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BAY CITY, Mich. - The SVSU softball team has been picked to finish fourth in the annual GLIAC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Cardinals garnered 88 points, finishing six behind No. 3 Ashland University. Wayne State is No. 2 with 115 points and six first place nods while Grand Valley State is No. 1 with 116 points and the other six first place votes.
2017 GLIAC Softball Preseason Poll
- Grand Valley State 116 (6)
- Wayne State 115 (6)
- Ashland 95
- Saginaw Valley 88
- Ferris State 80
- Hillsdale 71
- Tiffin 55
- Findlay 52
- Ohio Dominican 40
- Walsh 38
- Northwood 31
- Lake Erie 1
2017 Saginaw Valley State Preview
The SVSU softball team looks to continue its recent string of success, as the Cardinals are coming off back-to-back 30-win seasons, including last year's mark of 32-17. Saginaw Valley will rely on a solid group of returners, including two seniors who will prove to be the key in the circle.
Seniors Samantha Willman and Annie Hansen are set to see the bulk of the action pitching. Willman led the pitching staff last season with an 8-4 record, tossing 91.2 innings with 91 strikeouts. She had an ERA of 1.83, adding a save and six complete games. Hansen added a 1.38 ERA wihle going 6-2 with a save and 21 strikeouts in her 45.2 innings.
The Cardinals will return top position players in All-Midwest Region honoree Madison Burgess, All-GLIAC Second Team honoree Danielle Hamilton, All-GLIAC Honorable Mention honoree Meredith Rousse, first baseman Evy Lobdell and shortstop Aubree Mouthaan.
Saginaw Valley opens play for the 2017 season February 17-19 at the Music City Invitational in Hendersonville, Tennessee before playing at the USI Invitational February 24-26 in Evansville, Indiana.
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