Category: Rutgers softball

Rutgers star Morgan Smith named top two-way player in college softball

On Monday, the Rutgers star was named the No. 1 two-way player and No. 23 player overall in Softball America’s Top 100 Players List

With the college softball season in the books, Morgan Smith has continued to add to her trophy case. On Monday, the Rutgers star was named the No. 1 two-way player and No. 23 player overall in Softball America’s Top 100 Players List. It is Smith’s latest achievement following a historic season.

In 169 at-bats during the 2024 campaign, Smith posted a .408 batting average while driving in 66 runs. She also made an impact with her power as 39 of her 69 hits went for extra-bases. The Pinnacle High School product set career highs in home runs with 19, triples with four, and runs with 50.

When Smith wasn’t making headlines at the plate, she was frustrating hitters on the mound. In her second season at Rutgers, Smith posted a 3.54 ERA in 130.2 innings of work. She also set career highs in strikeouts with 93 and wins with 11.

Not surprisingly, she was an All-Big Ten selection.

While Smith was a human highlight reel, she also etched her name into the record books. She set the new program RBI record, and her .408 batting average was the seventh-best in program history. However, her impact went beyond the box score.

𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 πŽπ… 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 πŸ‘‘

.
Morgan Smith has been crowned the top two-way player in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ by @SoftbalAmerica ‼️
.#GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/ZG2oEVevdf

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) June 10, 2024

 

As Smith took her game to another level, Rutgers won 30 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. The Scarlet Knights also earned their highest Big Ten Tournament seed since joining the conference in 2015. It was a season that many in Piscataway will never forget.

[lawrence-related id=38872,38867,38862]

Although Smith’s time at Rutgers has come to an end, Monday provided a reminder of her impact. Regardless of the position, she was one of the best players in the nation during the 2024 campaign.

Her focus will now shift to building on her success at the pro level with the Chattanooga Steam.

Rutgers softball star Morgan Smith named first team All-American

Rutgers softball’s Morgan Smith named All-American.

While the 2024 softball season is over,Rutgers softball star Morgan Smith is not done adding to her trophy case. On Tuesday, Smith was named a first team All-American following a truly special season for the Scarlet Knights..

For the Rutgers star, it is the latest accolade following a season in which she rewrote the program record books.

In 55 games, Smith was a force at the plate, hitting 19 home runs and 14 doubles. While leading Rutgers offense, she drove in 66 runs, a program record for a single season. With her in the middle of the lineup, Rutgers offense was a tough matchup on a nightly basis. However, her impact was not only felt at the plate.

When Smith was not hitting, she was making an impact on the mound. In 130.2 innings of work, the Pinnacle High School product posted a 3.54 ERA and struck out a career-high 93 batters. Due to her play, Smith was one of the top two-way players in the country.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ πŸ₯Ž 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 πŠππˆπ†π‡π“ 𝐀𝐋𝐋-π€πŒπ„π‘πˆπ‚π€π πŸ₯Ž πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

.
Morgan Smith was named a First Team All-American by @SoftbalAmerica
.#GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/iI8NU5Tngq

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) May 28, 2024

 

As Smith frustrated opponents on a nightly basis, Rutgers won 30 games for the second consecutive season for the first time in program history. The Scarlet Knights also earned its highest Big Ten Tournament seed since joining the league in the 2015 season.

[lawrence-related id=38408,38411]

While Rutgers success was a team effort, Smith’s impact was undeniable. She excelled regardless of the role and continued to improve her game. Her latest award is another reminder of the historic season she put together.

Rutgers softball adds Brearley High School star to 2024 class

Leah Sims commits to Rutgers softball.

With the 2024 season over, Rutgers softball will get an extended break before returning to action. However, the Scarlet Knights have stayed busy as they added a new face to mix in Leah Sims.

Last week, Sims announced that she had committed to Rutgers.

In 252 games for Brearley High School softball (Kenilworth, New Jersey), Sims posted a .389 batting average while driving in 62 runs. She also showed a little power as 24 of her 98 hits went for extra bases. Her ability to get on base and provide occasional power should help Rutgers offense regardless of where Sims is in the order.

