Central rises to No. 21 in softball rankings

Central Dutch Athletics

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — With the start of the season on the horizon, the Central College softball team is 21st in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III top-25 poll

While the Dutch have yet to play a game, a contingent of southern and western teams have already started competition, including No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan University (8-0)

The Dutch were 32-10 last spring and finished with a No. 22 ranking. Central made a record 28th NCAA Division III tournament appearance and has finished in the national top-10 15 times. The Dutch hosted a regional site but were eliminated with two losses to open the tournament.

Six position players return as starters in 2018, including first team all-Iowa Conference center fielder Sara Tallman (sophomore, Pella). Second baseman Paige Dickel (senior, Norwalk) was a second-team all-league selection.

Luther College is the only other Iowa Conference school in the rankings, landing at No. 8.

Central opens the year in Tucson, Arizona with six games at the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic, starting with No. 6 Trine University (Ind.) on March 2. Playing an additional 10 games in Tucson at the Tucson Invitational Games, the Dutch will open the home schedule against Grinnell College on Wednesday, March 28.