ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University softball team was recently picked to finish second in the South Atlantic Conference and the Trojans are receiving votes, sitting just outside of the NFCA DII Top 25 Coaches Poll, which was released on Tuesday.
Anderson is coming off a great year finishing 30-13 overall and 16-8 in the SAC, including a fifth trip to the NCAA Regionals.
Not only do the Trojans return an experienced lineup which includes 11 upper classmen, but returning to the helm for his 17th season is head coach Tommy Hewitt. The veteran coach holds an overall 471-286 career record with the Black and Gold.
"This year's team may be the most mature team we have had in a few years and they seem to go about their business on the field in that manner," said Hewitt.
The Trojans return a solid infield and will need to complete the outfield, after losing their left and center fielders to graduation. Mixed in with a great group of returners are newcomers ready to fill those positions.
"Infield wise we returned everyone," said Hewitt. "Our outfield should be as quick, if not quicker than past years."
Anderson batted .300 as a team last season and return three of its top hitters, Kayson Boatner, Jessica Neadow and Morgan Charter. Many other Trojans in the lineup are capable of hitting for both power and average.
"Offensively, 1 thru 9, we should have power and some tough outs," added Hewitt.
Anderson's greatest strength could be its pitching staff. Returning for her 5th year, All-Conference player Harlie Duncan will lead the charge. The Trojans also return sophomore Laken Maxwell who posted a 9-4 record with 95 strikeouts. Newcomers Emily LaFoy and Trinity Queen will give the Trojans depth inside the circle.
"Pitching every year is so important in the equation, as to where you finish," stated Hewitt. "Harlie came off a great year in 2021 and I expect an even better one out of her this season. Laken was terrific as a freshman and I expect with a year already under her belt she should be poised to have an even better 2022 season. We have two freshman, Emily LaFoy and Trinity Queen that are sharp and getting better each and every day."
Anderson opens its 2022 campaign on Feb. 1st at USC Beaufort. First-pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
2022 NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll
January 25 (Preseason)
|
Rank |
School |
Points |
2021 Final Record |
2021 Final Ranking |
|
1 |
UT Tyler (8) |
386 |
33-7 |
17 |
|
2 |
Augustana (5) |
371 |
49-8 |
3 |
|
3 |
Biola (3) |
365 |
26-16 |
2 |
|
4 |
West Texas A&M |
360 |
43-12 |
1 |
|
5 |
North Georgia |
348 |
43-8 |
4 |
|
6 |
Grand Valley State |
318 |
45-10 |
5 |
|
7 |
Valdosta State |
310 |
38-11 |
6 |
|
8 |
Saint Anselm |
266 |
33-7 |
7 |
|
9 |
West Chester |
248 |
34-16 |
8 |
|
10 |
Concordia Irvine |
240 |
34-13 |
12 |
|
11 |
Minnesota State |
230 |
40-10 |
13 |
|
12 |
Indianapolis |
223 |
46-8 |
11 |
|
13 |
Lincoln Memorial |
218 |
38-8 |
10 |
|
14 |
Auburn Montgomery |
196 |
40-7 |
21 |
|
15 |
Oklahoma Christian |
192 |
38-9 |
14 |
|
16 |
Southern Arkansas |
139 |
29-10 |
18 |
|
17 |
West Florida |
136 |
33-16 |
15 |
|
18 |
Angelo State |
131 |
33-14 |
RV |
|
19 |
Georgian Court |
130 |
38-6 |
19 |
|
20 |
Central Oklahoma |
77 |
36-14 |
22 |
|
21 |
Colorado Mesa |
75 |
39-5 |
23 |
|
22 |
Texas A&M-Commerce |
58 |
33-18 |
9 |
|
23 |
UAH |
44 |
32-14 |
25 |
|
24 |
West Liberty |
28 |
37-17 |
RV |
|
25 |
Central Missouri |
22 |
38-14 |
RV |
Receiving Votes: Western Washington (20), Anderson (19), Texas A&M-Kingsville (15), Tampa (12), Rollins (7), Northwest Nazarene (6), Rogers State (6), Kutztown, (3), Adelphi (1).
2022 Softball South Atlantic Conference Preseason Poll
Rank School (First Place Votes) Points
1 Lincoln Memorial (9) 153
2 Anderson (4) 145
3 Lenoir-Rhyne 122
4 Carson-Newman 119
5 Wingate 111
6 Tusculum 94
T7 Catawba 82
T7 Newberry 82
T9 UVA Wise 68
T9 Limestone 68
11 Coker 49
12 Mars Hill 43
13 Queens 34
