FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Indiana Tech will host Pod #2 at Warrior Park for the opening round of the WHAC Softball Tournament, showcasing a season that earned them the No. 2 seed in the conference, just behind the nationally ranked Madonna Crusaders. The updated postseason format sends three teams to the top two seeds for pod play, with the winners advancing to the WHAC Championship (May 1–3).
The Warriors will host No. 3 Lawrence Tech, No. 6 Michigan-Dearborn, and No. 7 Lourdes in a three-day pod running April 24–26. Action begins Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., with at least one team being eliminated on opening day.
Indiana Tech enters the tournament powered by a strong pitching and offensive core. In the circle, Savannah Bravo has anchored the staff with a 19–3 record, 1.54 ERA, 156 strikeouts, and 13 complete games, holding opponents to a .187 average over 127 innings.
Offensively, the Warriors are led by a balanced and dangerous lineup. Freshman Morgan Macek was named Freshman of the Year after hitting .475 with 47 hits and 36 runs scored, while Carley Walter posted a dominant .450 average with 48 RBIs and eight home runs. Alyssa Harvey adds speed and consistency, hitting .328 with 19 stolen bases and strong all-around production.
With depth on both sides of the ball, Indiana Tech enters pod play as one of the most complete teams in the field, looking to defend home turf and advance to the championship round.
Indiana Tech opens pod play against a Lourdes program making its first WHAC Tournament appearance in over a decade, bringing an underdog storyline and plenty of momentum into Fort Wayne. The Gray Wolves are led offensively by Cami Heath and Abby Sparks, who have been consistent catalysts in the lineup, batting .357 and .333 respectively. Both hitters provide contact, speed, and the ability to set the tone at the top of the order.
In the circle, Mallori Bradley anchors the pitching staff, starting 14 games and logging over 70 innings with 43 strikeouts on the season. Her ability to limit damage and keep games within reach will be key if Lourdes hopes to make a deep run in their return to postseason play.
While Lourdes enters as a lower seed, their balanced offense and steady pitching give them the potential to challenge in pod play and create problems for any opponent who overlooks them.
Game 2 Preview – No. 3 Lawrence Tech vs. No. 6 Michigan-Dearborn
The second matchup of the pod features a key 3 vs. 6 seed showdown as Lawrence Tech takes on Michigan-Dearborn in what projects to be a competitive, high-energy battle.
Lawrence Tech enters with a strong offensive core led by Alyssa Bloomfield, Brenna Crittenden, and Zoey Markey, all hitting over .300 on the season while combining for 63 RBIs. The Blue Devils have been steady and productive throughout the year, consistently finding ways to manufacture runs and put pressure on opposing defenses. In the circle, Sarah Basket and Natilee Pridemore have formed a reliable pitching duo, combining for 21 wins and effectively splitting duties throughout the season to keep Lawrence Tech in position to win every series.
Michigan-Dearborn counters with a disciplined and contact-driven lineup, led by Kendyl Gearhart and Braylin Grueter. Both have paced the offense in batting average and on-base percentage, setting the tone with their ability to get on base and extend innings. Their approach at the plate—focused on putting the ball in play and forcing mistakes—makes them a tough matchup in a tournament setting where every run matters.
With Lawrence Tech's balanced power and pitching depth going up against Michigan-Dearborn's gritty, high-contact offense, Game 2 sets up as a true chess match with postseason intensity from the first pitch.
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