NFCA Release
STARKVILLE, Miss. (Jan. 28, 2009) – The C.W. Post softball team will enter the 2009 season ranked seventh nationally by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Preseason poll - achieving the highest ranking in the program's history.

 

The Pioneers head into the season under the guidance of head coach Jamie Apicella, in his 11th season at the helm of C.W. Post softball as the highest ranked team in the Northeast Region.

 

C.W. Post finished last season ranked eighth in the nation, and finished 48-16, setting a new school record for victories in a season for the third straight year, earning it's second consecutive Northeast Regional Championship, and advancing to the Division II College World Series. 

 

The Pioneers will play four teams that are included in the preseason tally, along with three other schools that received votes in the poll.  Ranked teams on the list include No. 16 Georgian Court, 19th-ranked Georgia College & State Univeristy, , No. 21 Minnesota State Mankato, and No. 22 Caldwell College.  LeMoyne, Wayne State and NYIT, who are Pioneers opponents this spring, recieved votes in the poll.

The Pioneers will travel to the Catawba Tournament in North Carolina where they open their season on February 27 with Bluefield State College.  After the five-game tournament, they will travel to the Rebel Games in Kissimmee, Florida, opening with Northwood University.  The home opener for Apicella and the Pioneers will be on March 21, against American International at 1:30 p.m.