Purdue Northwest returns to the diamond after a very successful first season of Division II competition. The Pride finished the season 26-26 and went 15-17 in conference during their first season of GLIAC play. PNW defeated Ferris State 7-2 during the GLIAC Tournament before being eliminated 2-1 at the hands of Saginaw Valley State on the second day of the double-elimination tournament.

 

While 2018 GLIAC Player of the Year Kyleigh Payne graduated, the Pride still return an assortment of talent in the field. Taylor Kotzo is back for her senior year after she led the team in doubles with 18. Kotzo was also named an All-GLIAC Honorable mention. Tessa Steffens started and appeared in 47 games last season, and finished with a .281 average, garnering 36 hits over the course of the season. Outfielder Zoee Anderson is also back with the Pride for her senior season, after she scored 38 runs during the 2018 season, putting her second on the team.

 

PNW also brings back several pitchers from a staff looking to build on its first season in Division II play. Mia Stevens is back for her senior season, after winning seven games and finishing with the most appearances (25) of anyone on the team. Courtney Blackwell and Samantha Burgard return to the program after both being significant bright spots in their rookie season in college softball. Blackwell tied for the team lead in wins with eight and earned the only save PNW had during the 2018 season. Burgard was also an eight-game winner for the Pride and led the team with 114.0 innings pitched during the season.