Softball | 11/26/2025 1:28:00 PM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
Ausha Moore hit .283 as a freshman with five home runs and walked 33 times while striking out 29. She led North Texas in on-base percentage at .445.
 
By any measure, that is a good debut. Moore, who transferred to Wichita State after a coaching change at North Texas, expects more after her fall with the Shockers.
 
"I wouldn't say content, but I was definitely happy," she said. "I've had a lot more success offensively. I wasn't barreling up balls that I know I should be."
 
The Shockers wrapped up fall practices earlier this month after playing eight scrimmages against outside competition. Moore, who plays first and third base, emerged as one of the bright spots. Coach Kristi Bredbenner considers her a middle-of-the-order hitter and WSU's most consistent defender at third base.
 
"Unbelievable fall," Bredbenner said. "It seemed like every time she put the bat in her hand, she was putting the ball out the ballpark. To see that kind of power and maturity from her is something we're really excited about."
 
 

HOLY AUSHA 🫣

A pair of home runs on the day after a grand slam in the 7th! She's got 2 HR and 7 RBI on the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/P5tJPUtYKj

— Wichita State Softball (@GoShockersSB) November 2, 2025

 
 
Wichita State, 29-25-1 last season, is rebuilding its offense after the departure of six of its top eight hitters. Moore spent the fall studying video and working with associate head coach Elizabeth Economon to reshape her swing.
 
Fitting in with new teammates and coaches started her adjustment.
 
"I was very nervous coming into such a new team," Moore said. "They let me be myself. I'm a pretty talkative person, a pretty vibrant person. They never tried to dim my light."
 
Her work with Economon soon started to pay off with mental and physical adjustments. She smoothed out her swing to put the bat on a straight path through the strike zone, instead of the V-shape that held her back as a freshman.
 
"With her observation and her help, she definitely made me more efficient through the zone," Moore said. "She instilled confidence in me from day one. When I came in, I wouldn't say I was very confident in my abilities. She never let me waver."
 
Bredbenner is optimistic that the Shockers, who hit 72 home runs last season, can hit with power with a deeper lineup this spring. Moore and transfers Trinity Allen and Mickayla Tosch showed power in the fall, as did freshman Kinzey Woody. Brookelyn Livanec is WSU's top returner hitter with a .364 batting average. Centerfielder Jodie Epperson hit .290 with eight home runs and 11 doubles last season.
 
"Brookelyn picked up where she left off," Bredbenner said. "She's consistently finding ways to get on base. There's so much potential in so many of our kids who are just starting to figure it out."
 
Sophomores Ava Sliger and Ryley Nihart, the American's Co-Freshman of the Year last season, lead the six-person pitching staff. Sophomore seasons can challenge pitchers as opponents prepare better scouting reports. Bredbenner likes how those two improved through the fall.
 
"Ryley and Ava have come back with a better understanding of how to pitch," Bredbenner said. "They've added some things to their repertoire."
 
The Shockers start practice on Jan. 7. A tough non-conference schedule begins on Feb. 6 in a tournament at Baylor in which WSU faces Mississippi State, the host Bears, Northwestern State and New Mexico.
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.