With a program-record 33-win season already in the books, Penn College’s all-sophomore and freshman softball team has already exceeded expectations. As it heads into NCAA Division III Regional play starting on Thursday, coach Amber Savage’s goal is simple: “Compete with joy, stay true to who we are, and continue playing our brand of softball.

“We’re excited for the challenge and grateful for the opportunity. This group has earned the right to be here, and we’re looking forward to seeing how far their belief and preparation can take them,” Savage continued.

Region top-seed Mount Union (29-6) will host the double elimination tournament in Alliance, Ohio, and open play against fourth-seed Lebanon Valley College (26-15) at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Third-seeded Penn College (33-7) will square off against second-seed Christopher Newport University (28-11) at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. CNU is making its fifth-consecutive NCAA appearance and 23rd in program history while claiming the 2022 National Championship.

Thursday’s winners will clash at 11 a.m. on Friday, and Thursday’s losers will meet in an elimination game at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Other games are scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. on Saturday, and, if necessary, 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The winner will advance to the Super Regional round.

This is Penn College’s third consecutive trip to nationals, and fourth in six years, still seeking its first win. After capturing United East Conference crowns in 2021 and 2024 to claim the automatic qualifier, the Wildcats are advancing for the second year in a row after finishing as the UE runner-up to Penn State Brandywine. Because Brandywine is still in its provisional timeline of transitioning to Division III, it is ineligible to go on.

In last Friday and Saturday’s United East semifinals, third-seeded Penn College went 2-2 with wins over No. 2 seed Wilson College and No. 5 Penn State Harrisburg, and losses to top-seeded Brandywine.

“This squad showed a lot of maturity and resilience throughout the UEC postseason. They competed with poise, stayed connected, and proved that their preparation and belief in one another could carry them through big moments. What they accomplished, especially as such a young roster, speaks volumes about their work ethic and their commitment to growing every day,” Savage said.

“We knew we had talent, but what stood out was how quickly they bought into our culture and elevated each other. Did I envision this kind of season? I envisioned growth, grit, and competitiveness, and they exceeded every expectation by how consistently they showed up for one another,” the coach continued.

In the circle, sophomore Mackenzi Tice of Mansfield has been the workhorse, throwing 402 pitches in four complete-game efforts in the UE tournament while improving to 22-4 overall. Tice has a 1.72 ERA, with 191 strikeouts and 71 walks on the season.

“Tice is a competitor in every sense. As a former pitcher, I know there’s a point where fatigue naturally sets in, but effectiveness becomes less about the number and more about mentality, mechanics, and the ability to stay present pitch-to-pitch,” Savage said. “The key to pushing through tough stretches is trust. Trusting your preparation, trusting your defense, and trusting your own toughness. She embodied that all weekend and then some.”

Among the team’s offensive leaders are Ryleigh Rinker, who is batting .453; Payton Crawford, of Bloomsburg, hitting .446 with a team-best 18 doubles, six home runs, 47 RBIs and 13 stolen bases; Sofia Mileto, of Loyalsock, hitting .422, with a team-high five triples and 46 runs scored; and Taylor Brown hitting .412.

Starting on Aug. 1 of this year, the transfer portal will become mandatory for all Division III athletes.

“It will certainly change the landscape for all. The transfer portal, they say, will make D-III softball more fluid, more competitive, and more strategic,” Savage said.