6/11/2018
Crusader Softball Program Adds Trio of Players
Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today that the program has added three more newcomers for the 2019 season. The Crusaders will welcome pitcher Jenna Edwards and infielder Megan Flores from the junior college ranks, while catcher/utility Maddie Henry joins the program as an incoming freshman.
5/14/2018
Lawson, Trepanier Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Recognition
Valparaiso University softball players Taylor Lawson (Tucson, Ariz./Sahuaro) and Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) were honored today as Honorable Mention Scholar-Athletes by the Missouri Valley Conference office for their work both on the diamond and in the classroom this season.
5/13/2018
Valpo Softball to Host Pair of Team Camps
The Valparaiso University softball program will be hosting a pair of team camps on campus Sept. 8 and Sept. 15. For more information or to register, contact associate head coach Monica Wright at Monica.Wright@valpo.edu.
5/12/2018
Trepanier, Packard Earn All-Tournament Accolades
Juniors Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) and Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) represented the Valparaiso University softball team on the Missouri Valley Conference Softball All-Tournament Team, as announced at the conclusion of the tournament Saturday afternoon.
5/11/2018
Softball Advances to MVC Semis With Win Over Indiana State; Falls to Drake to Close Season
The fourth-seeded Valparaiso University softball team advanced to the semifinals of the 2018 MVC Tournament on Friday in Des Moines, Iowa with a 3-2 victory over fifth-seeded Indiana State in the Crusaders’ tournament opener. With a berth in Saturday’s championship game on the line Friday evening in the semifinal, Valpo fell victim to a no-hitter from MVC Pitcher of the Year Nicole Newman as Drake claimed a 2-0 win over the Crusaders.
5/10/2018
Softball Ready for 2018 MVC Tournament
The Valparaiso University softball team heads to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the first time this week, as the Crusaders travel to Des Moines for the postseason event. The fourth seed, Valpo needs three victories to capture the single-elimination tournament and claim the conference championship in its first season of MVC play.
5/9/2018
Packard, Trepanier Earn Valley Postseason Honors
A pair of Valparaiso University softball players were honored with postseason awards Wednesday evening at the Missouri Valley Conference’s annual pre-tournament awards banquet, highlighted by the selection of junior pitcher Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) as the MVC Newcomer of the Year. Packard was also a Second Team All-Conference pick, while junior infielder Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) represented the Crusaders on the conference’s All-Defensive Team.
5/6/2018
Crusaders Cap Regular Season With Win; Clinch Fourth Seed For MVC Tournament
The Valparaiso University softball team will ride a wave of momentum into next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, as the Crusaders closed the regular season on Sunday in Normal, Ill. with a 4-1 victory over Illinois State. With the win, Valpo secured the fourth seed for the conference tournament and will receive a first-round bye.
5/5/2018
Softball Secures MVC Tournament Berth With Split Saturday
A one-hitter from junior Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) and a pair of big innings propelled the Valparaiso University softball team to a 9-0 run-rule victory in five innings over Illinois State in their series opener Saturday in Normal, Ill., a win which clinched the Crusaders’ berth in next week’s Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Valpo fell by a final score of 4-0 in the day’s second game.
5/4/2018
Crusaders Close Out Regular Season at Illinois State This Weekend
The Valparaiso University softball team looks to not only secure a berth in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in its first season of MVC play, but also finish as high up the standings as possible, as the Crusaders conclude the regular season with a three-game series at Illinois State. Valpo enters the weekend with the potential to finish anywhere from third through ninth place in the final regular season standings.
5/2/2018
Softball Splits Final Home Doubleheader Wednesday
The Valparaiso University softball team closed out its 2018 home campaign with a non-conference doubleheader against Northern Illinois on Wednesday afternoon. The Crusaders defeated the Huskies in the opener, 5-3, before falling 8-4 in a weather-shortened nightcap.
4/30/2018
Packard Named MVC Pitcher & Newcomer of the Week
A phenomenal three-start stretch last week from Valparaiso University softball pitcher Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) led to the junior being named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week and Newcomer of the Week, as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.
4/29/2018
Anderson Homers, Packard Tosses Shutout As Crusaders Complete Sweep
It was a simple formula which led to the Valparaiso University softball team completing a series sweep of Bradley Sunday at the Valpo Softball Complex, as freshman Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) connected on her first career home run to lead off the second and junior Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) made the run stand up with a complete-game shutout in the circle as the Crusaders claimed the 1-0 win.
