LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- The Tusculum University softball team was ranked in NFCA/GoRout DII Top 25 Coaches Poll for the first time in program history after its 25-1 start. The Pioneers now sit 23rd in the nation.

The 2025 NFCA/Go Rout Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll is voted on by the NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll Committee. The committee consists of 16 NCAA Division II head coaches with two representing each of the NCAA's eight regions. Records reflect games played through March 9.

Tusculum was last ranked back in 1993 while in the NAIA, topping out at No. 6, as part of a 47-14 record.

In 2025, the Pioneers' 25 victories lead Division II and is just one behind Florida (DI).

Tusculum is in the top-10 in 13 statistical categories: stolen bases (1st; 93), triple plays (1st; 1), hits (2nd; 267), runs (2nd; 223), win-loss percentage (2nd; 0.962), stolen bases per game (3rd; 3.58), runs batted in (4th; 191), triples (6th; 15), scoring (6th; 8.58), doubles (6th; 54), batting average (8th; .361), RBI per game (9th; 7.35), and doubles per game (10th; 2.08).

Individually, Danielle Jason leads the country with 31 steals and is third with 1.19 steals per game. Brooke Smith ranks second in hits (43) and runs (39), while sixth in runs per game (1.50) and 10th with 21 stolen bases. Ellie Alvarez and Jason are tied for third in runs with 37 each. Megan Ackerman is fourth in pitching appearances (18), seventh in strikeout-to-walk ratio (11.40) and 10th with three saves. Gabi Nicholson is fourth in RBI (35) and Sammy Jimenez is sixth with 33. Nicholson is also sixth in doubles with 10.

Tusculum (25-1, 4-0 SAC) plays at Limestone on Wednesday (Mar. 12) with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.