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Mid-Major Marvels: Week Five

by:Cooper Taylor•about 18 hours
Screenshot 2025-03-11 at 8.24.21 AM
Courtesy of Coastal Carolina Athletics

As conference play began, here are a few Mid-Major softball players who made an impact in week five. From veterans to fresh faces, this week’s stars kept shining on the diamond.

Makena Alexander, INF, Butler

Alexander played a pivotal role in Butler’s perfect weekend, recording a hit in every game of the Bulldogs’ sweep of DePaul. On the weekend, the sophomore drove in 10 runs on seven hits, including two doubles and two home runs.

Nicolette Picone, LHP, Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina is one of the top mid-major teams in the country. This weekend, the Chanticleers’ success was largely due to the efforts of Picone. The left-hander tossed 12.2 scoreless innings and struck out 13 batters in their series sweep of South Dakota.

Logan Hulon, RHP, Oregon State

The Beavers stunned No. 11 Oregon over the weekend, with Logan Hulon’s complete-game performance stealing the show. The senior scattered six hits, struck out eight, and surrendered just one earned run in the Beavers’ 6-2 rivalry win.

Emma Jackson, OF, East Carolina

Jackson hit .667 in the Pirates’ three-game sweep of UTSA. Among her six hits against the Roadrunners’ pitching staff were two home runs, helping her drive in seven RBIs over the weekend. On Wednesday, the junior also belted a two-run, go-ahead homer to stun Michigan.

Payton Dixon, LHP, South Florida

South Florida won its series over UAB this weekend, with Dixon playing a key role. She appeared in all three games, earning wins in two of them. In 18 innings pitched, she allowed no earned runs, helping the Bulls secure their opening conference series.

Elena Escobar, RHP, Liberty & Rachel Roupe, OF, Liberty

The Flames had a flawless week, winning a midweek game over James Madison and a weekend series against Kennesaw State. In the four games, Liberty saw a pair of its key players excel. At the plate, Roupe recorded eight hits for a .615 average, including four extra-base hits, and eight RBIs. Escobar shined in the circle, striking out 19 batters in 14.2 innings, earning three of the Flames’ four wins, and posting a 0.00 ERA.

Payton List, UT, James Madison

Across five games this weekend, List raked at the plate for the Dukes. She went 10-for-16, hitting four home runs and driving in nine RBIs. She reached base safely at least twice in every game and had a four-game home run streak during the weekend.

Sophia Knight, OF, Boise State

Knight has been sensational this season. The sophomore has reached base safely in every game, and this weekend was no different. She went 11-for-15, drove in four runs, and scored five times. The outfielder has quickly established herself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the country.

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