Softball Adds Pair of Transfers to Program


Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today that a pair of transfer student-athletes have agreed to join the Crusader softball program. Pitcher Mackenzie Grossmann comes to Valpo after spending two seasons at Morehead State, while infielder Jaymee Lawton joins the Crusaders after playing her freshman year at Utah Valley. Both Grossmann and Lawton will be immediately eligible to play for the defending Horizon League champions in 2017.


13 Crusaders Earn Spring Academic All-League Honors


13 Valparaiso University student-athletes earned spots on the Horizon League Spring Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office today. The men’s track and field team had four honorees from the outdoor season, while the women’s squad had three honorees. Three baseball players earned Academic All-League accolades, while softball, men’s golf and men’s tennis each had one recipient apiece.


Softball Season Comes to An End Saturday


The Valparaiso University softball team saw its 2016 campaign come to a close in the NCAA Tournament Saturday afternoon, as the Crusaders fell 8-0 to #23 Notre Dame in an elimination game at the Ann Arbor regional.


Crusaders Fall to #2 Michigan in NCAA Opener


Making its third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five seasons, the Valparaiso University softball team battled with #2 Michigan in Ann Arbor Friday night, but the Wolverines pushed across five runs in the fifth inning in sending the Crusaders to an 8-0 defeat. With the loss, Valpo will take on #23 Notre Dame in an elimination game on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. CT.


Valpo Softball Set For Trip to Ann Arbor NCAA Regional


After a storybook run through the Horizon League Championship, the Valparaiso University softball team returns to the sport’s biggest stage as it embarks to Ann Arbor for the start of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The Crusaders open tournament play Friday evening against the national number two seed in Michigan on the Big Ten Network, with #23 Notre Dame and Miami (Ohio) on the other side of the four-team regional bracket. Check out head coach Kate Stake's thoughts on the performances last weekend and this weekend's regional action on this week's Valpo Coaches Show.


Crusaders Heading to Ann Arbor For 2016 NCAA Tournament


The Valparaiso University softball team learned Sunday evening that it will be traveling to Ann Arbor, Mich. for regional play in the 2016 NCAA Tournament. The Crusaders will kick off tournament play Friday at 6 p.m. CT against the number-two national seed and host Michigan, while Notre Dame and Miami (Ohio) comprise the rest of the regional field. Tickets go on sale to the general public Tuesday morning, while broadcast information for the entirety of the regional will be available when released by Michigan.


Crusaders’ Tournament Run Culminates With Walk-Off Championship Game Win


Incredible. Improbable. Unbelievable. Inconceivable. Whatever adjective you may have chosen to describe the Valparaiso University softball team’s run to the Horizon League Championship title game, the term could have doubled as a description of Saturday’s championship game against Wright State, as the Crusaders rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning before Stephanie Moreno (Murrieta, Calif./Murrieta Valley) delivered the walk-off double in the eighth to send the Crusaders back to Valpo as Horizon League champions. With the tournament title, the Crusaders earn the league’s automatic berth into the 2016 NCAA Tournament and will find out their destination Sunday night at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.


Softball Wins Thriller Over UIC, Advances to Championship Saturday


The Valparaiso University softball team’s run through the Horizon League Championship continued Friday in a thriller, as the arm of Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) and the bat of Sam Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) combined to give Valpo a 1-0 win over UIC in Chicago. With the victory, the Crusaders advance to Championship Saturday at Flames Field, where they will take on Wright State starting at noon, needing just one win to earn the league title.


Callaghan’s Big Swing Paces Crusaders In Win Over Wright State


One swing of the bat proved to be all the Valparaiso University softball team would need on Thursday afternoon as action continued at the Horizon League Championship, as sophomore Lanie Callaghan (Elburn, Ill./Kaneland) delivered on a second-inning grand slam and senior Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) made it stand up with a stellar pitching performance in a 4-0 victory over second-seeded Wright State in Chicago. With the win, the Crusaders advance to take on top-seeded UIC Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. - game time has been moved up one hour.


