The Wayne State University softball team finished its 2026 season on May 2 by splitting a doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State University at Gary L. Bryce Field in Detroit. Wayne State won the first game 3-2 before falling in the second game 8-0.
This matchup concluded the year for Wayne State, which ended with a record of 17-32 overall and 9-19 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The games were significant as they marked the final appearances for three seniors on the team.
In the opening game, Saginaw Valley took an early lead, but Wayne State rallied in the sixth inning with key hits from Kate DeWitt, Maddie Hool, Molly Hool, and Mia Hool. Pinch-runner Julia Sandles scored what became the winning run after an errant throw. Senior pitcher Hayden Batton allowed just one earned run over seven innings to secure her fourth win of the season.
The second contest saw Saginaw Valley break a scoreless tie in the third inning with a sacrifice fly followed by Olivia Elliott’s three-run home run—her tenth of the year. Despite efforts from Hunter Near and Sydney Long, who each had two hits for Wayne State, SVSU extended its lead throughout and secured an eight-run shutout victory.
Wayne State Warriors Women’s Softball participates at the NCAA Division II level according to their official website. The program holds membership in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as reported by their official website. The team competes as a collegiate athletic program according to their official website and operates out of Detroit, Michigan according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Wayne State will graduate seniors Hayden Batton (pitcher), Kennedy Cole (catcher), and Maddie Hool (second baseman) from this year’s squad.
