Trinity University Softball is ready and raring to start its 2025 campaign.
 
The Tigers are coming off one of their best seasons in program history. They put together a 31-13 record that included two wins over top 25 opponents and earned the second seed in the 2024 SCAC Tournament. Trinity placed two players on the NFCA's Region X All-Region Third Team with Jordan Arce (Thousand Oaks, California / Thousand Oaks) and Hannah Boudreaux (Pearland, Texas / Shadow Creek). Arce continued to dazzle both in and out of the circle, recording an ERA of 3.38 and 106 Strikeouts while also hitting .316 from the plate. 
 
Two first years that made a splash in 2024 look to have an even better 2025. Hannah Boudreaux had one of the best seasons a Tiger first year has ever had by hitting .409 and setting the program single-season doubles record with 17. Samantha Tagawa (Agoura Hills, California / Agoura Hills) proved to be the most patient Tiger with her program single-season record-shattering 36 walks. She also did plenty of damage with the stick, batting .370 and becoming the first player in 6 years to hit 3 triples in a single season. Tagawa also showed her disdain for first base by taking plenty of early trips to second, leading the team in stolen bases with 26, the most by a player in a season since 2013.
 
The Tigers return a strong pitching staff that combined for a 3.24 ERA last season. Along with Jordan Arce, they'll likely turn to Josephine Koelewyn (Reno, Nev. / Academy of Arts Careers and Technology) and Megan Kriechbaum (Cedar Hills, Utah / Pleasant Grove) for strong starts, and they'll also likely rely on Heather Nugent (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Marina) to be strong out of the bullpen as well.
 
Trinity is led by Head Coach Bailey Wittenauer, who reached the 100 career win mark during the 2024 season. This year's non-conference schedule includes multiple doubleheaders against top-25 opponents, including the defending national champion, two in-region opponents the Tigers played last year, and one out-of-region opponent that the Tigers will meet for the first time.
 
SCAC Preseason Poll
 
The Tigers have been picked to finish second in the conference this year and received a first place vote in the conference's preseason poll. Texas Lutheran was picked to win the SCAC, and McMurry, who was tapped to finish third, was the only other team to also receive a first place vote. 
 
Preview - I-20 East Challenge
 
Tiger Softball starts its season on the road, playing doubleheaders against LeTourneau University on February 7th at 3 PM and 5 PM and East Texas Baptist University on February 8th at 1 PM and 3 PM.
 
On the LeTourneau YellowJackets: Last year LeTourneau completed their 2024 campaign with a 24-19 record and a third-place finish in the ASC conference tournament. This marked the first time in program history that the YellowJackets have had back-to-back winning seasons. LeTourneau returns a majority of their bats from last year and will rely on sophomore infielder Maddi Smith and senior infielder Leighton Landreth for offensive output. In the circle, the YellowJackets will turn to senior Pitchers Laney Taylor and Kirstin Ferguson for strong performances. The Tigers swept the YellowJackets in San Antonio last year in a two-game series. Historically, Trinity is 6-5 vs LeTourneau.
 
On the No. 1 ETBU Tigers: It was a magical year for the Marshall Tigers last year, as they dominated nearly everyone they played en route to a 48-3 record and a National Championship. ETBU returns nearly all of their starters from last year's championship run and is once again a favorite to win it all again. They've continued their tear into the 2025 season by sweeping Concordia in a home doubleheader to start this year's campaign. Third Baseman Tauryn Cummings provided the best performance on offense in ETBU's opening series, and will look to keep her bat hot. The Marshall Tigers will call upon Pitcher Avery Holland to try and shut down the Trinity offense. Trinity Split with ETBU in a home doubleheader last year, and were one of just three teams to put a blemish on ETBU's record. Overall, Trinity is 4-18 vs ETBU.
 
On the Radar - Heading Northward
 
The Tigers will open their conference season on the road at Austin College on February 15th and 16th.