Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Softball Team finished tied for first place with 42 points in the MASCAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as announced Friday by the league.
The Lancers, who fell to eventual champions Framingham State in the MASCAC semifinals last year, look to become the 2023 MASCAC Champions. Worcester finished tied for first in the preseason ranking with 42 points and three first place votes. The Lancers had an 11-3 record during the league slate last season. Reigning 2022 MASCAC Pitcher of the Year is back in the circle for the team after she led the league in total strikeouts with 148, averaging 8.29 per game. She also was atop the conference with three shutouts. She finished the regular season with 10 wins, eight complete games and a 2.41 ERA over 25 appearances.
Sitting in the top spot alongside Worcester was Bridgewater who also secured 42 votes and three first place votes. The additional program in the three-way tie was Framingham State who secured 42 points but only two first place votes. Coming in fourth in the poll is Westfield State with 33 points, sitting 10 points behind is Fitchburg State in fifth, followed by Salem in 6th with 21 points. MCLA finished with 12 points for 7th place while Mass. Maritime closed out the team with 9 points in the eight and final spot.
The MASCAC softball squads begin their 2023 season with play over spring break with conference action starting the weekend of April 1.
The Lancers begin their season at Springfield College on March 4.
2023 MASCAC Softball
Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1. Bridgewater State (3) 42 points
Framingham State (2) 42 points
Worcester State (3) 42 points
4. Westfield State 33 points
5. Fitchburg State 23 points
6. Salem State 21 points
7. MCLA 12 points
8. Massachusetts Maritime 9 points