Pioneer Softball ranked 17th in NJCAA preseason poll
SPARTANBURG, SC., Pioneer Softball opens the season on Saturday against Montreat College as the 17th ranked team in the country. NJCAA released their pre-season poll this week and placed the Pioneers in the top 20 with some of the nation's best teams.
Defending National Champions, Chipola College begins the year as the #4 team in the nation. SMC will travel to Chipola on February 12th.
Nine returners, two transfers, and thirteen freshman should provide plenty of depth for this year's squad. Shortstop Mary Hart (Harrisburg, NC/Hickory Ridge High ) and first baseman Leslie Altman (Turbeville, SC/East Clarendon High ) should help lead the offense along with transfer second baseman Maddy Labrador (Lexington, SC/Lexington High).
Pitching will be deep for the Pioneers as Sophomore's Kaylee Freeman (Concord, NC/Central Cabarrus), Bailey Pearson (Duncan, SC/Byrnes High), and Eliza Long (Woodruff, SC/Woodruff High) return to the circle. Freshmen Kayla Price (Indian Land, SC/Indian Land High), Breanna Hagerty (Granite Falls, NC/South Caldwell High), Teagan Crosby (Walterboro, SC/Colleton County High), and Karly Patterson (Greer, SC/Blue Ridge High) will also be factors for SMC this year.
The Pioneers depth will be tested early as they play 26 games in the first 30 days of the season.