TOP STORIES OF 2024: #9 - Softball Sets Several Milestones
Entering at number nine in our countdown of the top stories of 2024 is Owls softball, which set several program records after a strong 2024 season where the Owls set the single-season program record for wins in a season with 28.
WESTFIELD, Mass. - Entering at number nine in our countdown of the top stories of 2024 is Owls softball, which set several program records after a strong 2024 season where the Owls set the single-season program record for wins in a season with 28.
Westfield entered the MASCAC Tournament as the number one overall seed after winning the MASCAC regular season title, also entering the playoffs with 26 wins, which tied the current program record. The Owls advanced into the conference semifinals in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 win over Salem State, securing the team's record-setting 27th victory behind a complete-game shutout from pitcher Katherine Canty. In the conference semifinals, the Owls defeated Framingham State to punch their ticket into the league championship game, picking up a 28th win on the year. Unfortunately, the Owls season came to a halt on championship Sunday where Westfield would lose back-to-back games against Framingham, ending what was an historic season for the program.
On top of setting the program win record, Westfield tallied the most home runs in a single season, launching 22 long balls led by sophomore transfer student Hannah Wodecki who also set the single-season home run record for the Owls as well.
The Owls strong season led to seven players selected as part of the 2024 MASCAC All-Conference Team with head coach Joe Hough named the MASCAC Coach of the Year. Hough, in his second year as head coach of the Owls, has posted the two most winningest seasons over the last over the last 14 years for the program, notching 24 victories in his first season in 2023.
In conjunction with the Owls success this past season, several field upgrades were made to the team's softball field including re-grading the surface of the skinned dirt portion of the infield and replacing the surface, realigning the pitching rubber and home plate, and re-sodding the outfield lip of the infield.
At Westfield State University's 185th Homecoming celebration, the Owls softball field was dedicated as "Sullivan Field" named in honor of the Sullivan Family as Kris '77, Bob '81, Mike '14, and Julia '17 have had a long affiliation with the University as students, athletes and parents, and have a history of strong support for Westfield State athletics.
Westfield State Athletics Top Stories of 2024: