During a season that saw the team win a program-record 31 games (against 10 losses), Penn College captured the UE regular-season title with a 20-4 record but fell short in the conference playoffs as it went 1-2 and finished third.
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Although the Wildcats didn't reach their ultimate goal in the UE, an invitation to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference D-III Championship gave them one more shot, and they came through with the crown in their fourth season under coach Angela Stackhouse, whose career record now is 83-28.
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"The body of work this team put together this season is record-breaking and incredible — so many big-time moments. We witnessed athletes reaching 100 hits, 100 steals, no-hitters, perfect games, 300 career strikeouts, and the list goes on," Stackhouse said.Â
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"Next season, we will certainly have some big shoes to fill. I am confident with the experience the underclassman got this season; they will have a full understanding of what it takes at this level. I look forward to continuing the success we seem to build upon each year," Stackhouse said.
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Statistical leaders included sophomore pitcher Mackenzie Weaver, of Montoursville, who went 18-6 with two saves — including 11 solo shutouts and combining on another — and a 0.86 ERA while also hitting at a .352 clip; senior
Jordan Specht, of Frederick, Maryland, who batted .458 with 17 doubles, five home runs and 46 RBIs; senior
Maddie Hurst, of Mechanicsburg, who batted .441 with 17 doubles, 50 runs scored and 47 of 50 stolen bases; junior
Ivvy Morder, who batted .347; and
Lexi Snyder, of Hegins, who batted .344.
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Softball
Final overall: 31-10
Final UE: 21-6 (20-4 regular-season champ)
Final ECAC: 2-0
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Postseason honors
UE first team: Mackenzie Weaver (Montoursville),
Maddie Hurst (Mechanicsburg).
UE second team: Jordan Specht (Frederick, Maryland),
Ivvy Morder (Mechanicsburg).
UE Pitcher of the Year: Mackenzie Weaver (Montoursville).
UE All-Sportsmanship Team: Maddie Hurst (Mechanicsburg).
ECAC Championship MVP: Mackenzie Weaver (Montoursville).
NFCA D-III Region IV third team: Mackenzie Weaver (Montoursville).
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