4/28/2018
Softball Sweeps Senior Day Doubleheader Versus Bradley
As has become the norm for the Valparaiso University softball team on Senior Day in recent years, the Crusaders came out after honoring their senior class prior to the games and swept a doubleheader from Bradley, walking off with a 2-1 win in game one and downing the Braves by a 4-1 final in game two.
4/24/2018
Crusaders Blank Loyola Twice Tuesday Afternoon
The Valparaiso University softball team came out victorious twice on Tuesday afternoon in Chicago, Ill. in a key MVC doubleheader at Loyola, blanking the Ramblers for 14 innings in 3-0 and 5-0 wins. Junior Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) set a new career best with 11 strikeouts in a complete-game shutout in the opener, while senior Lanie Callaghan (Elburn, Ill./Kaneland) delivered the big blow with her bat for a three-run homer in the fifth. In the nightcap, the Crusaders broke a one-run game open with four runs in the sixth inning.
4/23/2018
Senior Day Set For Softball This Weekend As Part of Five-Game Week
Five critical games in the battle for positioning in the conference standings await the Valparaiso University softball team this week. The Crusaders travel to Chicago to take on Loyola in a doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon, and then return home to host Bradley this weekend in their final home conference series. Saturday will be Senior Day at the Valpo Softball Complex, as the Crusaders recognize their senior class.
4/22/2018
Trepanier Tallies Four Hits Sunday; Crusaders Drop Series Finale
Junior Carly Trepanier (Manteno, Ill./Manteno) knocked the ball all over the field in a 4-for-4 day at the plate on Sunday in the series finale between the Valparaiso University softball team and Evansville, but the Crusaders’ seventh-inning comeback attempt came up just short as they fell by a 3-2 final.
4/21/2018
Softball Splits Doubleheader With Evansville Saturday
The Valparaiso University softball team took one of two games Saturday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex in Missouri Valley Conference play against Evansville, bouncing back after a 2-0 defeat in the opener to down the Purple Aces in the nightcap, 6-2.
4/20/2018
Catching Up With Andie Kalemba as Softball Hosts Be The Match Drive Saturday
Having joined the Valpo softball program in conjunction with Team IMPACT in February of 2016, Andie Kalemba is now in her third year as a member of the team. As the program prepares to host its second annual Be The Match drive during Saturday’s home doubleheader, we take a look back on Andie’s time as a member of the Crusader softball program.
4/18/2018
One-Run Decision Goes Against Crusaders Wednesday
The Valparaiso University softball team came up just short in Missouri Valley Conference action Wednesday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex, falling to Loyola by a 2-1 final. Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was postponed due to weather.
4/17/2018
Softball Readies For Five Home Games This Week; Wednesday's Start Time Moved Up to 11am
A key week is on tap for the Valparaiso University softball team, as the Crusaders play host to five Missouri Valley Conference games. Valpo welcomes Loyola in mid-week action on Wednesday afternoon before Evansville comes to town for a three-game series this weekend. Wednesday's doubleheader against Loyola will now start at 11 a.m., one hour earlier than previously scheduled.
4/15/2018
Crusaders Drop Pair to Conference-Leading Drake
The Valparaiso University softball team dropped both ends of a relocated MVC doubleheader at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa Sunday afternoon to a first-place Drake squad, as the Crusaders were no-hit in a 4-0 loss in the opener and were edged in the nightcap, 2-1.
4/14/2018
Softball Saturday Games at Drake Cancelled; Sunday's Doubleheader Moved to UNI
Inclement weather in Des Moines has caused the cancellation of Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader between the Valparaiso University softball team and Drake.
4/11/2018
Softball Shuts Down Fort Wayne For Mid-Week Victory
The Valparaiso University softball team scored immediately in the first inning on Wednesday on a warm, sunny day at the Valpo Softball Complex, and junior pitcher Kelsie Packard (Beloit, Wis./Turner [Rock Valley College]) and the Valpo defense did the rest, as the Crusaders went on to a 4-0 victory over Fort Wayne in non-conference action.
4/10/2018
Softball Slated For Four Games This Week
The Valparaiso University softball team takes a brief step out of conference play as it hosts Fort Wayne on Wednesday afternoon before traveling to take on MVC-leading Drake in Des Moines this weekend.
4/8/2018
Softball Drops Doubleheader to UNI
The Valparaiso University softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader in Missouri Valley Conference play Sunday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex against UNI, falling to the Panthers 5-0 in the opener and 7-3 in the nightcap.
