2022 G-MAC Preseason Coaches Poll
Over four seasons in the G-MAC, the Hillsdale College softball team has been on a steady climb in the standings, culminating in a 33-win season in 2021.
Opposing coaches have taken notice of that sustained growth – and as the 2022 season approaches, are giving the Chargers plenty of respect in the G-MAC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll presented by Under Armour, released on Wednesday afternoon.
Hillsdale is picked to finish tied for second in the G-MAC, with 109 votes, even with 2021 G-MAC Tournament champion Ohio Dominican. Defending 2021 G-MAC regular season champion Trevecca Nazarene was picked to repeat with 114 votes.
The Trojans received six first place votes from coaches, Ohio Dominican received five and Hillsdale one. Although only one of the 11 opposing coaches voted the Chargers first, there was near-unanimous opinion that Hillsdale is going to be in the hunt all year – eight of the other 10 coaches picked the Chargers second, and none voted Hillsdale lower than third. You can see the full poll below.
The Chargers have significant holes to fill in 2022, as Hillsdale must replace three lineup regulars, including second baseman Sam Catron, the program's first-ever consensus All-American, and All-G-MAC first baseman Emma Johnson. Also gone is ace Dana Weidinger, who became just the fourth starting pitcher in school history to win 20 or more games in a single season and set the program's career innings pitched record.
Despite the graduation losses, the Chargers also return an enviable level of talent. Senior catcher Madison Stoner is back after earning All-Midwest Region honors and leading the Chargers in batting average and total hits, and two more All-Region honorees and seniors also are back in outfielders Natalie Stepanenko and Renee Bielawa, two of the team's best hitters in 2021.
Senior third baseman Elaine Townley gives the Chargers four returning hitters who batted above .300 in the 2021 season, while sophomore Hailey Holtman could be the breakout player of the season for Hillsdale at shortstop after a promising freshman campaign.
Three more sophomores, Grace Wallner, McKenna Eichholz and Kay Suganuma, all will compete for bigger roles after spending the 2021 campaign adjusting to the college game, while dependable upperclassmen Reagan Gensiejewski, Madison Rathbun, Kasidy Carson and Jenna Cantalupo give the team depth and versatility at multiple positions in the field.
Whether Hillsdale exceeds its preseason expectations or falls short could depend heavily on the development of its pitchers. Senior Camryn Olson has battled injuries throughout her career but has been impressive when healthy, and could be in line to make a big leap in 2022, while sophomore Erin Kapteyn looks to build on a solid freshman campaign.
The Chargers brought in a highly-regarded freshman class of pitching prospects that will look to figure in early on: Joni Russell, Emma Vis and Dani Deaton. If that trio has success right away, it will substantially raise the ceiling for what Hillsdale might be capable of in 2022.
Hillsdale kicks off the season in Kingsville, Texas on Feb. 11, five games in three days against southern powerhouses St. Mary's, Texas A&M International, and Texas A&M Kingsville. The Chargers' non-conference slate also includes a trip to Chicago for the Rosemont Dome Invitational, and Hillsdale's annual Spring Break Florida trip. The Chargers' first home game is a March 25 doubleheader against Lake Erie, the first of seven home doubleheaders in 2022.
You can see the full 2022 schedule here.
Great Midwest Softball Preseason Coaches Poll presented by Under Armour
1.) Trevecca Nazarene (6 first-place votes) – 114 points
T2.) Ohio Dominican (5 first-place votes) – 109 points
T2.) Hillsdale (1 first-place vote) – 109 points
4.) Findlay – 87 points
5.) Tiffin – 79 points
6.) Malone – 62 points
7.) Cedarville – 58 points
8.) Kentucky Weselyan – 50 points
9.) Ashland – 48 points
10.) Ursuline – 36 points
11.) Walsh – 26 points
12.) Lake Erie – 14 points