IRVINE, Calif. – The Chaminade University softball team is picked to finish in a tie for seventh in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll announced Thursday.
The Silverswords are tied with Dominican University of California with both schools receiving 43 points each, just three behind No. 6 Hawai'i Pacific University.
Concordia Irvine is picked to repeat as PacWest champions, receiving 89 points and seven of the 10 first-place votes that were cast by conference coaches. Biola received one first-place vote with 83 points to finish second. Biola is not yet eligible for NCAA postseason as it completes its final year of NCAA D-II certification.
Azusa Pacific was picked third with 80 points followed by Hawai'i Hilo with 66. Academy of Art is predicted to finish fifth and received the final two first-place votes.
The coaches also selected the Preseason All-PacWest Team. UH Hilo's Brinell Kalekini was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year while Concordia's Callie Nunes was selected as the Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
Opening Day for the Silverswords is Friday, Feb. 1 when they face Rollins College at Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park in a single game. The 'Swords and Tars will then play a traditional doubleheader the following afternoon at CORP starting at 12 p.m.
The 'Swords return seven starting position players including shortstop
Rainelle Matsuoka (Honolulu/Kaiser) who led the team in average, hits, RBI, homers and slugging percentage. She is also closing in on the school's all-time home run lead.
Also back is seven-game winner
Madelyn Stockslager (Torrance, Calif./South) who as a freshman last season racked up 94 strikeouts, the most since 2002.
Preseason PacWest Coaches Poll; Points (First-Place Votes):
1. Concordia – 89 (7)
2. Biola – 82 (1)
3. Azusa Pacific – 80
4. Hawai'i Hilo – 66
5. Academy of Art – 62 (2)
6. Hawai'i Pacific – 46
T7. Chaminade – 43
T7. Dominican – 43
9. Notre Dame de Namur – 20
10. Holy Names – 19