Additionally, Sims brings value with her versatility. While playing for the Untamed Softball 18U Navy team, Sims played third base and the middle infield. As she adjusts to the college game, Rutgers head coach Kristin Butler can use Sims in various ways.Β 

πŸ—£οΈ π–π„π‹π‚πŽπŒπ„ π“πŽ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 ππ€ππŠπ’

✍️ Leah Sims
♦️ Utility
🏠 Kenilworth, N.J.
🏫 David Brearley High School
πŸ₯Ž Untamed

πŸ›‘οΈ βš”οΈ Welcome To R Family βš”οΈ πŸ›‘οΈ pic.twitter.com/fvRHlgL6Xk

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) May 13, 2024

[lawrence-related id=38213,38204,38206]

While the start of the 2025 campaign is months away, having Sims on board is an upgrade for Rutgers. She only bit below .255 once in high school and stole 15 bases. It is unlikely that Sims will be a primary run producer next year, but she still brings a lot of value with a good approachΒ atΒ the plate. As long as Sims builds on her high school success, she should be able to carve out a role.Β 

Three Rutgers softball players were named to the NFCA All-Region Teams

Rutgers softball continues to get postseason honors.

On Saturday, Rutgers softball Morgan Smith, Kyleigh Sand, and Mattie Boyd were named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Great Lakes Region Teams. The honors follow a strong season for Rutgers in the Big Ten.

Smith, a senior two-way outfielder/pitcher, was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection and named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. Also, Smith had an outstanding season for the Scarlet Knights and was named Second Team All-Great Lakes Region for her efforts this past season.

The LSU transfer recorded a .357 batting average while producing 60 hits including 14 doubles, two triples, and five home runs. She totaled 38 runs and registered a team-leading 46 RBIs. Smith ranked ninth in the Big Ten Conference in RBIs, 10th in hits, and fourth in sacrifice flies.

As for Sand, the Rutgers shortstop is a first-team all-region honoree for the second consecutive season. Sand led Rutgers in batting average (.374), on-base percentage (.442), and stolen bases (26). She totaled 71 hits leading to 13 doubles and a team-leading three triples. Nationally, she is ranked No. 20 in hits, No. 32 in runs per game, and No. 36 in stolen bases.

[lawrence-related id=37719]

Boyd, a graduate student pitcher, received a third-team All-Region Team selection and was a Second Team All-Big Ten pick. Boyd finished the season with a 19-10 record and a 2.40 ERA on the mound. She logged 162 strikeouts, allowing 65 earned runs and 154 hits throughout her 189.2 innings pitched this season.

[lawrence-related id=38193,38180]

In Big Ten action, Boyd was 13-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 90.2 innings pitched holding conference foes to a .226 average.

 

Rutgers softball Morgan Smith is a unanimous All-Big Ten selection

Rutgers softball’s Morgan Smith gets All-Big Ten honors.

During the 2024 spring season, Morgan Smith rewrote the Rutgers softball record books. Now, she has been recognized as one of the best in the Big Ten.

On Wednesday, Smith became a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team.Β 

In 55 games, she posted a .408 batting average while hitting 19 home runs. Smith, from Phoenix, Arizona,Β set career highs in triples with four, hits with 69, and runs with 50. However, her impact did not stop in the batter’s box; she was also one of Rutgers’ best pitchers.

When Smith wasn’t being a hits machine she set the tone on the mound with a 3.54 ERA. In 130.2 innings, she struck out 93 batters and won 11 games. Regardless of the role, Smith was asked to play she helped Rutgers to a very strong season.

ππŽπ’π“π’π„π€π’πŽπ π‡πŽππŽπ‘π’

.
πŸ₯Ž Senior two-way Morgan Smith was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection and named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team
. #GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/Uc9eimi8Ya

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) May 8, 2024

While Smith was one of Rutgers best players, she also held her own in the conference. She finished the 2024 campaign tied with the Big Ten Player of the Year Jess Oakland as the conference’s leader in home runs and ranked third in batting average. Her play helped spark Rutgers to a 33-22 record in the regular season.

