A-R-C picks Storm seventh in preseason poll

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- On the heels of an American Rivers Conference Tournament Semifinals appearance, the Simpson softball team has been tabbed seventh in the A-R-C Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Wednesday.

Head coach Brent Matthias enters his fourth year at the helm and brings back eight starters from last year's squad that claimed an A-R-C Tournament opening round victory over Wartburg to advance to the semifinals against Coe. Simpson ended 2019 with a 21-19 mark and went 7-9 in league play.

The Storm return six of their top 10 hitters from a year ago, led by Megan Crockett. Crockett was tabbed an American Rivers All-Conference First Team selection after leading the league in home runs at nine. Emily Bell and Sara Trent are back for their junior campaigns after earning second team honors a year ago for their efforts on the diamond.

Simpson starts its season on March 14 with a doubleheader at Illinois College. The Storm will compete in 18 games in nine days to begin the 2020 slate.

For the fifth year in a row, Todd Guessford will be on the call for Simpson softball for home and road contests. Links to follow along can be found on SimpsonAthletics.com.

2020 American Rivers Conference Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Central (27-10, 12-4 A-R-C)
2. Wartburg (27-13, 11-5 A-R-C)
3. Luther (30-10, 10-6 A-R-C)
4. Dubuque (26-13, 8-8 A-R-C)
5. Coe (33-11, 11-5 A-R-C)
6. Nebraska Wesleyan (22-14, 7-9 A-R-C)
7. Simpson (21-19, 7-9 A-R-C)
8. Buena Vista (19-17, 5-11 A-R-C)
9. Loras (10-27-1, 1-15 A-R-C)