Wingate, N.C.----The back-to-back regular season SAC champion Wingate University Bulldogs open the 2025 season this weekend, traveling to Lander for a 1 p.m. doubleheader. Wingate has been on a historical run over the past two seasons, following up the 48-17 season in 2023 by going 49-11 last year.

The 'Dogs are 40-8 in league play over the last two seasons, setting a program record for victories each of the last two years. The Bulldogs have hosted the SAC and NCAA Regional tournaments each of the last two seasons, advancing to the first super regional in program history in 2023. Wingate was ranked in
every NFCA national poll last year, and check in at #19 in the 2025 preseason poll. The Bulldogs were also chosen as the league favorites in the preseason SAC poll.

"As usual, we have a lot of versatility and athleticism on this team," head coach Jamie Stanclift says. "We have so many options and likely will not settle on a set lineup anytime soon. There is more than one right answer, which is an awesome problem to have. I think you will see a stronger offensive team than we've had, and a team that is very fun to watch compete together. The chemistry in our program is stronger than ever, and every single player has improved without a question. I am so proud of this team already and we haven't even hit the field yet. We are better than we've ever been from a player leadership perspective and player-led accountability. The mindset is take it one day at a time and just continue to get better every day. Everyone on this team will contribute in some way and help us have possibly the best season yet. The sky is truly the limit for this group. They have the potential to be really special."

PITCHERS

The staff is led by preseason first team All-SAC honoree Hali Scott, who picked up All-SAC and All-Region accolades last year when she went 16-5 with a 1.73 ERA in 121 innings of work, striking out 136 while adding three saves. Raleigh Dudley made 11 appearances in her first season at Wingate, posting a 2.80 ERA in 15 innings of work. Lily Huneycutt made 20 appearances as a freshman, going 3-0 with a 3.94 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 37 innings. Jamie Horodecki made five appearances with a pair of starts last year, posting a 4.20 ERA in 13 innings of work, while Jillian Thomas also made six appearances with a pair of starts last year.

"Hali is likely to be a staple in the circle and in our lineup this season," Stanclift says. "She is a voice our team relies on from a leadership perspective as well as keeping the mood light. She spent a lot of time in the weight room in the off season and her improved stamina will be especially beneficial in the circle." "Jillian is healthy this year and throwing really well," Stanclift says. "She will also provide a spark in our lineup from the left side. She is carrying a new confidence about her this year that has been fun to see. Lily Huneycutt is likely to step into a larger role this year and we anticipate a breakout season for her. She was a part of a veteran pitching staff last year and bided her time. She is hungry to compete and contribute. She is likely to see time in the outfield and first base when not pitching because she is a strong hitter."

"Raleigh has improved command of all pitches and we will be able to use her as a weapon more often this season," Stanclift says. "She keeps hitters off balance and complements the rest of our pitching staff with her arsenal of pitches. Her ball moves a lot, she knows her strengths, and she is ready to contribute even more this year. Raleigh is also a strong outfielder and may see some opportunity there. Jamie is another pitcher that helps us keep hitters off balance with her ability to change speeds. She has worked on refining all her stuff and we are confident she will get us outs. She has also been hitting the ball extremely well. I think this could be a breakout year for Jamie."

The Bulldogs have a pair of newcomers looking to make an impact in the circle in Lily Robbins and Emilee Cohee. "Lily is a left-hander that is a fierce competitor and swings it from the left side for power as well," Stanclift says. "We are excited to watch her compete. Emilee is a workhorse that just loves to compete and keep hitters guessing. She swings a strong bat as well."

CATCHER

The Bulldogs have plenty of options behind the plate, led by preseason All-SAC honoree Raelynn Kramer, along with senior Hannah Stevens and transfer Kylie LaRousa. Kramer hit .313 with 13 doubles, seven homers and 37 RBI last season, scoring 37 runs. Stevens hit .279 with 10 doubles, 10 homers and 47 RBI, scoring 35 runs while posting a .512 slugging percentage. LaRousa joins the Bulldogs after spending the last three seasons at Appalachian State, where she appeared in 60 games for the Mountaineers. The 'Dogs also have sophomore Kaylee Furr, along with newcomers Jaden Burns and Kiki Wall to provide quality depth behind the dish.

