Softball Preseason Poll Released: Griffins Tabbed for First

St. Louis- The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) has just released the 2014 Softball Preseason Poll. The Griffins have been named the favorite, looking to defend their past four consecutive SLIAC Tournament Championship titles. 

Fontbonne University softball  returns all players from last season except 2013 SLIAC Pitcher of the Year Rachel McCarthy, but gain two freshmen pitchers in Michelle Boyer and Shelby Faulkner. Senior shortstop Marisa Simon, an All-Region selection and 2013 SLIAC Player of the Year, along with All-Region sisters Cassi and Danni Glixman, look to power the Griffin offense. Danni held a .436 batting average with six home runs and 56 runs batted in, the highest in the SLIAC. Cassi, continuing to get on base, held a .410 batting average, hit two home runs and totaled 40 RBIs. 2013 SLIAC Co-Newcomer of the Year, Madi Leonard will help anchor the Griffin pitching squad after last seasons 126 strikouts in 111 innings. In all, ten All-Conference returners will guide the Fontbonne team that led the SLIAC with a team batting average of .319 with a 34-12 overall record and 16-0 conference record.

Spalding University was picked second in the poll (69 pts), coming off a 20-19 overall record after a third place SLIAC finish. Golden Eagle Alyssa McAfee was the other 2013 SLiaC Co-Newcomer of the Year and she will lead her team this season. McAfee held a .356 batting average as outfielder and pitcher, winning five games and pitching 56 innings.

Westminster College, who finished second in the SLIAC last year, has been nominated to finish third this year with 55 points. Last season the Bluejays held a 10-4 conference record. Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree Rai'an Harris returns along with Lori Jones who averaged .344 batting with two home runs.  

Webster University has been picked in contention with Westminster, totaling 54 points in the poll. Last season the Gorloks finished in fifth place with a 21-16 overall record. Several strong players return and leading them is Rachel Frank with a .420 batting average and 16 stolen bases.

2014 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll

FULL RELEASE