CARMEL, Indiana – The Mount St. Joseph softball program has been picked to finish second in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference this season in the league's preseason coaches poll released today.
The Lions enter the season after putting together a 28-14 overall record last year and a 12-6 mark in HCAC play, finishing second in the regular season standings in 2025. Mount St. Joseph will be looking to replace an outstanding senior class from a season ago but does return a strong group of veterans to lead this year's squad.
The team returns a quartet of All-HCAC performers from last season, led by Shelby Rakosky, who was selected as a first-team honoree during her freshman season. Rakosky started every game at the hot corner for Head Coach Beth Goderwis and was a standout at the plate, hitting .366 with 11 doubles, seven triples, four home runs, and a team-high 46 RBI.
She is joined by three returning second-team selections from a season ago in Mackinley Lawson, Lesleigh Reimers, and Avery Wiltermood. Wiltermood, the team's shortstop, hit .322 with nine doubles and six stolen bases in 2025. Lawson was the Lions' leading hitter, posting a .402 average with seven doubles, four home runs, and 25 RBI. Reimers was the Lions' top pitcher last season, compiling an 11-1 record with a 2.23 ERA, two complete games, and 41 strikeouts.
Two other Lions were named players to watch in 2026: junior utility player Sydney Hughbanks and sophomore pitcher Mollie Sharp.
This strong group of returners will look to combine with a talented group of newcomers and players stepping into expanded roles as the Lions pursue an HCAC title in 2026.
Mount St. Joseph will open the 2026 season on February 21 in Montgomery, Alabama, against Mississippi University for Women.
