WEST BABYLON, N.Y. – Coming off an East Coast Conference title in 2018 and four major award winners, the league coaches voted LIU Post to repeat as conference champions during the 2019 preseason rankings which were released on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
 
In addition to the team recognition, the league's coaches selected junior Abbey Fortin and senior Katie Humhej to repeat as the league's Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively.
 
The Pioneers captured their 12th conference title at the LIU Post Softball Complex last May after defeating Molloy College on Championship Saturday. The Green and Gold compiled an overall record of 38-19, their highest win total since posting a program record 50 wins during the 2014 season.
 
After capturing the conference crown, LIU Post reached the East Super Regional after sweeping the first three games of the NCAA Championship before falling to eventual national runner-up, Saint Anselm College.
 
Fortin, a consensus All-American in 2018, hit .413 for the Pioneers with 19 home runs, 63 runs batted in, and an .821 slugging percentage. Complementing the 19 home runs, Fortin added 11 doubles and six triples for 36 total extra base hits.
 
An all-region honoree last season, Humhej posted an unbeaten mark in conference play in the circle, compiling a 19-11 overall record with a 2.31 earned run average and 133 strikeouts.
 
The Green and Gold open the 2019 campaign in early March at the PFX Spring Games in Clermont, Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 in an east region final rematch with Saint Anselm.