Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Results of the American Rivers Conference's Softball Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2020 American Rivers Conference Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2019 Record |
| 1. |
Central College (5) |
58 |
27-10 OA, 12-4 CONF (A-R-C Regular Season & Tournament Champion) |
| 2. |
Wartburg College (2) |
56 |
27-13 OA, 11-5 CONF |
| 3. |
Luther College (2) |
48 |
30-10 OA, 10-6 CONF |
| 4. |
University of Dubuque |
44 |
26-13 OA, 8-8 CONF |
| 5. |
Coe College |
42 |
33-11 OA, 11-5 CONF |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan University |
26 |
22-14 OA, 7-9 CONF |
| 7. |
Simpson College |
25 |
21-19 OA, 7-9 CONF |
| 8. |
Buena Vista University |
14 |
19-17 OA, 5-11 CONF |
| 9. |
Loras College |
11 |
10-27-1 OA, 1-15 CONF |
The Central College Dutch are the coaches' choice to win the 2020 American Rivers Conference regular season title. Central earned 58 points in the poll, recording five of the nine first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). After finishing the 2019 regular season tied for second, Wartburg College garnered 56 points and two first-place votes to take the number-two spot in this year's poll. Luther College, the league's fourth place finisher a season ago, is picked to finish third in 2020. The Norse totaled 48 points and two first-place votes. For capsules on all nine teams, follow here:
NFCA Poll: After finishing 2019 ranked 21st in the country, Central opens 2020 ranked 21st in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Top-25 poll. Coe debuts receiving votes in this year's preseason poll.
The Schedule: The 2020 American Rivers Conference schedule begins on Saturday, March 28 with six of the nine schools in action to open their 16-game league schedule. Schools play a doubleheader versus each American Rivers opponent. On March 28th Buena Vista will host Central, Dubuque will travel to Wartburg, and Loras will play Nebraska Wesleyan in Dubuque, Iowa. Coe and Luther will open their 2020 conference slate on Tuesday, March 31 with Coe traveling to Pella, Iowa to take on Central and Luther will host Loras.
American Rivers Conference Tournament: The 2020 American Rivers Conference Tournament will be held May 1-2 with the tournament's top seed serving as host. The tournament is a single-elimination format, consisting of six schools. The top two seeds from the regular season standings will receive first-round byes. The two opening-round games are played on Friday with semifinals and the final on Saturday.
The American Rivers Conference tournament champion receives the leagues' automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
* Please note, only returners are listed in the "By the Numbers" sections
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No.1 Central College
Head Coach: George Wares - 35th season at Central (1,152-394)
2019 Conference Finish: 1st, Regular Season and Tournament Champions
2019 Record: 27-10 OA (12-4 A-R-C)
2019 NCAA Tournament:
- Lost to Lake Forest (Ill.) 10-1 [Regional]
- Defeated Saint Benedict (Minn.) 6-1 [Regional]
- Lost to Wisconsin-La Crosse 5-1 [Regional]
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 6/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 1/2
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 12/5
All-Conf Returning: Daria Parchert (Jr., SS), Sara Tallman (Sr., OF), Shaye Witte (Sr., OF), Kaitlyn Andresen (Sr., 2B)
All-Conf Lost: Mariah Fritz (Co-pitcher of the year), Sadie Baugher (OF)
Returning Players to Watch: Daria Parchert (Jr., SS), Sara Tallman (Sr., OF), Shaye Witte (Sr., OF), Kaitlyn Andresen (Sr., 2B), Lauren Birt (So., DP/2B), Amanda Sigulas (Sr., 1B)
George Wares - "Some things become redundant but still true. The depth of our conference is what makes it special. Besides a good nucleus returning, we think we have the best over-all incoming class that we have had in some time, led by 3 freshman pitchers that will be counted to give us many innings early in their career." |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances 2002-Present |
| School |
Appearances |
Women's College World Series |
| Central |
14 |
2 (2003 NCAA Champ) |
| Coe |
13 |
2 |
| Luther |
11 |
5 |
