Ithaca and Utica Pick Up Votes in Preseason National Poll
2014 NFCA Preseason Poll
The Ithaca College and Utica College softball teams each received eight votes in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) preseason national poll.
The Bombers wrapped the 2013 season with a 25-15 overall record. As a team, Ithaca batted .317 with 63 doubles and 31 homeruns.
Ithaca returns All-Region all-stars shortstop
Francesca Busa and first baseman Syndey Folk. Busa started in all 40 of the Bombers’ games, recording 51 hits and scoring 38 runs as she batted .349. Folk batted .390 on the year and led Ithaca in hits (53), doubles (13), triples (3), home runs (10) and RBIs (37).
The Pioneers are coming off their best season in program history with overall record of 34-14 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever. As a team, the 2013 edition of the Pioneers broke 17 different team records including wins (34), batting average (.355), most runs scored (322), most hits (482), most doubles (63), most home runs (46), and most RBIs (289).
The Pioneers return Empire 8 Rookie of the Year
Alysa Russell and Player of the Year
Chelsea Monroe. Russell totaled 61 hits last season, the second most on the College's single season list. Monroe finished the year with a .362 batting average, 38 RBI, and tied the school's single season record with ten home runs.