Softball Ready to Start 2025 Season in Florida

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. — The Mount Vernon Nazarene University softball team will kick off their 2024-2025 season in Winter Haven, Florida on February 27 against No. 22 Southeastern University.   

MVNU placed fourth in the Crossroad League conference last season. The Lady Cougars are looking to start the new season with a talented group of newcomers and seasoned returners. 

The Lady Cougars have six returning seniors in Kylie Rohr (OF/ Bolivar, Ohio), Maddelyn Wine (P/ Bellville, Ohio), Sydney Hoover (C/ Utica, Ohio), Nadia Hoffman (P/ Massillon, Ohio), Mollie Pentz (INF/ Mount Vernon, Ohio), and Sydney Elliott (C/ Armada, Michigan), and all bring valuable experience and leadership to the Lady Cougar team. Pentz returns to first base from last year after receiving the Crossroads League Gold Glove and earning All-Crossroads League First Team honors. 

Kiera Mayer, a returning junior, is primed for another big season. Mayer broke the MVNU single season homerun record with 20 and received All-Crossroads League First Team honors in 2024. 

MVNU's incoming freshman class is filled with talent and excitement, and the class includes Camden Laymon (C/ Escondido, California), Sophie Durbin (INF/ Mansfield, Ohio), Skylar Zimmerman (OF/ South Webster, Ohio), Bre Fatzinger (OF/ Smithville, Ohio), and Jesenia Montalvo (INF/ Fredericktown, Ohio).  

The Lady Cougars received an additional pitcher to add to their staff from Cleveland State University in Dakota Staffan who is a sophomore from Johnstown, Ohio. 

First pitch of the doubleheader against No. 22 Southeastern on Thursday, February 27 is set for 4:00 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.