[lawrence-related id=38012,37969,38004]

Although Rutgers Big Ten Tournament run ended on Thursday night, Smith’s latest honor was a reason to celebrate. She had an unforgettable season and was a perfect fit in the lineup. As Rutgers shifts their focus to the 2025 campaign, Smith’s accomplishments will not be forgotten.

Rutgers softball sees Katie Wingert makes history over the weekend

Katie Wingert sets a Rutgers softball program record.

Over the last five years, Katie Wingert has been a critical part of the Rutgers softball program. That continued over the weekend as Rutgers won its series over Michigan State. As the offense impressed, Wingert wrote her name into the record books during a weekend that featured two Big Ten wins for the program.

While Rutgers dropped the last game of the series, Wingert gave her teammates a reason to celebrate. She drove in the only run of the day for Rutgers, giving her 146 RBI in her career, a new program record. Wingert surpassed Sharron Morris who played for Rutgers from 1993-1996. For the talented catcher, it is a moment she will never forget.

Although Wingert’s date with history came during a loss, it provided a reminder of how important she is. This season, the Cumberland High School product has driven in 41 runs, only four short of her career high.Β The only player who has been more productive with runners in scoring position has been Morgan Smith.Β 

T6 | Scarlet Knights get on the scoreboard as Katie Wingert becomes Rutgers’ career RBI leader πŸ‘#GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/xlOzaJmCPA

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) April 28, 2024

[lawrence-related id=37738,37725]

As Rutgers prepares for Big Ten Tournament play, they will need Wingert to build on her success.Β In 51 games this year, Wingert has added 41 hits, including 12 home runs, to her resume. Over the next few weeks, she will be looking to etch her name into the record books further while ending her college career with a few playoff wins.Β 

After a big week, Morgan Smith gets Big Ten softball honors

Morgan Smith got Big Ten weekly softball honors.

After another stellar week, Rutgers star Morgan Smith added some new hardware to her trophy case on Monday; The Senior Scarlet Knight was named the Big Ten Co-Player of the Week. As Rutgers continued to pile up wins, Smith was a hits machine.

In five games, the Phoenix native posted a .500 batting average while driving in 16 runs. She also showed some power with four home runs as Rutgers recorded a series victory over Maryland for the second straight year. However, her impact was not only felt at the plate; she was also stellar on the mound.

Against two Big Ten teams, Nebraska and Maryland, Smith struck out six batters. While she struggled against Nebraska, she earned the win against Maryland, ending her three-game losing streak. Regardless of the situation, Smith found a way to excel.

T4 | πŸ‘‘βš”οΈ Morgan Smith βš”οΈπŸ‘‘#GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/Rea1V0dArS

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) April 10, 2024

Additionally, the former Pinnacle High School star made history. Against Maryland, Smith surpassed Jackie Bates (2015) as RU’s single-season RBIs leader. Through 44 games, she has driven 63 runs and has shown no signs of slowing down. For the Scarlet Knights, that has been a welcome sign.

[lawrence-related id=37437,37421,37416]

While the season is far from over, Rutgers has been popular in the weekly awards. Smith is the latest Scarlet Knight to win one, joining Katie Wingert and Mattie Boyd. As long as Smith continues to build on her success, more hardware could be on the horizon.

Rutgers softball: Morgan Smith making an impact at the plate and on the mound

Rutgers softball is off to a solid start this season.

Through the first few weeks of the 2024 softball campaign, Rutgers has gotten off to an impressive 21-15 start. While Rutgers has gotten contributions from throughout the lineup, Morgan Smith has been vital to their success. The Phoenix native has been an on-base machine and is on pace to have a career year.

In 116 at-bats, Smith has posted a .422 batting average and driven in 42 runs. She has also shown some power with four doubles and 13 home runs. Before the 2024 campaign, Smith had never hit more than five home runs in a season.

