Softball Ranked Fifth in CCIW Preseason Poll

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Carthage softball team has been ranked fifth in the 2024 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Preseason Poll, the CCIW announced Monday

The Firebirds enter the season coming off a 12-22-1 season in 2023. The Firebirds finished in fifth place in the CCIW last season with a conference record of 7-9.

Head Coach Amy Gilmore returns for her 27th season with the Firebirds. Coach Gilmore enters the season with a career record of 564-404. The rest of her coaching staff is set to include Madison Ganir, Teri Green, and Ron Gillmore.

Izzy Hernandez returns to the Firebirds lineup in 2024 after leading the team in OPS (1.019), hits (43), triples (3), home runs (4), runs batted in (34), total bases (62), slugging percentage (.574) and walks (10). Claire Rettler also returns to the lineup after topping the Firebirds stats in batting average (.444), runs scored (23), on base percentage (.495), and stolen bases (9). Gwen Hendrick enters her sophomore season after leading the team in doubles (8) in 2023.

Senior Maddie Conway returns to the pitcher circle for Carthage in 2024. Conway posts a career 4.85 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 48 appearances in her first three seasons with the Firebirds. Sophomores Hana Adler and Emma Faubel also return on the pitching end, with both players registering over 45 innings in their freshmen campaign.

The Firebirds are also welcoming in a handful of newcomers in the form of Molly Giesen, Peyton Kryza, Azahna Luschen, and Skylar Swatkowski.

The Firebirds will open the season on March 3, as the team will take on Gordon and Lebanon Valley in Claremont, Fla. CCIW play begins on April 6 as the Firebirds host Elmhurst at Wiers Family Stadium and Barbara Madrigrano Field. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.

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Players Mentioned

#17 Hana Adler: P/SS; 5' 5"; Sophomore; R/R

#33 Maddie Conway: P; 5' 9"; Senior; R/R

#16 Emma Faubel: P/OF; 5' 3"; Sophomore; R/R

#9 Gwen Hendrick: OF; 5' 6"; Sophomore; L/L

#34 Izzy Hernandez: P/1B; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

#1 Molly Giesen: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

#31 Peyton Kryza: C; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

#22 Azahna Luschen: C/SS; 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R

#18 Skylar Swatkowski: 3B; 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#17 Hana Adler
: 5' 5"; Sophomore; R/R
: P/SS

#33 Maddie Conway
: 5' 9"; Senior; R/R
: P

#16 Emma Faubel
: 5' 3"; Sophomore; R/R
: P/OF

#9 Gwen Hendrick
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; L/L
: OF

#34 Izzy Hernandez
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: P/1B

#1 Molly Giesen
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: OF

#31 Peyton Kryza
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: C

#22 Azahna Luschen
: 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R
: C/SS

#18 Skylar Swatkowski
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R
: 3B