Central climbs in softball rankings

Central College

PELLA—Central College moved up three notches in the NFCA Division III softball poll without throwing a pitch.

Despite limited early action nationwide, there was some movement in this week’s rankings. Central is tied at No. 9 with Moravian (Pa.) after opening at No. 12 in the preseason ratings. Iowa Conference rival Luther College is No. 6 while Coe College is among those receiving votes. Last year’s national runnerup, Linfield College (Ore.) remains a unanimous choice for No. 1.

Central made its 22nd NCAA Division III tournament appearance last spring and has captured four national titles. Coach George Wares enters his 27th season as the Division III victories leader among active coaches with an 870-294-3 (.746) career record.

The Dutch open the season at the Tucson (Ariz.) Invitational Games, taking on St. Mary’s (Minn.) and Pitt-Bradford (Pa.) March 11. Central is slated to play 16 games in Arizona from March 11-19.