E4 | Swing and miss — Morgan Smith leaving a pair of Boilermakers in scoring position with her 3rd K of the day#GoRU #RUSB #Team50 pic.twitter.com/jEOHyuTzgY

β€” Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) March 29, 2024

While the talented senior has been a force at the plate, she is also making an impact on the mound. In 21 appearances, Smith has posted a 3.00 ERA and set a new career-high in strikeouts with 69. Smith has already thrown 33.8 innings more than last year, but she has shown she can handle the workload.

[lawrence-related id=37078,37138]

Although the season is far from over, it has been hard to ignore Smith’s play. She leads Rutgers in batting average, home runs, hits, and triples. That is no easy feat, especially considering the 2024 campaign is over a month old.

After proving that she could hold her own offensively last year with a .357 batting average in 57 games, Smith has taken her game to another level. For Rutgers it has been a welcome sign as Smith’s impact at the plate has sparked the offense.

Rutgers softball defeated UNC in the second game of the Mizuno Invitational

After defeating Lafayette on the opening day of the Mizuno Invitational, Rutgers softball defeated North Carolina 4-0 on Saturday.

Rutgers softball has taken wins from its first three games in the Mizuno Invitational,

On Saturday, Rutgers softball defeated North Carolina (14-3) 4-0. One day prior, Rutgers won over Lafayette. They followed that up with a second win on Saturday over Campbell.

With the win, Rutgers is now 13-6.

In their second game of the Mizuno Invitational, Rutgers pitcher Morgan Smith went the distance, recording six strikeouts and a shutout victory over North Carolina. Morgan captured her fourth victory on the mound while contributing a solo home run at the plate.

At the plate for the Scarlet Knights, Smith, LA Matthews, Payton Lincavage, and Leilani Chavez contributed RBIs to secure their victory. Rutgers logged 11 hits, four RBIs, three doubles, two walks, and six strikeouts throughout 31 at-bats as a team.

[lawrence-related id=35388]

North Carolina left six runners on base in this matchup while recording a team batting average of .208 (5-24). UNC combined for five hits and went scoreless throughout seven innings.

The Scarlet Knights resume action on Saturday with their third game of the Mizuno Invitational against the 2023 Big South Champion Campbell.

[lawrence-related id=35621]

Last season, Rutgers finished the season 32-25.

Rutgers softball goes 1-1 on Day Two at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Rutgers dropped their first game to LMU 11-7 and defeated Cal Poly 8-7 in game two during the second day of the Mary Nutter Tournament.

It was a split decision for Rutgers softball over the weekend at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

Rutgers softball dropped their first game to LMU 11-7 and defeated Cal Poly 8-7 in game two during the second day of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

Game 1

In game one on Friday, LMU jumped out to an early lead with a two-run home run in the top of the first. The Scarlet Knights cut the Lions’ lead to one when they scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the inning.

The game changed for LMU when the Lions exploded for seven runs in the second inning to take a 9-1 lead. Rutgers tried to fight back, but the collapse in the second inning was too much to overcome.

Rutgers catcher Katie Wingert and outfielder Jillian Anderson provided RBI singles in the bottom of the third to cut LMU’s lead to 9-3. In the top of the fifth, Rutgers outfielder Kayla Bock added an RBI single to close the gap to five runs, but LMU would respond in the top of the sixth with a two-run home run to push LMU’s lead to seven.

[lawrence-related id=35619,35590]

The Scarlet Knights continued to fight back, with Wingert and Anderson combining for three RBIs to cut the lead to four. Rutgers didn’t have enough to complete the comeback and fell to LMU 11-7.

Game 2

In game two, the Scarlet Knights jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Rutgers Maddie Lawson produced an RBI single in the top of the second. Rutgers’ lead was quickly erased when Cal Poly recorded a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 1-1.

Rutgers outfielder Morgan Smith broke the tie with a two-run blast to give the Scarlet Knights a 3-1 lead, and shortly after, outfielder Kayla Bock added a two-RBI single to extend the lead to 5-1. In the same inning, Rutgers shortstop Kyleigh Sand recorded a bases-clearing double, extending the Scarlet Knights’ lead to 8-1.

The Mustangs put together a seventh-inning comeback attempt but fell short to give Rutgers an 8-7 victory in game two.