Crusaders Take Down Penguins in Tournament Opener


The Valparaiso University softball team put together one of its most impressive offensive outputs of the season on Wednesday in its opener at the 2016 Horizon League Championship, as the sixth-seeded Crusaders took down third-seeded Youngstown State by a 10-6 final in Chicago. With the win, Valpo advances to face Wright State Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.


Crusader Softball Set For Horizon League Championship


The Valparaiso University softball team heads to the Horizon League Championship this weekend, hosted by UIC in Chicago, as the tournament’s sixth seed. The Crusaders, who claimed tournament titles in 2012 and 2013, will face third-seeded Youngstown State at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon to open play at the double-elimination event. Check out head coach Kate Stake's thoughts on the team's path the past couple weeks to make the tournament field, along with looking ahead to the tournament this weekend, in this edition of the Valpo Coaches Show.


Weissenhofer, Trepanier Earn All-League Accolades


The Valparaiso University softball team had a pair of players honored Tuesday as the Horizon League announced its postseason award recipients, as senior pitcher Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) was named a Second Team All-League honoree and freshman infielder Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) joined Weissenhofer on the Second Team while also earning All-Freshman Team accolades.


Softball Clinches Tournament Berth With Win at Wright State


The Valparaiso University softball team secured its spot in the field for the 2016 Horizon League Championship on the final day of the regular season Saturday in Dayton, Ohio, clinching the berth by virtue of a 6-5 win in the opener of a doubleheader with Wright State. The Raiders dealt the Crusaders a 9-1 loss in the nightcap. Valpo will open tournament play Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. against Youngstown State at UIC.


Crusaders Drop Extra-Inning Affair to Wright State


The Valparaiso University softball team fell in a heartbreaker to Wright State Friday evening in Dayton, Ohio as the Raiders downed the Crusaders, 3-2 in nine innings.


Final Regular Season Series On Tap For Softball


The Valparaiso University softball team closes out the regular season this weekend with a three-game series at Wright State. The Crusaders enter the final weekend of play one game back of Oakland for a berth in the Horizon League Championship.


Wednesday Softball Doubleheader Canceled


The Valparaiso University softball team’s scheduled doubleheader Wednesday against Northern Illinois has been canceled and will not be made up.


Crusaders Split Pair of One-Run Decisions Sunday


The Valparaiso University softball team saw both ends of Sunday’s doubleheader with Oakland come down to one run, splitting the twinbill with the Golden Grizzlies to earn the series victory in the key league series. For the second time in three games, senior Kaitlyn Ranieri (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) delivered a walk-off winner in the nightcap, capping a 3-2 victory, while in the opener, the Crusaders’ comeback effort came up just short in a 7-6 loss.


Softball Doubleheader Postponed to Sunday


Due to rain in the forecast throughout the day in the Valparaiso area, Saturday's softball doubleheader between the Crusaders and Oakland has been postponed to Sunday. First pitch of Sunday's doubleheader has been set for noon.


Marathon Game Goes Crusaders’ Way On Senior Day


It was a dramatic Senior Day for the Valparaiso University softball tea m, as it took until the 11th inning to determine a winner between the Crusaders and Oakland. But in the end, it was a senior who delivered the game-winning blow, as Kaitlyn Ranieri (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) knocked a single back through the middle to score freshman Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) and give Valpo a 3-2 walk-off win over the Golden Grizzlies.


Senior Day On Tap As Crusaders Host Oakland


The Valparaiso University softball team faces its final home Horizon League series of the season this weekend as the Crusaders welcome Oakland to town for a single game on Friday afternoon and a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday. Valpo will hold its annual Senior Day ceremony prior to Friday's series opener, honoring a class of five seniors.