4/7/2018
Softball Silences Panthers In Series Opener
The Valparaiso University softball team picked up its first shutout win in Missouri Valley Conference play, as senior Kenzie Grossmann (Perry, Mo./Mark Twain [Morehead State]) tossed a complete-game three-hitter in a 2-0 Crusader victory in the series opener with UNI Saturday afternoon at the Valpo Softball Complex.
4/6/2018
Softball Welcomes UNI To Valpo This Weekend; Series Schedule Adjusted
The Valparaiso University softball team continues Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend as the Crusaders welcome UNI to the Valpo Softball Complex, the Panthers’ first-ever trip to Valparaiso. As the conference schedule nears the midway point, each series is vital, as only two games separate second through tenth place after three weekends of MVC action. The schedule has been adjusted due to projected cold temperatures, as the teams will now play one game Saturday at 2 p.m. and a doubleheader Sunday at noon.
3/31/2018
Softball Series Finale With SIU Cancelled
Due to inclement weather, Saturday’s scheduled series finale between the Valparaiso University softball team and Southern Illinois has been canceled.
3/30/2018
Softball Splits Pair of High-Scoring Affairs Friday Versus SIU
The Valparaiso University softball team opened its home slate at the Valpo Softball Complex Friday by splitting a pair of slugfests against Southern Illinois in MVC play. Sophomore Morgan Matalin (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) delivered the decisive blow with a sixth-inning home run for a 7-6 Valpo victory in the opener, while SIU rallied from a three-run deficit to deal the Crusaders a 9-6 defeat in the nightcap.
3/29/2018
Softball Set To Open at Home Friday; Start Time Moved Back to 1 p.m.
The Valparaiso University softball team opens up the home schedule this weekend, as the Crusaders welcome Southern Illinois to the Valpo Softball Complex for the program’s first-ever MVC home series. The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday at an adjusted start time of 1 p.m. before concluding the series with a single game Saturday at 11 a.m.
3/28/2018
Crusaders Drop Mid-Week Contest at Central Michigan
A stretch of 27 consecutive games away from home came to an end for the Valparaiso University softball team on Wednesday afternoon in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., as the Crusaders dropped an 8-3 decision in mid-week non-conference action to Central Michigan.
3/26/2018
Softball Adjusts Schedule for CMU Trip
With a high probability of rain in the forecast for Tuesday, the Valparaiso University softball team has moved its trip to Central Michigan back one day. The Crusaders and Chippewas will now face off in a single game on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. CT.
3/25/2018
Softball Comes Up Short In Finale at Missouri State
The Valparaiso University softball team came up one game short of a series sweep on Sunday in Springfield, Mo., as Missouri State took the series finale from the Crusaders, 6-2.
3/24/2018
Softball Sweeps Road Doubleheader at Missouri State
Contributions up and down the lineup and strong pitching performances were the perfect recipe for success Saturday afternoon for the Valparaiso University softball team, as the Crusaders came away with a road sweep of Missouri State in Springfield, 4-1 and 3-2.
3/22/2018
Softball Heads to Missouri State This Weekend
The Valparaiso University softball team continues conference action this weekend with a second consecutive road series, making the long trip to Springfield, Mo. for a three-game set with Missouri State. The Crusaders then step away from conference play for a Tuesday mid-week twinbill at Central Michigan.
3/19/2018
Softball Game Tuesday at IUPUI Canceled
The Valparaiso University softball team’s foray into non-conference play in the Midwest will be put off for at least another week, as the Crusaders’ scheduled game at IUPUI on Tuesday afternoon has been canceled – the principals involved deciding that with the potential for precipitation and projected wind chills at or below 30 degrees at game time, it was in everyone’s best interest not to play on Tuesday. The game will not be made up.
3/18/2018
Crusaders Fall in Series Finale Sunday
Two first-inning runs proved to be the difference on Sunday afternoon, as the Valparaiso University softball team fell by a 2-0 final in its MVC series finale at Indiana State.
3/17/2018
Softball Drops MVC Twinbill at Indiana State
The Valparaiso University softball team’s initial foray into Missouri Valley Conference play did not go as planned on Saturday afternoon in Terre Haute, Ind., as the Crusaders dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Indiana State, 1-0 and 7-4.
3/15/2018
Softball Kicks Off Valley Play This Weekend at Indiana State
The Valparaiso University softball team begins its initial foray into Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend as the Crusaders travel downstate to Terre Haute for a three-game series at Indiana State, beginning with a Saturday doubleheader. Valpo will briefly return home before heading to Indianapolis for a non-conference matchup at IUPUI on Tuesday afternoon.
