OCT. 23, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College softball team continued to build on the momentum of a historic 2026 season, finishing its fall schedule with an impressive 17-4 record while showcasing a potent offense and a deep pitching staff.
The Raiders entered the fall coming off a 42-10 campaign in which they captured the conference and Region XII championships and earned their first trip to the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series since 1998.
GRCC carried that success into the fall, earning victories against a variety of competition. The Raiders went 8-4 against four-year varsity programs, 5-0 against four-year junior varsity teams, 2-0 against four-year club teams and 2-0 against other junior college programs.
The offense consistently produced, scoring at least 10 runs in 14 of its 21 games. As a team, the Raiders hit .370, with four players batting .400 or better. The pitching staff combined for a 2.07 earned-run average and a 1.09 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched), providing a strong foundation for the upcoming spring season.
Offensive Leaders Power Productive Fall
Sophomore Ella Showers led the Raiders with a .500 batting average, collecting a team-high 24 hits and posting a team-best .554 on-base percentage. She scored 19 runs, drove in 15 and added a home run.
Freshman Rylie Smith, a Grandville High School graduate, made an immediate impact in her first fall with the Raiders. Smith batted .467 with a .509 on-base percentage and a .733 slugging percentage. Her team-high seven doubles and 20 RBIs highlighted her ability to produce extra-base hits and drive in runs.
Freshman Josie Manning, a graduate of East Kentwood High School, also delivered an impressive fall, hitting .449 with a .714 slugging percentage and two home runs.
Sophomore Kenady O'Leary provided another major offensive presence, batting .447 while leading the team with a .787 slugging percentage, five triples and 21 RBIs. She also stole eight bases, demonstrating her ability to impact the game on the basepaths.
Sophomore Tia Schone hit .391 and displayed exceptional plate discipline, recording zero strikeouts in 54 plate appearances.
Sophomore Abbie Critchett batted .339 and added two home runs while leading the Raiders with 16 stolen bases.
Pitching Staff Establishes Strong Foundation
The Raiders' pitching staff combined for a 2.07 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, with several pitchers delivering standout performances.
Schone led the team in workload, throwing 47 innings and compiling a 6-2 record. She struck out 55 batters and posted a 1.49 ERA, contributing significantly both in the circle and at the plate.
Freshman Kayla Milarch, a Buckley High School graduate, recorded a 5-1 record with 45 strikeouts and a 1.14 ERA, giving the Raiders another reliable option in the circle.
Sophomore Megan Lillie also enjoyed a productive fall, finishing with a 6-1 record and 24 strikeouts.
Building Toward Another Championship Run
With a 17-4 fall record, a .370 team batting average and a pitching staff that combined for a 2.07 ERA, the Raiders demonstrated the depth and production that helped fuel their historic 2026 campaign.
"We have a talented group with a great work ethic, getting better every day," head coach Chuck White said.
Following last season's conference and regional championships and the program's return to the NJCAA Division II World Series for the first time since 1998, GRCC will look to carry its fall momentum into the spring as it pursues another successful postseason run.