Weissenhofer Tosses One-Hitter As Crusaders Defeat IPFW


Behind the third one-hitter of the season in the circle from senior Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township), the Valparaiso University softball team claimed a 6-0 victory Tuesday afternoon in non-league action at IPFW.


Crusaders and Titans Split In Saturday Softball Action


The Valparaiso University softball team scored in each of the final four innings of its series finale with Detroit Saturday afternoon to earn a 9-1 run-rule victory over the Titans in five innings. The Crusaders’ attempt at a seventh-inning stunning rally in the opener brought the potential winning run to the plate, but Detroit ended up with a 9-6 victory as the two squads split the doubleheader.


Softball Falls to Detroit Friday


The Valparaiso University softball team dropped its series opener against Detroit at home on Friday afternoon, falling 9-2.


Crusaders Drop Contest at Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame


The Valparaiso University softball team received home runs Wednesday evening from sophomores Stephanie Moreno (Murrieta, Calif./Murrieta Valley) and Brenna Boyle (St. John, Ind./Andrean), but it would not be enough to overcome a seven-run deficit as #18 Notre Dame defeated the Crusaders by a 7-3 final at Melissa Cook Stadium.


Crusader Softball Faces Four Games This Week


The Valparaiso University softball team steps out of league play briefly in mid-week action, making the short trip to face nationally-ranked Notre Dame Wednesday, before returning home to face off with Detroit in Horizon League play this weekend for three games over two days. Head coach Kate Stake joined the Valpo Coaches Show this week, discussing midweek games at this point of the year, the contributions of Carly Trepanier and what the Crusaders need to do to come out victorious in the upcoming league series.


Valpo Splits League Twinbill With CSU


The Valparaiso University softball team received key plays both in the circle and at the plate from senior Mollie Lindeman (Hebron, Ind./Hebron [PNC]) late in the opener of a Horizon League doubleheader against Cleveland State Saturday in Valpo, as the Crusaders claimed the twinbill’s first game, 2-1. The Crusaders’ repeated attempts at rallying in the nightcap were thwarted by the Vikings, as CSU emerged with a 10-7 win.


Valpo Falls in Series Opener to Cleveland State


A sixth-inning rally brought the Valparaiso University softball team even with Cleveland State Friday afternoon in the Horizon League series opener in Valparaiso, but the Vikings connected on a 3-run homer in the seventh inning to send the Crusaders to a 5-2 defeat.


Softball Falls in Series Finale at UIC


The Valparaiso University softball team evened up Wednesday’s Horizon League series finale at UIC with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth, but the Flames scored three unanswered runs as the Crusaders dropped a 5-2 decision.


Crusaders Drop Pair of Games at UIC


The Valparaiso University softball team continued Horizon League play Tuesday afternoon with a short trip to Chicago for a doubleheader at UIC, falling by scores of 3-1 in the opener and 4-2 in the nightcap.


Softball Set For Six League Showdowns


The Valparaiso University softball team passes the halfway mark of the Horizon League schedule this week, as six league games await the Crusaders over the next five days. The week kicks off with a three-game road series Tuesday and Wednesday - just a short road trip over the state line to UIC. Valpo then returns home this Friday and Saturday to host Cleveland State.


Rubber Game of Green Bay Series Canceled


The Valparaiso University softball team’s final game of the three-game Horizon League series with Green Bay has been canceled due to inclement weather and will not be made up.


Crusaders Split League Twinbill With Green Bay Tuesday


The Valparaiso University softball team put 15 runs on the board in a home Horizon League doubleheader for the Crusaders against Green Bay Tuesday afternoon, but it would only be enough for a split, as after downing the Phoenix 11-1 in game one, Valpo fell in the nightcap to Green Bay, 12-4.


Softball Hosts Green Bay in Mid-Week Action


Surprise home games are on the docket for the Valparaiso University softball team this week, as late winter weather has left Green Bay's field unplayable and forced the mid-week series between the Crusaders and the Phoenix to be moved to Valpo. The Crusaders will play host to a Tuesday doubleheader, followed by a single game on Wednesday - both days featuring noon start times.


