Ottawa finished the KCAC Tournament with a record of 1-2, defeating York University (7-2) before falling to Avila University (4-2) and Friends University (5-1).
The Braves had 10 players named to the All-KCAC Teams and head coach
Jay Kahnt was named KCAC Coach of the Year for the third straight season. It is the seventh time that he has earned the honor.
Ashlynn Mercer was named Newcomer of the Year and
Katie Enneking and
Allison Kearney were named to the KCAC Gold Glove Team. 2023 All-KCAC:
Ashlynn Mercer (1st),
Loralei Gilbert (1st),
Riley Newbold (2nd),
Madison Bunfill (2nd),
Nayely Delgado (2nd),
Katie Enneking (HM),
Emma Melvin (HM),
Aliks Serna (HM),
Allison Kearney (HM), and
Kelcie Kippes (HM).
Through 50 games this season, Ottawa has a .292 batting average, a .382 on base percentage, and a .432 slugging percentage. They have hit 30 home runs and scored 316 runs.
The Braves are ranked 27th in the NAIA in runs (316), 24th in doubles (85), 26th in home runs (30), 32nd in RBI (262), 30th in extra base hits (121), eighth in walks (168), 27th in hit by pitch (36), 37th in stolen bases (100), 47th in ERA (2.69), 40th in shut outs (10), 37th in opponent batting average (.240).
Madison Bunfill leads the Braves in batting average (.367) and RBI (53).
Ashlynn Mercer is OU's leader in ERA (2.19) and strike outs (120).
The Braves captured its third straight KCAC Championship in 2023, its seventh overall. This is OU's fifth trip to the NAIA Opening Round. Ottawa has won two NAIA Opening Rounds and have qualified for five NAIA Softball World Series. The Braves have a record of 7-4 in NAIA Opening Rounds and won NAIA Openings Rounds in 2017 and 2021.
Freed-Hardeman University is 25-13 overall, finished third in the Mid-South Conference withe a record of 15-8, is on a two game losing streak, has a record of 13-4 at home this season, and are ranked no. 21 in the latest NAIA Softball Coaches Top 25 Poll. Through 38 games this season, FHU has a .317 batting average, a .375 on base percentage, and a .462 slugging percentage. The Lions have hit 24 home runs and scored 211 runs.
The Lions are ranked 12th in the NAIA in strike outs (106), 47th in batting average (.317), 35th in slugging percentage (.462), 18th in ERA (1.99), eighth in shutouts (16), and 11th in opponent batting average (.210). Sophie Dunavant leads FHU in batting average (.377) and RBI (34). Brittany Adair is the team's leader in ERA (1.65) and strike outs (123).
Freed-Hardeman had 10 Lions earned All-Mid-South Conference honors. First Team: Brittany Adair (P), Sophie Dunavant (C), Kennedy Harris-Bennett (OF), Karli Quillin (OF), Chloe Winters (P). Second Team: Catherine Crabb (OF), Madelyn Crabb (OF), Myleah Hardy (INF). Honorable Mention: Cassie Hayes (INF) and Anna Kate Norton (INF). Sophie Dunavant was named to the Gold Glove Team.
The Lions finished the Mid-South Conference Tournament with a record of 1-2. FHU won game one against Thomas More, 8-4, but fell 6-5 to Campbellsville and 12-4 (6) to Georgetown.