3/11/2018
Softball Spring Break Trip Comes to Conclusion Sunday
The Valparaiso University softball team concluded its spring break trip on Sunday afternoon with its last two games at the Aggie Invitational in Davis, Calif., but the Crusaders were unable to end the journey victorious, as they fell 6-2 to Northern Colorado and 5-1 to host UC Davis.
3/10/2018
Softball Blanks UC Davis For Third Straight Win
The Valparaiso University softball team continued its winning ways at the Aggie Invitational in Davis, Calif. on Saturday, as a fifth-inning home run from sophomore Gabby Magnifico (Elmhurst, Ill./York) staked the Crusaders to a lead they would not relinquish in a 4-0 victory over host UC Davis.
3/9/2018
Softball Takes Two Wins To Open Up Aggie Invitational
The Valparaiso University softball team started out the Aggie Invitational in Davis, Calif. on a strong note on Friday, taking down a pair of Mountain West Conference opponents as the Crusaders defeated Nevada, 3-1, and Utah State, 5-4 in eight innings.
3/8/2018
Softball Closes Spring Break Trip at UC Davis
The Valparaiso University softball team faces five games against four opponents over three days in the back end of its Spring Break trip, as the Crusaders take the field at the Aggie Invitational in Davis, Calif. Valpo will take on the hosts from UC Davis twice, and also face Nevada, Utah State and Northern Colorado once apiece.
3/6/2018
Softball Drops Pair of Games at Grand Canyon
Facing the preseason WAC favorites on Tuesday afternoon to close out its time in Phoenix, the Valparaiso University softball team couldn’t overcome a trio of multi-run innings by Grand Canyon, as the Antelopes defeated the Crusaders by final scores of 2-1 and 6-2.
3/4/2018
Lawson Matches Pair of Program Records To Highlight Softball Sweep Sunday
Fifth-year senior outfielder Taylor Lawson (Tucson, Ariz./Sahuaro) continued to make her mark on the Valparaiso University softball record book on Sunday, matching a pair of program single-game records in her home state as the Crusaders defeated reigning Ivy League champions Princeton in the day’s opener, 10-8. Valpo competed the sweep of the day in the nightcap, as junior Jaymee Lawton (Goodyear, Ariz./Desert Edge [Utah Valley]) connected on a three-run tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning of a 4-1 win over UNLV.
3/3/2018
Softball Splits Pair of One-Run Decisions Saturday
The Valparaiso University softball team opened its spring break trip at the Lopes Up Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. with a pair of one-run games on Saturday. The Crusaders opened tournament play with an 8-7 victory in nine innings over South Dakota, but fell in their second game of the day to UNLV by a 2-1 final.
3/2/2018
Softball Returns to Action This Weekend in Phoenix
After a weekend away from competition, the Valparaiso University softball team opens its spring break trip at the Lopes Up Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Valpo will take on UNLV twice and South Dakota and Princeton once apiece over the weekend, and after a day off on Monday, will play a doubleheader against host Grand Canyon on Tuesday. It marks the Crusaders’ first trip to the state of Arizona since the 2014 season.
2/18/2018
Richardson Throws No-Hitter; Crusaders Close Weekend With Win Over N.C. Central
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” After coming up just two outs shy of her first career no-hitter last weekend, Valparaiso University sophomore pitcher Emily Richardson (Oak Park, Ill./River Forest) was able to complete the feat on Sunday, holding North Carolina Central hitless and striking out 11 batters as the Crusaders won their finale at the Buccaneer Invitational, 3-0. The no-hitter was the first by a Valpo pitcher since 2013.
2/17/2018
Softball Takes One of Two on Saturday at Buccaneer Invitational
The Valparaiso University softball team split its two games on Saturday from the Buccaneer Invitational in Charleston, S.C., falling to Eastern Kentucky, 16-3, before bouncing back with its second win over host Charleston Southern in as many days, 5-4.
2/16/2018
Softball Claims Two Wins On First Day at Charleston Southern
“Rule 76: No excuses, play like a champion.” The mantra from Wedding Crashers could easily have applied to the Valparaiso University softball team on Friday. Despite touching down in Charleston, S.C. in the wee hours of Friday morning less than 10 hours before first pitch at the Buccaneer Invitational, Valpo put it all together when it took the field, defeating Eastern Kentucky, 7-2, and host Charleston Southern, 6-4, to open tournament play.
2/14/2018
Softball Continues Early-Season Play at Charleston Southern
The Valparaiso University softball team continues early-season tournament action this week as it heads to Charleston, S.C. for the Buccaneer Invitational. The Crusaders will face Eastern Kentucky and Charleston Southern twice apiece, as well as one matchup with North Carolina Central.