Weissenhofer Picks Up Pitcher of the Week Accolade


Valparaiso University senior Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) has been named the Horizon League Softball Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season after tossing a pair of shutouts for the Crusaders last week.


Crusaders Shut Out NKU In Sunday Doubleheader Sweep


The Valparaiso University softball team had to wait almost 48 hours to take the field at home against Northern Kentucky this weekend in Horizon League action, but the Crusaders made up for lost time on Sunday afternoon, shutting out the Norse twice by final scores of 2-0 and 8-0 for the doubleheader sweep. Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) tossed her second one-hitter of the season in the nightcap.


Valpo-NKU Saturday Game Canceled


Friday, it was rain. Today, it is a combination of wintry mix and cold temperature/wind chill that has forced the cancellation of the Valparaiso University softball team's Horizon League contest with Northern Kentucky. Sunday's doubleheader has been pushed back to a 2 p.m. start, with both games scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN3.


Softball Weekend Series Moved Back; GB Series Moved to Valpo


The Valparaiso University softball team will have to wait one more day to play its first home Horizon League game of the season, as its series against Northern Kentucky has been shifted back later in the weekend to Saturday and Sunday. In addition, the Crusaders will now host Green Bay in next week’s Horizon League series – a series originally slated to be played in Wisconsin.


Crusaders Sweep Home-Opening Twinbill Tuesday


The Valparaiso University softball team made its return to campus for the first home games of the 2016 season a happy one Tuesday afternoon, as the Crusaders earned victories in both halves of a non-league doubleheader against Bowling Green, 4-3 and 6-0.


Softball Slated to Open Home Schedule


The Valparaiso University softball team kicks off the home schedule with five scheduled games at the Valparaiso University Softball Field this week. The Crusaders open up home play Tuesday afternoon with a non-league twinbill against Bowling Green before welcoming Horizon League newcomer to campus for a three-game series this weekend.


Crusaders Drop Series Finale at YSU


The Valparaiso University softball team fell in the series finale of its league-opening series Sunday afternoon at Youngstown State, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Penguins.


Valpo Softball Falls in League-Opening Doubleheader


The Valparaiso University softball team kicked off the 2016 Horizon League slate Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader in Youngstown, Ohio, but the Crusaders found runs tough to come by as they dropped both ends of the twinbill to Youngstown State, 4-1 and 3-0.


Softball Series Adjusted This Weekend


The Valparaiso softball program's Horizon League-opening series this weekend at Youngstown State has been adjusted due to potential inclement weather. Saturday's doubleheader will remain unchanged, but Friday's single game has been moved to Sunday at noon CT. Due to the change, Sunday's game will not be broadcast on ESPN3.


Crusaders Drop Twinbill at CMU


The Valparaiso University softball team took to the field Tuesday for the final time before the start of Horizon League play, but dropped both ends of a road doubleheader at Central Michigan, 10-1 and 5-3.


Softball Back In Action In the Midwest


The Valparaiso University softball team returns to action in the Midwest this week with a slate of five games. The Crusaders will head to Central Michigan for a non-league doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon before opening the Horizon League schedule this weekend with a three-game series at Youngstown State. Check out head coach Kate Stake's thoughts on the opening portion of the season in this week's edition of the Valpo Coaches Show.


Weissenhofer Claims Pitcher of the Week Accolade


Valparaiso University senior pitcher Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) has been named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Week after a solid weekend in the circle for the Crusaders last weekend. The award is the third weekly honor of Weissenhofer’s career.


Weissenhofer Gem Highlights Sunday Split for Softball


Valparaiso University senior Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) tossed one of the best games of her career, posting a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts as the Crusaders took down Santa Clara in Las Vegas on Sunday, 10-0. The Crusaders battled host UNLV in the finale of the Rebel Classic, but ultimately fell to the Rebels by an 8-5 final.


