SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Dani Hayward was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Softball Pitcher of the Week on Monday afternoon by the conference office.
 
In a 2-0 week for the Raiders that featured just one doubleheader due to its pre-existing schedule and weather postponements, Hayward had the best outing of her career on Tuesday as the Raiders swept Shepherd. She was in a pitcher's duel with Ram ace Madelayne Ruffner and came out on top, 3-0.
 
Hayward pitched a complete game in the circle, striking out five batters and not giving up a walk. She allowed just two hits, her lowest total allowed in a full seven-inning game. It was Hayward's second shutout of the season and fourth of her career.
 
Hayward struck out two batters in the bottom of the seventh to secure the Raider win. The two teams combined for only four hits, two from each team.
 
It was the first time that the Raiders have won both ends of a conference doubleheader by shutout in nearly 20 years, dating back to April 11, 2006 (1-0 and 2-0 wins over East Stroudsburg).
 
It is the second Pitcher of the Week award this season for Hayward after being honored on March 16. It marks the third Pitcher of the Week award of her career and her fourth overall weekly award, as she was named the Athlete of the Week on April 28, 2025. This marks the fourth weekly award for the Raiders this season.