, 39 K, 5.08 ERA – Second-Team All-HCAC in 2021
• Alysa Marcin – 25-for-77 (.325 AVG)
• Kayla Dillinger – 23-for-82 (.280 AVG)
• Ashley Wheeler – 24-for-87 (.276 AVG)
• Rylee Morris – 11-for-45 (.244 AVG)
• Faith Muterspaugh – 6-for-38 (.158 AVG)
• Katelynn Campbell – 3 Stolen Bases

INTERVIEW WITH COACH TONY HOLLOWAY

What are your goals/expectations for this season?

The biggest goal this year is to stay healthy unlike last season. We want to contend for a spot in the HCAC Tournament and return to the winning ways of the past.

What are your team's strengths?

One of our team strengths will be our returning pitching, which will be led by Lexi Rankin and Molly Buck. With a younger team this season, we bring some addition upper-class leadership with Jayden Brown, Katelynn Campbell, Rylee Morris and Faith Muterspaugh.

Which returners do you expect to make an impact this season?

Lexi Rankin will make an impact not only in the circle but also offensively. Molly Buck is holding down third but she will also make an impact in the circle. Jayden Brown will contribute in the outfield along with the bat she will bring us. We have several more returners who are expected to play bigger roles this season.

Which newcomers do you expect to make an impact this season?

We have a great group of young players with several being in the mix for the season. We will see how they all adapt to playing here, then deciding who will be where.

What are your team's expectations during the Pioneer Classic?

The expectation in the Classic is to find a solid lineup between the classic play and the start of the conference season so we will give our best effort to obtain a conference berth.

What does your team need to do this season to be successful?

We need to stay healthy and play consistently.