INDIANA, Pa. - The IUP softball program was picked to finish fifth in the division as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) released its 2023 preseason coaches' polls Wednesday afternoon.
Mercyhurst is the favorite to win the PSAC West with four of the nine first place votes. Seton Hill, who picked up three first place votes, received second. Cal U (PA) took third place with two first place votes, followed by Gannon ahead of the Crimson Hawks. Pitt-Johnstown trails behind IUP in sixth while Slippery Rock, Edinboro and Clarion claim the bottom three places.
In the East Division, Shippensburg is the favorite with six five place votes while Kutztown was picked second with three first place votes.
Last season
The Crimson Hawks finished 2022 with a 17-21 overall record, finishing fifth in the PSAC West with an overall 8-8 conference record. IUP defeated East Stroudsburg in their first PSAC Championship Tournament since 2018.
Who's back for IUP
The Hawks return multiple key starters in the 2023 season. Primary starting pitcher Bella Bucy returns after notching team-best 49 strikeouts, leading with eight complete games. Another returning star pitcher is sophomore Amanda Fischer, going 9-6 on the 2022 season and leading the team in wins.
Sophomore infielder Allyssa Schmidt played in 33 games her debut season, hitting .283 driving in a double, triple and a homerun. Sophomore Jordan Sylvia started in 34 games at third base for IUP, hitting .333 (30-90) with eight doubles, 20 RBI and a .489 slugging percentage.
Other returners include Paige Truax, who started 35 games, hit .269 (25-93) with eight RBI and eight stolen bases. Sophomore outfielder Sara Tailford who split between DP, left field and primarily right field hit .341, raking in five doubles and 10 RBI.
Follow
For coverage of the IUP softball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on Twitter and Instagram @IUPsoftball and online at IUPAthletics.com.
2023 PSAC Softball Preseason Poll Results
EAST (# of First-Place Votes)
1. Shippensburg (5)
2. Kutztown (3)
3. Bloomsburg (1)
4. Shepherd
5. West Chester
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Lock Haven
8. Millersville
9. Mansfield
WEST
1. Mercyhurst (4)
2. Seton Hill (3)
3. California (Pa.) (2)
4. Gannon
5. IUP
6. Pitt-Johnstown
7. Slippery Rock
8. Edinboro
9. Clarion
