By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
The Grove City College softball team launched its 2026 season with an impressive 6-2 showing during its eight‑game spring break trip to the Myrtle Beach region, combining clutch hitting, standout pitching and consistent leadership from its veteran core.
The Wolverines opened the season with a 3-2 extra‑inning victory over SUNY‑Delhi, where senior center fielder Noel Anthony went 2-for-4 and scored the decisive run in the eighth on a double from junior first baseman Alexis Jackson.
Junior pitcher Abigail Meadors set the tone defensively, striking out 13 in a dominant complete‑game win. Senior catcher Kristin Tesch also made an immediate impact, recording a double and a single while guiding Meadors through her 13‑strikeout performance behind the plate.
“Hitting has always been a mental game … something I’ve learned to do while hitting is sing worship songs to calm my mind and nerves,” Tesch said.
“Everyone brings a unique skill set, I’m really hopeful about the success we will have this season if we keep building on this start.” — Noel Anthony
Grove City improved to 3-0 Tuesday after rallying for a 3-2 win over previously undefeated Wilkes and exploding for a 19-9, five‑inning victory over St. Elizabeth. Against Wilkes, sophomore catcher Sydney Shay and freshman third baseman Emma Vok delivered key sixth‑inning RBIs. Sophomore pitcher Alivia Lantzy earned her first win as a Wolverine with a seven‑inning, one‑run effort.
In the win over St. Elizabeth, six Wolverines produced multi‑hit games, with freshman Zoey Lindner tripling twice and driving in four runs. Freshman first baseman Cora Myers added a triple and three RBI, while Anthony, Shay, Meadors and Myers all drove in runs during a nine‑run second inning. Tesch also contributed to the big frame by working a bases‑loaded walk that extended the rally — continuing her steady offensive presence throughout the trip.
Grove City picked up another quality win Wednesday, defeating Chestnut Hill 3-1 behind a three‑hit game from Jackson and RBIs from Lantzy and Myers. Meadors struck out seven over six innings, while Lantzy closed for the save. The Wolverines’ only loss of the week came in a 6–5 nightcap defeat to Wilson, despite Lindner’s late sacrifice fly. Tesch again fueled the lineup with a 2-for-3 performance and a double — one of her strongest offensive days of the trip.
The Wolverines closed the week in dominant fashion, earning back‑to‑back 8-0 shutouts Friday against Columbia (S.C.) and Hilbert. Myers opened the scoring against Columbia with an RBI double, and Anthony, Shay, Meadors and Tesch each drove in runs as Grove City put together a five‑run fifth inning to end the game early. Tesch’s RBI single highlighted another multi‑contribution day for the senior, who provided both offensive production and veteran stability behind the plate all week. Meadors earned the win with a three‑hit shutout.
Behind the plate, Tesch praised the entire pitching staff after working with all four Wolverine pitchers throughout the week.
“We have a fantastic pitching staff, the way we stayed locked in was for each other. They were throwing just as good day one to day five, which isn’t easy. Pitching is a very taxing and challenging position and I’m proud of all of them,” Tesch said.
Lantzy capped the trip with a two‑hit, eight‑strikeout shutout against Hilbert. Junior left fielder Evelyn Montone went 3-for-3 with three runs scored, while Anthony, Lindner, Meadors and Meidl added multi‑hit games. Early RBIs from Lindner and Montone helped Grove City jump out to a commanding lead.
As a senior leader, Tesch said she focused on keeping the team grounded in tight moments, including the coming games against the Eastern teams. “Reminding everyone that they are on this team for a reason … Sometimes we just need a reminder that we can do this. The freshmen blew me away,” Tesch said.
“Everyone brings a unique skill set, I’m really hopeful about the success we will have this season if we keep building on this start,” Anthony said.
After a week of rest, Grove City will return to action on Friday, March 20, for an away doubleheader against Carlow. They will then travel to Thiel Saturday, March 21, to kick off PAC play.
