Softball America
Mid-Major Marvels: Week Four
Who are the standout stars at the mid-major level? From key contributors in stunning upsets to career highs, here are some of the players who caught our attention during the fourth week of the 2025 college softball season.
Maddie Johnson, RHP, Georgia Southern
Johnson led the Eagles to three victories over the weekend. In 20.2 innings, the right-hander recorded 20 strikeouts and allowed just four runs. Her standout performance came on Friday when the freshman threw her first career no-hitter, striking out 11 in a complete-game shutout of George Mason. She also earned a win over UCF.
Peja Goold, RHP, Chattanooga
In three appearances, Goold was dominant in the circle. The reigning SoCon Pitcher of the Year struck out 31 batters and scattered just four hits across 16 scoreless innings. She recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts in her complete-game win over Stony Brook. Then, capped off her weekend with a 12-strikeout shutout of Gardner-Webb.
Jaelyn Gonzalez, OF, Quinnipiac
It was a career weekend for Gonzalez, who reached several milestones in her collegiate career. She drove in three runs in the Bobcats’ Friday win over Morgan State. Then, hit her first career triple in their victory over Syracuse, adding another RBI to her total. Gonzalez reached base safely in every game, recording three extra-base hits and six RBIs while finishing 6-for-12 at the plate. With just two career hits entering the weekend, Gonzalez now looks poised to be a key contributor for the Bobcats this season.
Brooklynn Stohler, RHP, Northwestern State
Stohler earned the start in the circle against No. 20 Mississippi State on back-to-back days. After pitching six innings in the Lady Demons’ Saturday loss to the Bulldogs, Stohler bounced back. On Sunday, she etched her name in school history. In a complete-game effort, she shut down Mississippi State, allowing just three hits. Her shutout victory gave Northwestern State its first win over a ranked opponent in 21 years.
Carly Sleeman, C, Central Michigan
Sleeman collected nine hits over the weekend, including three home runs against a pair of Power Five teams. Her first home run played a key role in the Chippewas’ upset of Northwestern on Friday. In addition to the sophomore’s three long balls, she drove in seven RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam in their narrow loss to Louisville. Defensively, she also threw out two would-be base stealers.
Sleeman made our Catcher Power Rankings following the good week.
Jenna Lord, INF, Charlotte
Lord is making the most of her time at Charlotte. The Texas Tech transfer crushed the ball this week. She hit six home runs, including a pair of multi-home run games against USC Upstate and Youngstown State. Lord collected 13 RBIs and is currently on a 10-game hitting streak.
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