2/11/2018
Crusaders’ Finale at Troy Rained Out
The Valparaiso University softball team saw its opening weekend of play bookended by rain, as after sitting through a rain delay before the season opener Friday, the Crusaders’ finale at the Troy Classic versus SIUE was rained out.
2/10/2018
Richardson’s One-Hitter Highlights Split for Softball Saturday
Sophomore Emily Richardson (Oak Park, Ill./River Forest) flirted with a no-hitter on Saturday morning for the Valparaiso University softball team on the second day of action from the Troy Classic, but would eventually settle for a one-hitter as the Crusaders defeated Tennessee State, 9-0. Valpo fell to the host Trojans in its second game of the day, 7-0.
2/9/2018
Softball Splits on Opening Day of 2018 Campaign
The Valparaiso University softball team escaped Valpo before the snow hit and enjoyed the relative warmth of temperatures in the 50s on the opening day of the 2018 season at the Troy Classic in Troy, Ala. on Friday. The Crusaders split their pair of games on day one, falling to SIUE 5-0 before rebounding for a 3-1 victory over Tennessee State.
2/8/2018
Valpo Softball Set to Open 2018 Season This Weekend
New opportunities await the Valparaiso University softball team as it opens the 2018 season, as the Crusaders make the move to the Missouri Valley Conference. Fourth-year head coach Kate Stake has an experienced squad at her disposal as Valpo returns 16 letterwinners from last year’s team, which finished in third place in the Horizon League.
11/27/2017
Valpo Softball to Host Pair of Winter Camps
The Valparaiso softball program will be hosting a pair of camps for campers ages 8-21 this winter. The Crusaders will host a Pitching, Catching and Hitting Camp at the ARC on Saturday, January 13 and an All-Skills Camp at the ARC on Saturday, February 3.
11/22/2017
Valpo Softball Announces 2018 Schedule
The Valparaiso University softball program announced today its schedule for the upcoming 2018 season as the Crusaders prepare for their first season of Missouri Valley Conference play.
11/13/2017
Five Players Sign NLIs With Softball During Early Signing Period
Five incoming freshmen have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Valparaiso University softball program for the 2018-19 academic year during the early signing period. The Crusaders will welcome Taylor Herschbach, Taylor Knight, Peyton Moeder, Taylor Tonoian and Jaina Westphal to the team next season.
10/11/2017
Three Softball Players Named NFCA Scholar-Athletes
Three Valparaiso University softball players have been named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Scholar-Athletes for their work in the classroom during the 2016-17 academic year, as the organization announced its annual list of honorees this week.
9/15/2017
Valpo Softball To Hold Inaugural Hit-a-Thon October 9
The Valparaiso University softball program will be holding its inaugural Hit-a-Thon to raise money for the program, where fans can pledge money on any of the Crusader players or any of the special guests, on Monday, October 9. Kicking the inaugural event off and headlining it will be Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich.
9/6/2017
Valpo Softball Announces Fall Schedule
Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced the program’s schedule for the upcoming fall season today, a schedule which features a pair of home dates at the Valpo Softball Complex.
8/15/2017
Valpo Softball Holding Walk-On Tryouts, Seeking Team Managers
The Valparaiso softball program will be holding walk-on tryouts for the 2018 season on Thursday, Aug. 24, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Valpo Softball Complex. In addition, the Crusaders are seeking student managers to assist the program during the fall and spring seasons.
8/11/2017
Valpo In The Valley: Softball
Concluding the #ValpoInTheValley series, which will take a look at each of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 17 sports, is softball. Learn about the landscape of The Valley in softball, how Valpo has fared against opponents from The Valley in the past, and hear from head coach Kate Stake as she talks about what the program is looking forward to entering its first season of MVC competition and who will lead the way in 2018 for her team.
7/25/2017
Valpo Softball to Hold Pitching Clinic
Valparaiso University softball associate head coach Monica Wright will be conducting a pitching clinic over four sessions during the month of November.
7/20/2017
Valpo Softball to Host Fall Experience Camp
Head coach Kate Stake and the Valparaiso University softball program will host a Fall Experience Camp on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Valpo Softball Complex. The camp is open to players who will graduate from high school from 2018 through 2023.
7/10/2017
Grable Joins Crusader Coaching Staff as Graduate Assistant
Valparaiso University softball head coach Kate Stake announced today that Kayti Grable – a three-time All-Region honoree as a player at Northern Illinois University – will join the Crusader coaching staff this fall as a graduate assistant.