| Wartburg |
7 |
1 |
| Simpson |
5 |
0 |
| * Central has been a consistent NCAA tournament participant over the last decade-plus, leading the league with 14 appearances and claiming the Division III Women's College World Series Title in 2003. Since 1982 the Dutch have been selected to the NCAA post season 29 times. Of those 29 appearances, Central won National titles in 1988, 1991, 1993 and 2003. In addition to their four National titles the Dutch played in the Championship game two other years (1986 and 2001). As the chart above and the 2019 season illustrates, the A-R-C is clearly one of the most impactful leagues in the country with no signs of reining it in. In 2019, three conference schools made an appearance in the tournament. |
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No.2 Wartburg College
Head Coach: Jamie Mueller - 5th season at Wartburg (84-70)
2019 Conference Finish: T-2nd
2019 Record: 27-13 OA (11-5 A-R-C)
2019 NCAA Tournament:
- Lost to Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2-1 [Regional]
- Defeated Northwestern-St. Paul (Minn.) 6-4 - F/9 [Regional]
- Lost to Wisconsin-Eau Claire 4-3 [Regional]
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 14/9
All-Conf Returning: Maddie Rog (Jr., Co-pitcher of the year)), Leah Campos (Jr., 3B), Madison Stoaks (Jr., OF), Sydney Illg (So., SS)
All-Conf Lost: Kailee O'Brien
Returning Players to Watch: Olivia Brecht (So., INF), Maddie Hiestand (So., P), Megan Ritter (Sr., OF), Maddie Rog (Jr., P), Emily Smillie (Sr., OF), Ashley Quintana (So., OF), Lauren Reicks (Jr., P), Leah Campos (Jr., 3B), Jenna Levine (So., 1B), Sydney Illg (So., SS), Haley Barkau (So., OF), Madison Stoaks (Jr., OF) Lauren Wisdom (Jr., 1B), Katie Quintana (Sr., 1B)
Jamie Mueller - "Each year brings a new team with its own dynamic and a completely different focus. This team has a god mix of young talent and experienced returners; we've got big goals and a small focus, and we're looking forward to seeing how it all comes together on the field this season. The A-R-C schedule is always a tough challenge, but it's a challenge we're grateful for as we continue to strive for growth in pursuit of our goals." |
| 2019 Team Slugging Percentages (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
SLG% |
| Wartburg |
.477 |
| Central |
.466 |
| Luther |
.452 |
| Simpson |
.435 |
| Coe |
.426 |
| Dubuque |
.404 |
| Buena Vista |
.393 |
| Loras |
.363 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
.323 |
| * The Knights pop in their bats led them to the 2019 NCAA Division III Softball tournament. During the 2019 conference schedule, the Knights led the conference in doubles (26) and triples (4). Wartburg ended fourth in the conference in home runs with nine during A-R-C play. Keep an eye out for All-Conference performers Sydney Illg (6 doubles, 2 triples) and Leah Campos (10 doubles, 2 triples) to stay hot in the batters box in 2020. Sophomore Olivia Brecht returns after leading the team with 14 doubles in conference player during her freshman season. |
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No.3 Luther College
Head Coach: Renae Hartl - (19th season at Luther (587-192)
2019 Conference Finish: 4th
2019 Record: 30-10 OA, 10-6 CONF
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 2/1
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 11/4
All-Conf Returning: Abby Gehringer (Sr., 1B), Paige Timmerman (Sr., 2B), Hannah Halverson (Jr.SS), Annie See (Sr., RF)
All-Conf Lost: Addy Pender (C), Samantha Bratland (P)
Returning Players to Watch: Abby Gehringer (Sr., 1B), Paige Timmerman (Sr., 2B), Hannah Halverson (Jr.SS), Annie See (Sr., RF), Courtney Cooper (Jr., P), Kendra Cooper (So., P)
Renae Hartl - "We have had such a different kind of season so far with our mid-year international trip to the Dominican Republic in December - from playing members of their national team, to running a clinic in a very poor village for local youth, to even just sharing so many meals and bus rides together - the experiences in the DR set the stage for our 2020 season together. I think the American River Conference will continue to show their national dominance and like usual, I am sure it will come down to the final weekend to determine a champion."
