Softball tabbed sixth in AMCC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
NORTH BOSTON, N.Y. --- Carlow University softball was picked to finish sixth in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference preseason coaches’ poll, the league announced Tuesday.
NORTH BOSTON, N.Y. --- Carlow University softball was picked to finish sixth in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference preseason coaches' poll, the league announced Tuesday.
This year marks Carlow's first season as a member of the AMCC. The Celtics finished last year 15-35 overall and 9-21 in River States Conference action.
As a team, Carlow posted a .288 batting average with 205 runs and 20 home runs and made an appearance at the USCAA Small College World Series for the 10th year in a row in 2023.
The Celtics return several starters from last season, including junior pitcher Megan Pollinger who was a USCAA First Team All-American and All-RSC Second team honoree. Pollinger led the team with a .399 batting average, a .436 OBP and a .630 slugging percentage with 12 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 18 RBI. She also led the Celtics in the pitching circle with a 4.12 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 68 innings.
Senior pitcher Clara Niglio was another leader on the team with a .305 batting average, a .318 OBP and a .366 slugging percentage, while providing many timely hits. She was also a leader for the Celtics in the circle with a 4.53 ERA and an average 3.01 strikeouts per seven innings.
Head Coach Glenn Zinsmeister returns for his seventh season at the helm with a collegiate record of 87-149. Zinsmeister was an assistant coach with the program for five years before assuming the head coaching role.
Hear from Coach Zinsmeister and seniors Niglio, Marissa Schuckman and Maddie Bowes in the season preview with Sean Meyers of the Carlow Sports Network below:
Mount Aloysius College and Penn State Behrend were selected by league coaches to share a piece of the top spot in conference standings in 2024. Defending AMCC champion Penn State Altoona is expected to round out the top three this season.
Penn State Altoona senior Cameryn Feathers was tabbed as the AMCC Preseason Player of the Year. Feathers was an AMCC first-team all-conference selection and a second team NFCA DIII All-Region VIII pick in 2023. Mount Aloysius sophomore Sierra Walters was selected as the AMCC Preseason Pitcher of the Year. Walters was a AMCC first team all-conference selection in 2023.
The Celtics kick off the 2024 season at The Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla. March 2.