RICHMOND, Ind. – The Earlham College softball team will open its 2026 season with a busy weekend, hosting St. Mary's College, and Elmhurst University for a six-game set in Ellie Bewley Stadium.
THE SCHEDULE
Earlham opens its season playing four games against St. Mary's and Elmhurst on opening weekend. Earlham then heads to Florida to participate in THE Spring Games over Spring Break. While away, the Quakers will contest eight games in five days. Earlham then returns to Ellie Bewley Stadium to host Olivet for a doubleheader on March 21st. The Quaker Bowl takes place on March 24th at Wilmington College with a doubleheader starting at 3 pm. Earlham hosts Centre College on March 26th at 3 pm for a doubleheader, and conference play begins on March 28th at Bluffton University. Earlham pays a visit to the defending National Champions at Trine University on March 29th before returning to HCAC action on April 4th with a doubleheader against Transylvania University, first pitch is scheduled for 1 pm. Eight conference doubleheaders over five weeks end the season, with the final regular season matchup scheduled at Anderson University for May 2nd. The conference tournament is set to be held May 7-10th in Kokomo, Ind.
THE PLAYERS
The Quakers earned two all-conference bids last season.
Tatum Rickert placed on the first team with a pitching record of 10-7. In 101.2 innings, Rickert tallied 77 strikeouts and a 2.27 ERA. Rickert threw eight complete games, with two shutouts and two saves, allowing a 1.4 WHIP.
Morgan Cooksey placed on the all-conference second team after leading the Quakers in the circle this season. Cooksey threw 124.2 innings with 109 strikeouts, a 1.52 ERA, and a measly .95 WHIP. The sophomore had a 12-6 record with 12 complete games, two shutouts and two saves. Additionally, Earlham had two players selected as "Athletes to Watch" by the conference.
Ashley Lewis hit .308 in 2025 with six doubles, one triple, 15 RBI with a team-high 21 runs scored. Lewis was also perfect in the outfield, posting zero errors on 48 putouts in right field.
Bo Shelton played in 38 games with a .302 batting average, 10 doubles, three triples, three homers, 18 RBI and 16 runs scored. Shelton was 6-for-6 on stolen bases and had a .858 fielding percentage. As a freshman in 2024, Shelton was named first team All-HCAC.
THE COACHES
Stacey Goyett returns for her third season leading the Quakers after a 25-16 record last year. Joining Goyette this season is new assistant coach Meg Stanley.
HCAC OUTLOOK
The Quakers were picked to finish in fourth place in the HCAC Preseason Coaches Poll with 60 votes. Earlham finished just behind Franklin College in third place with 62 votes. Transylvania was tabbed to win the conference, garnering 81 votes and nine first-place votes.
HOW TO FOLLOW
goearlham.com will have up-to-the minute information on schedule cancelations and alterations all season long. Additionally, links for live video and live stats will be published as they become available.
