QUINCY, Ill. – A new season brings a new opportunity for Quincy Softball, as the Hawks open the 2026 campaign with a youthful core, several experienced transfers, and an incoming freshman class eager to make an immediate impact.

Picked to finish last in the GLVC preseason poll after an 8–40 season a year ago, Quincy enters year four under head coach Cathy Monroe, focused on growth and development. While last year's record was tough, the Hawks return a large sophomore class that gained valuable experience early in their careers, giving the program a foundation to build on this spring.

Returning Core Brings Experience and Leadership

Despite their youth, the Hawks bring back several key contributors on both sides of the ball.

Senior Kenzie Moss remains the centerpiece of the offense after one of the most productive seasons in recent program history. Moss led Quincy in every major offensive category, batting .356 with a .616 slugging percentage while totaling 52 hits, 15 doubles, four triples, five home runs, and 35 RBIs. She added 32 runs scored, struck out just 12 times all season, and recorded 16 multi-hit games. Her 14-game hitting streak and GLVC Third Team All-Conference honors highlight her consistency at the plate.

Sophomore Emma Stieferman returns as one of the team's top two-way players. In the circle, she logged 93.2 innings across 27 appearances, including 15 starts and six complete games. Her freshman season was highlighted by a complete-game shutout over Davenport. She also provides versatility offensively as a utility option.

Behind the plate, Kinsey Biggerstaff quickly established herself as one of the conference's best defensive catchers. Starting all 48 games as a freshman, Biggerstaff threw out 17 runners, ranking first in the GLVC and tied for third nationally in Division II, while posting a .980 fielding percentage. Offensively, she added six doubles, two triples, and 15 RBIs, becoming a steady presence on both sides of the ball.

Sophomore Alexus Freeman contributed as both an outfielder and pitcher, appearing in 35 games with nine appearances in the circle, while Kaidence Dumas gained valuable innings with 21 pitching appearances and 11 starts as a freshman.

Senior Lindsey Fischer adds speed and veteran leadership to the outfield after leading the team with 15 stolen bases and consistently creating pressure on the basepaths.

Transfers Add Immediate Production

Quincy also welcomes a trio of transfers who bring proven collegiate production and defensive reliability.

Outfielder Andee Brown arrives from Lincoln Land Community College after hitting .274 and playing flawless defense, committing zero errors in 155 chances. Her consistency in the field and ability to get on base add stability to the outfield.

First baseman Hailee Irby brings one of the most impressive offensive résumés on the roster. Across two seasons at Black Hawk College, Irby hit over .360 both years, compiling 41 doubles, 14 home runs, and more than 90 RBIs. She posted back-to-back seasons with a .400-plus on-base percentage and finished last year with 21 multi-hit games. Her power and run production should immediately strengthen the middle of Quincy's lineup.

Utility catcher/outfielder Karlie Ingle adds versatility and defense after batting .315 last season while throwing out nearly 40 percent of base runners. Her ability to play multiple positions gives the Hawks added flexibility throughout the lineup.

Freshmen to Watch

The Hawks' incoming class brings athleticism and winning pedigrees.

Amy McCurdy headlines the group after earning all-state and all-conference honors at third base, while pitcher Haley Martin was named Pitcher of the Year and helped guide Hallsville High School to back-to-back conference titles.

Outfielder Makala Koozer arrives with state championship and national club experience, and Kaman Reno brings leadership and multi-sport athleticism behind the plate and in the infield.

Avery Mulvey adds a winning background at first base, while Haleigh Winter, a Missouri state champion and school record holder for home runs and RBIs, brings power potential.

Perhaps the most dynamic addition is Hannah Uhles, who starred both at the plate and in the circle during a historic senior season that included a .649 batting average, 21 home runs, and an 18–1 pitching record while leading her school to a state title at Carrollton High School.

Opening Weekend

Quincy opens its season at the Music City Invitational in Smyrna, Tennessee, beginning with a Friday doubleheader against Kentucky Wesleyan College before facing Tiffin University and Ashland University on Saturday.

With a year of experience under their belts and fresh talent throughout the roster, the Hawks look to take meaningful steps forward as the 2026 season begins.