Northwestern Takes No. 18 Ranking into March

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released its second edition of the softball top 25 rankings, and Northwestern has moved down one spot to No. 18.

Northwestern has gone 13-5 to start the season, picking up three wins over teams represented in the preseason poll (RV Benedictine, No. 23 Saint Xavier, No. 20 Indiana Wesleyan). The Red Raiders have been led by the freshmen bats of Ava Gross, Allison Koontz, and Rylee Bomgaars, all of whom are hitting at .400 or above. Koontz leads the pitching rotation as well with nine wins and two complete games, while Tatum Schmalbeck has a 1.65 ERA and four saves in the circle.

The Raiders have been ranked in the top 25 in 19 consecutive polls dating back to March 8, 2023.

Southern Oregon held at the top spot, followed by Eastern Oregon, Oklahoma City, Oregon Tech, and Science & Arts (Okla.) in the top five.

GPAC IN THE TOP 25
No. 18 Northwestern Red Raiders
No. 19 Midland Warriors
RV Dordt Defenders

Northwestern will play out its non-conference slate in Arizona this week before beginning GPAC play on March 18.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

#2 Tatum Schmalbeck: P/INF; 5' 6"; Junior; R/R

#1 Rylee Bomgaars: OF; 5' 4"; Freshman; L/R

#3 Allison Koontz: P; 5' 7"; Freshman

#13 Ava Gross: INF; 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#2 Tatum Schmalbeck
: 5' 6"; Junior; R/R
: P/INF

#1 Rylee Bomgaars
: 5' 4"; Freshman; L/R
: OF

#3 Allison Koontz
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: P

#13 Ava Gross
: 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R
: INF