The Davenport softball team has ridden a hot start to be ranked seventh in the first regular season NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll announced last week.

The Panthers have jumped eight spots from 15th in the preseason poll on the strength of a 20-2 overall record.

Two huge reasons for the quality start have been Wayland High School graduates Mallory Teunissen and senior Haley Obetts.

Teunissen, a sophomore pitcher, has turned in a 10-2 overall record for the season and she leads the team in inning pitched and earned run average. She was the starting pitcher on the Lady Wildcats 2015 state championship team.

Obetts has played both first base and third base for the Panthers. She is hitting .333 with two home runs and 13 runs batted in.

Davenport’s doubleheader Saturday was canceled by rain. The Panthers will be back in action Wednesday afternoon against Cornerstone University.

PHOTOS: Mallory Teunissen    Haley Obetts