Crusaders Fall in Hard-Fought Battle With Wisconsin


The Valparaiso University softball team engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Big Ten foe Wisconsin at the Rebel Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday evening, but a pair of runs in the sixth would allow the Badgers to claim a 7-5 victory over the Crusaders.


Win Over DePaul Highlights Softball Opening Day in Vegas


The Valparaiso University softball team earned its first win in program history over DePaul on Friday in the Crusaders’ tournament opener at the Rebel Classic in Las Vegas, Nev., shutting down the Blue Demons in a 5-1 win over their fellow Midwest foe. Valpo took on Utah State in its second game of the day, falling to the Aggies by an 18-4 final.


Nadler Earns All-Tournament Accolade


Valparaiso University sophomore outfielder Taylor Nadler (New Haven, Mo./St. Francis Borgia) was named to the All-Tournament Team at USC Upstate’s Spartan Invitational following the tournament’s conclusion on Sunday.


Walk-Off Win Highlights Softball Action Saturday


The Valparaiso University softball team earned its first victory of the 2016 campaign Saturday at the Spartan Invitational in Spartanburg, S.C., as sophomore Taylor Nadler (New Haven, Mo./St. Francis Borgia) connected on a two-run walk-off homer to give the Crusaders a 4-2 win over Presbyterian in their first game of the day. Valpo fell in its tournament finale to Elon by a 10-5 final.


Softball Drops Two Friday at USC Upstate


The Valparaiso University softball team continued spring break action Friday with a pair of games to open play at the Spartan Invitational, hosted by USC Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C. The Crusaders fell in the tournament opener to SIU Edwardsville, 15-1, before losing 12-4 to the host Spartans.


Crusaders Continue Spring Break Play in South Carolina


The Valparaiso University softball team continues spring break action this weekend at the Spartan Invitational, hosted by USC Upstate. The Crusaders will take on SIU Edwardsville, Presbyterian and Elon in addition to the host Spartans over a two-day span.


Valpo Drops Tournament Finale to Ball State


The Valparaiso University softball team finished up action at the Hilltopper Spring Fling in Bowling Green, Ky. on Sunday morning, dropping its finale against Ball State, 8-1.


Late Heartbreak Again For Softball Team Saturday


The Valparaiso University softball team suffered a seventh-inning defeat for the second straight day as it continued play at the Hilltopper Spring Fling from Bowling Green, Ky. on Saturday, as Southeast Missouri pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh to break a tie and send the Crusaders to a 3-2 walk-off loss.


Softball Drops Pair on First Day of Action at WKU


The Valparaiso University softball team was two outs away from its first win of the year Friday in its opener at the Hilltopper Spring Fling from Bowling Green, Ky., but Western Carolina scored three runs in the top of the seventh to pull out a 5-4 win. The Crusaders fell to host WKU later in the day, 7-1.


Crusader Softball Continues 2016 Campaign at WKU


After a weekend away from competition, the Valparaiso University softball team gets the spring slate started in earnest this weekend, as the Crusaders travel to the Hilltopper Spring Fling, hosted by Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Ky. Valpo will face Western Carolina, Southeast Missouri and Ball State in addition to host WKU.


Crusaders To Host Pitching Camp March 18


The Valparaiso softball program will be hosting a Pitching Camp on Friday, March 18 at the Crusaders’ baseball facility, located off of Warbler Drive. The camp is open to players ages 8-20.


Softball Concludes Season-Opening Weekend


The Valparaiso University softball team finished out its opening weekend of the 2016 campaign on Sunday at the Juiceblendz FIU Invitational on Sunday in Miami, Fla., falling to #10 Florida State, 16-5, and to the host Panthers, 9-1.


