Central in national softball team, statistics rankings
Central College
PELLA — Central College closed the 2017 softball season in a familiar spot, landing in the National Fastpitches Coaches Association Division III top 25 again.
The Dutch, 32-10, are No. 22 in the final season poll released Friday and figure prominently in the NCAA Division III statistical rankings as well. National champion Virginia Wesleyan (54-3) was the obvious choice at No. 1 in the NFCA poll while national runner-up St. John Fisher (N.Y.) (44-8) shares the No. 2 position with Texas-Tyler (46-6).
Iowa Conference rival Luther College (41-5) slipped from No. 3 to No. 12 after getting ousted in NCAA regional tourney play.
Central, which had climbed to No. 9 in the previous poll, also slid after falling in the Pella, Iowa Regional May 12-14. It was Central’s 28th NCAA tourney appearance, matching the Division III record.
While Central was in the NCAA tourney field a year ago as well, the Dutch failed to crack the final NFCA rankings. They finished at No. 10 in 2015.
Olson among NCAA shutout leaders—Central’s Karly Olson (senior, Winterset), the Iowa Conference Pitcher of the Year Award winner, finished No. 14 in Division III in shutouts (8) and No. 35 in wins with a 16-5 mark. Pitcher Annie DeVries (junior, Eldridge, North Scott HS) was No. 21 in saves (3).
In team statistics, Central was No. 16 in stolen bases per game (2.43). The Dutch swiped 102 bases while giving up just 24. It was the 19th time since 1990 that Central has surpassed the 100-steal mark. Central’s pitchers were No. 23 in shutouts (12). The Dutch were No. 34 in on-base percentage (.399), No. 36 in doubles per game (1.76) and No. 42 in earned run average (2.09). The team’s .762 winning percentage ranked No. 22, mirroring the NFCA poll.
Central is slated to return starters at seven of 10 positions for 2018 under coach George Wares, the winningest coach in Division III history. The NFCA hall of famer has compiled a 1,096-372-3 (.746) mark over 33 seasons.