"Raelynn will also see time at third base for us, as she is a strong vocal leader on the field and also provides RBI power in our lineup," Stanclift says. "Hannah will also see time at first base and in the outfield, and is another dangerous hitter with power. Kylie looks to be another big bat for us, seeing time behind the plate as well as at first base. "Jaden is a polished catcher, but also has tremendous versatility. She is a true utility player that we are likely to use in many places," Stanclift says. "Kaylee Furr has improved tremendously and has a renewed confidence that is allowing her to perform really well this year. She and Kiki Wall will both primarily be in the outfield this season."

SHORTSTOP

The reigning SAC and Region Player of the Year Savanna Brooks will move from second base to shortstop this season. The senior earned NFCA second team All-American accolades last year, while picking up first team Academic All-America honors while also being named the SAC Scholar-Athlete. Wingate's all-time homerun leader, Brooks hit .342 with 19 homers, 15 doubles and 60 RBI last season, scoring 50 runs on the year while compiling a .749 slugging percentage and .423 on-base percentage.

SECOND BASE

The Bulldogs will look to four strong freshmen in Carrie Ellen Bryan, Damyia McFadden, Sydney Patterson, and Jaden Burns to anchor the second base spot this season.

"Carrie Ellen is a polished infielder and was a clutch hitter with runners in scoring position in the fall," Stanclift says. "Damyia is a dynamic utility with great speed and athleticism. She is a lefty triple threat that makes for a really tough out at the plate. We will use her both in the infield and the outfield this season. Sydney covers a lot of ground at second base, is a reliable infielder, and throughout the fall, found her way on base frequently. She is starting to swing with more power and has improved a ton already. Jaden is an all-around athlete and we also have confidence that she can hold down the second base position. We have a lot of strong options here."

THIRD BASE

Freshman Stephanie Perry along with sophomore Riley Davis, and Jaden may all see time at third base this year. Davis appeared in 21 games as a freshman, scoring 10 runs for the Bulldogs. "Stephanie is fearless, plays the hot corner well, and has gap to gap power," Stanclift says. "Riley is one of our most improved players. She has settled in at third base and has begun hitting for more power."

FIRST BASE

Along with Stevens, Scott, and LaRousa, the Bulldogs will turn to Laney McLaurin at first base this season. The graduate student has battled through injuries the last two years, appearing in 26 games last season while hitting .241 with four doubles and eight RBI.

"We are excited to have Laney healthy and back for a fifth year," Stanclift says. "Her experience and leadership are valuable to the team. She has had a strong preseason." 

CENTER FIELD

All-SAC and All-Region honoree Kaylee Hobgood will be in center field once again for the 'Dogs. The junior hit .354 last season, leading the team with 69 hits including seven doubles and three triples, driving in 26 runs while scoring 43 times. She led the league with 28 stolen bases last year, while posting a .428 on-base percentage. Freshman Riley Griffin will also be an asset in the outfield for the Bulldogs, along with junior Bella Kraemer. "Kaylee sets the table in the top of our lineup and is a fierce competitor and sparks our team," Stanclift says. "Riley can play anywhere in the outfield and her speed is a valuable asset. She was also our most consistent hitter all fall and has had an outstanding preseason. She will likely be on the field in a corner outfield position. Bella is back healthy now and adds valuable outfield experience. She is another one that continues to improve and is eager to compete and contribute. Her vocal leadership in the outfield stands out as well."

SCHEDULE

After opening the season at Lander this weekend, the Bulldogs head to Florida next weekend to take on Colorado School of Mines, Barry and Nova Southeastern Feb. 7-9. Wingate will be in town the following weekend, welcoming Molloy, Shippensburg and Fairmont State to North Carolina on Feb. 15 and 16. Those four contests will take place at Union Academy in Monroe, N.C. Wingate opens SAC play at Anderson Wednesday, March 5, while opening the SAC home slate Saturday, March 8 against Emory & Henry at noon.