Softball Falls Twice on Saturday


The Valparaiso University softball team fell in a pair of games Saturday as it continued the opening weekend of play at the Juiceblendz FIU Invitational in Miami, Fla. The Crusaders dropped an early-morning matchup against LIU Brooklyn, 6-1, before losing to St. John’s 12-0 in the afternoon. Senior Taylor Weissenhofer (Orland Park, Ill./Lockport Township) broke Valpo’s career strikeouts record in the game against the Red Storm.


Crusaders Drop Season Opener to Illinois


The Valparaiso University softball team opened the 2016 campaign Friday evening at the Juiceblendz FIU Invitational in Miami, Fla., but was unable to come out victorious, as the Crusaders fell to Illinois by a 6-1 final. Senior Kaitlyn Ranieri (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central) drew three walks in the opener, the first of which made her Valpo’s all-time career leader in the category.


What You Need to Know: Valpo Softball


The Valparaiso University softball team returns to the diamond this weekend in Miami, Fla. to kick off the 2016 season. The Crusaders are looking to improve upon their mid-pack finish in league play from last season, as a veteran group returns for second-year head coach Kate Stake. Stake shares her thoughts on the upcoming season in this edition of the Valpo Coaches Show.


Valpo Softball Welcomes Andie Kalemba to Crusader Family


It’s a special day in any athlete’s career when they get the chance to sign with a Division I school to continue playing their chosen sport. Monday evening, the Valparaiso University softball program –in conjunction with Team IMPACT – had the opportunity to welcome a very special new member into the team in a moving signing ceremony, as 12-year-old Andie Kalemba signed a Letter of Agreement to officially be drafted into the Crusader squad and immediately become a part of the Valpo program. Check out the video spotlighting Andie as she joined the Crusaders this week.


Crusaders Tabbed Fourth in Softball Preseason Poll


The Valparaiso University softball team has been picked to finish in fourth place in the Horizon League as the league office released the 2016 preseason poll on Wednesday.


Crusader Softball Announces Winter Camps


The Valparaiso softball program will be hosting a trio of camps for youths ages 8-18 this winter, as due to popular demand, a Pitching Clinic has been added on Sunday, January 17. Previously announced were an All-Skills Camp at the ARC on Sunday, January 17, and a Pitching, Catching and Hitting Camp to be held at the ARC on Sunday, January 31.


Crusaders Announce 2016 Softball Schedule


Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today the Crusaders’ schedule for the upcoming 2016 season, a slate which includes games against seven NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago and 16 home games at the Valparaiso University Softball Field.


Crusader Softball Inks Seven to NLIs


Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today that seven student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Crusader softball program as freshmen for the 2017 season.


Softball Announces Fall Slate of Games


The Valparaiso University softball program will play eight games over four dates of competition this fall, including a pair of home dates at the Valparaiso University Softball Field.


Valpo Softball to Hold Walk-On Tryouts


The Valparaiso softball program will be holding fall tryouts for the 2016 season on Wednesday, Aug. 26, starting at 4 p.m. at the Valparaiso University Softball Field.


Softball Adds Taylor Williams to Coaching Staff


Valparaiso softball head coach Kate Stake announced Monday that the program has added Taylor Williams as a graduate assistant for the upcoming 2016 season. Williams comes to Valpo after a successful career playing at Virginia.


Crusader Softball to Host Fall Experience Camp


Head coach Kate Stake and the Valparaiso softball program will host a Fall Experience Camp on Sept. 27 at the Valparaiso University Softball Field, allowing participants to experience a weekend in the life of a Valpo softball player within a single day. The camp is open to players who will graduate from high school from 2016 through 2020.


Softball Adds Wright as Assistant Coach


Valparaiso softball head coach Kate Stake announced today the addition of Monica Wright to the Crusader coaching staff as an assistant coach, directly responsible for working with the program’s pitchers. Wright comes to Valpo from Bowling Green, where she spent the last four seasons guiding the Falcons’ pitchers. Fans can follow Coach Wright on Twitter @CoachMWright3