Hillsdale Picked 4th in 2020 G-MAC Preseason Softball Poll

The softball field at Hillsdale College is still dominated by ice and snow. But the start of the new season is just around the corner, and Hillsdale brings a new squad into the new decade, intent on continuing the success of the past couple years.

The Chargers, the two-time defending G-MAC Tournament champions, were picked by conference coaches to finish in fourth place in the forthcoming 2020 campaign. The poll was released Wednesday afternoon. The rankings reflect the voting of G-MAC coaches.

Hillsdale comes into the new season tasked with replacing two of its top hitters of recent years, Katie Kish and Amanda Marra, who both graduated. But the lineup still returns plenty of depth, led by all-conference senior shortstop Sam Catron, senior outfielder Victoria Addis, junior infielder Emma Johnson and junior catcher Madison Stoner. All four have shown the ability to hit consistently and move runners around in all situations. There's good depth at pitcher as well with senior Dana Weidinger and sophomore Camryn Olson, both used to carrying loads of innings and pitching well in high-tension situations. 

A wealth of younger players, primarily in the sophomore class, also await bigger roles this season. Kasidy Carson, Morgan Cox and Elaine Townley all showed flashes of ability in the batter's box. Look for this class to have a growing impact on the team as the season moves along.

The Chargers get out to an early start to their game schedule this year, opening up on February 7 in Tennessee. There, the team will face a tough slate of games, highlighted by matchups with regional foe McKendree and 16th-ranked North Georgia. The team's annual spring break trip lasts from March 6-15 and includes games against Ferris State, #21 Southern Indiana and Rockhurst.

The G-MAC schedule for Hillsdale begins in West Virginia March 21 with twinbills against Alderson Broaddus, then Ohio Valley. The home opener is Saturday, March 28 against Trevecca Nazarene.

This year's G-MAC Tournament will be held at the Marathon Diamonds in Findlay, Ohio starting on April 30.

2020 Great Midwest Preseason Softball Coach's Poll