Northwestern University Athletics
Emma Raye Named Big Ten Player of the Week
4/13/2026 3:00:00 PM | Softball
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Junior catcher Emma Raye was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.
Raye takes home the weekly honors after leading the Wildcats at the plate during their weekend series sweep over Penn State. The Superior, Wisconsin native reached base in 11-of-13 plate appearances (.846 OBP) while collecting six RBI, seven runs scored, two homers and three stolen bases as the Wildcats combined to outscore the Nittany Lions 38-9 across three games.
Entering this weekend, Raye had a total of three three-hit games in 130 career starts. She reached that mark in every game this weekend, recording a three-hit performance in every game of the series.
During Friday's 8-2 win, Rate reached base four times and went 3-for-3 with a three-run home run in the fourth inning to go along with two runs scored.
In Saturday's 13-4 run-rule victory, Raye went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. She followed that up by reaching base four times in Sunday's 17-3 run-rule victory, hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the fourth inning while finishing 3-for-4 with a walk, three RBI, and two runs scored.
The junior catcher is in the midst of a breakout season at the plate, currently leading the Wildcats this season in batting average (.396), OPS (1.266), hits (44), home runs (10), RBI (41), slugging percentage (.766) and on-base percentage (.500). Raye has taken her game to another level in conference play, hitting .413 (19-for-46) with a .534 on-base percentage against Big Ten opponents.
Following its sweep at Penn State, Northwestern will be back in action for a midweek trip to South Bend on Wednesday to face Notre Dame. First pitch is set for 5 pm CT, with coverage on ACC Network. The 'Cats then return home for a three-game set against Michigan State at The Ballpark at Rosemont beginning on Friday evening.
Raye takes home the weekly honors after leading the Wildcats at the plate during their weekend series sweep over Penn State. The Superior, Wisconsin native reached base in 11-of-13 plate appearances (.846 OBP) while collecting six RBI, seven runs scored, two homers and three stolen bases as the Wildcats combined to outscore the Nittany Lions 38-9 across three games.
Entering this weekend, Raye had a total of three three-hit games in 130 career starts. She reached that mark in every game this weekend, recording a three-hit performance in every game of the series.
During Friday's 8-2 win, Rate reached base four times and went 3-for-3 with a three-run home run in the fourth inning to go along with two runs scored.
In Saturday's 13-4 run-rule victory, Raye went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. She followed that up by reaching base four times in Sunday's 17-3 run-rule victory, hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the fourth inning while finishing 3-for-4 with a walk, three RBI, and two runs scored.
The junior catcher is in the midst of a breakout season at the plate, currently leading the Wildcats this season in batting average (.396), OPS (1.266), hits (44), home runs (10), RBI (41), slugging percentage (.766) and on-base percentage (.500). Raye has taken her game to another level in conference play, hitting .413 (19-for-46) with a .534 on-base percentage against Big Ten opponents.
Following its sweep at Penn State, Northwestern will be back in action for a midweek trip to South Bend on Wednesday to face Notre Dame. First pitch is set for 5 pm CT, with coverage on ACC Network. The 'Cats then return home for a three-game set against Michigan State at The Ballpark at Rosemont beginning on Friday evening.
Softball - Wildcats Earn Series Sweep at Penn State with 17-3 Run-Rule (4/12/26)
Sunday, April 12
Softball - 'Cats Run-Rule Penn State, 13-4, Claim Series Victory (4/11/26)
Saturday, April 11
Softball - 'Cats Open Weekend at Penn State with 8-2 Win (4/10/26)
Friday, April 10
Softball - Marina Mason Tosses Complete Game Shutout, 'Cats Earn Game One Win vs. Michigan (4/3/26)
Saturday, April 04
