BGSU softball (15-18, 3-9) returns to Meserve Field this week for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) series against the University of Toledo (10-24, 6-6). Both teams enter the matchup looking to gain ground in the conference and snap four-game losing streaks in a highly anticipated Battle of I-75.
Toledo
The Rockets enter the week with a 10-24 overall record and a 6-6 mark in MAC play. Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Jessica Bracamonte, Toledo is looking to rebound after being swept on the road by Akron last weekend, dropping the contests 9-1, 9-6, and 10-9.
Despite their overall record, the Rockets intentionally played a rigorous non-conference schedule that featured eight Power 4 opponents and six teams that competed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament to prepare for conference play.
Toledo returned 18 players from its 2025 squad, relying heavily on both a talented sophomore class and key senior leadership. Offensively, the Rockets are paced by 2025 MAC Freshman of the Year Samantha Bolding. The sophomore outfielder leads the team with a .400 batting average, 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and a staggering .790 slugging percentage.
Senior shortstop Eli Enriquez provides strong veteran leadership and consistency for the Rockets, hitting .376 with a team-high 44 hits and 15 RBIs. Sophomore outfielder Audrey Miller has also been a major run producer, hitting .357 with seven home runs and a team-leading 36 RBIs, while sophomore third baseman Payton Abiley has started all 34 games, adding 22 hits and five doubles. As a team, the Rockets are hitting .284 this season.
In the circle, Toledo relies on junior pitcher Katie McDonald, a transfer who won a conference championship with Cleveland State in 2024. McDonald leads the staff with a 6-7 record, a 5.19 ERA, and 54 strikeouts over 85 innings pitched.
Junior pitcher Mady Yackee has also seen significant time, throwing 66 2/3 innings with a team-best 5.04 ERA and 30 strikeouts. The pitching staff was also bolstered in the offseason by the addition of pitching coach Staci Chambers.
As a pitching unit, the Rockets hold a 6.13 ERA and are allowing opponents to hit .337 this season.
Bowling Green
The Falcons currently sit at 15-18 overall with a 3-9 record in conference play. Now in her second season, head coach Michelle Gardner leads a BGSU squad that is also trying to bounce back following a tough weekend. The Falcons were swept on the road by Kent State, dropping the three games 7-6, 1-0, and 5-2.
Offensively, junior first baseman Taylor Behrendt leads Bowling Green with a .333 batting average and 35 hits. Junior outfielder Peyton Steffes closely follows with a .313 average, while junior shortstop Cameron Kaufman is hitting .309 with 19 RBIs.
Redshirt sophomore third baseman Addie Martin serves as the primary power threat, batting .302 while leading the team with eight home runs, nine doubles, and 28 RBIs. As a team, Bowling Green is hitting .270 for the season.
In the circle, senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik anchors the Falcons’ pitching staff. She holds an 8-6 record and a 2.93 ERA, logging 45 strikeouts and three shutouts over 90 2/3 innings. Sophomore pitcher Morgan Beckham supports the rotation with a 3.40 ERA and a 3-3 record across 35 innings.
The Falcons’ pitching staff holds a collective 4.15 ERA and limits opponents to a .292 batting average.
Series Schedule
Bowling Green will host Toledo for a three-game series at Meserve Field, starting with a single game at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The series will conclude with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8.
Find recaps of the matchups and more BGSU softball coverage at bgfalconmedia.com.
