Warriors Third In NSIC Preseason Softball Poll
January 18, 2013
By Todd VanderLoop of Stevens Point Area Senior HighWarriors Third In NSIC Preseason Softball Poll
1/17/2013 12:21:00 PM
WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State softball team was selected to finish third in the NSIC in what is projected to be a wide-open race for the top of the conference.
The Warriors collected 192 points in the vote of the leagues' coaches, trailing just Minnesota State and Augustana in the standings. Four different teams earned first place votes from the 16 head coaches in the NSIC.
Minnesota State claimed nine first place votes and 213 overall to claim the top spot on in the preseason poll by just one vote over Augustana. Augustana also gained four first place votes, while Minnesota Duluth and Concordia-St. Paul also received a first place vote.
Winona State senior pitcher Britt Stewart and junior outfielder Brooke Piotrowski were tabbed as players to watch by the conference. Stewart was an All-Region and All-NSIC honoree last season after hitting .321 and going 12-3 pitching. Piotrowski stepped into the leadoff spot in the batting order last season and responded by hitting .339 to earn all-conference honors as well.
The Warriors will open their season on Feb. 22 when they play Lindenwood in Rochester, Minn.
2013 NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches Poll
| 1. |
Minnesota State (9) |
213 |
| 2. |
Augustana (4) |
212 |
| 3. |
Winona State |
192 |
| 4. |
Minnesota Duluth (2) |
190 |
| 5. |
Concordia-St. Paul (1) |
174 |
| 6. |
Wayne State |
141 |
| 7. |
University of Mary |
123 |
| 8. |
Northern State |
119 |
| 9. |
St. Cloud State |
110 |
| 10. |
Southwest Minnesota State |
102 |
| 11. |
Upper Iowa |
99 |
| 12. |
Minot State |
73 |
| 13. |
Sioux Falls |
60 |
| 14. |
MSU Moorhead |
51 |
| 15. |
Bemidji State |
40 |
| 16. |
Minnesota, Crookston |
21 |
| |
First place votes in ( ) |
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