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| 2019 Runs (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
Runs Scored |
| Wartburg |
103 |
| Luther |
97 |
| Central |
95 |
| Coe |
81 |
| Dubuque |
76 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
60 |
| Buena Vista |
54 |
| Simpson |
53 |
| Loras |
45 |
| * The Norse had a high-powered offense in 2019, scoring 97 runs during the sixteen conference games, second only behind Wartburg (103). Luther had three players with double-digit doubles during the 2019 season: Abby Gehringer (14), Blake Banowetz (12), and Paige Timmerman (10). |
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No.4 University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Jeff Lamb - 2nd season at Dubuque (26-13)
2019 Conference Finish: 5th
2019 Record: 26-13 OA (8-8 A-R-C)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 8/9
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 4/0
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 19/2
All-Conf Returning: Kaylin Featheringill (Sr., OF), Abby McBee (So., P)
All-Conf Lost: None
Returning Players to Watch: Kaylin Featheringill (Sr., OF), Mo Turnmire (Jr., OF), Deanna Origer (So., INF), Kayla Breunig (So., P), Abby McBee (So., P), Kylee Biedermann (Jr., INF)
Jeff Lamb - "We're optimistic of the challenge ahead and competing in such a great conference. We have high expectations and hopes for our team and proving the A-R-C is one of the best (conferences) around." |
| 2019 Fielding Percentage (Conf. Games Only) |
| School |
Fielding % |
| Wartburg |
.970 |
| Luther |
.969 |
| Dubuque |
.961 |
| Coe |
.958 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
.953 |
| Central |
.952 |
| Buena Vista |
.938 |
| Simpson |
.932 |
| Loras |
.918 |
| * The Spartan defense supported their pitching staff and carried a .961 fielding percentage, for third in the A-R-C. Dubuque committed only 19 errors in 335 opportunities, and they will look to maintain a strong defensive presence during the 2020 campaign. |
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No.5 Coe College
Head Coach: Diane Meyer - 6th season at Coe (141-62)
2019 Conference Finish: T-2nd
2019 Record: 33-11 OA (11-5 A-R-C)
2019 NCAA Tournament:
- Lost to Carthage 3-1 [Regional]
- Defeated Eureka (Ill.) 7-3 [Regional]
- Lost to Wisconsin-Whitewater 4-2 [Regional]
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/6
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 1/2
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 9/6
All-Conf Returning: Kelsey Hora (Jr., CF)
All-Conf Lost: Haley Jones (SS, Position Player of the Year), Allie O'Brien (1B), Alyssa Olson ((Co-pitcher of the year))
Returning Players to Watch: Kelsey Hora (Jr., CF), Megan Weber (Jr., C/DH), Nicki Wood (So., OF), Anna Jones (So., OF)
Diane Meyer - "The conference will be stacked, from top to bottom, with all nine teams a threat to create havoc on any given day. While we lost an outstanding group of players to graduation, I'm excited about our class of new players as well as the growth we've seen from our returners. Anchoring a dynamic group of outfielders is junior center fielder Kelsey Hora. Our revamped infield will be built around some very talented local freshman including Keera Ball, Heather Boeckenstedt, Sklyer Stookey and Madu Parson. Junior catcher Megan Weber is 100% healthy so she should help us solidify our offense as well as our defense." |
| 2019 Strikeouts (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
# of Strikeouts |
| Coe |
2.84 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
2.84 |
| Dubuque |
3.08 |
| Luther |
3.39 |
| Wartburg |
3.70 |
| Central |
4.14 |
| Simpson |
4.15 |
| Buena Vista |
4.55 |
| Loras |
4.70 |
| * In 2018 the Kohawks had power at the plate, leading the A-R-C in home runs. The 2019 Coe squad had power in the circle, dominating with an ERA of 2.84, tied for first in the league. The Kohawks will have to rely on new faces in the circle this season, as they look to keep some dominance in the circle. |
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No.6 Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Mary Yori - 5th season at NWU (19-29)
2019 Conference Finish: T-6th
2019 Record: 22-14 OA (7-9 A-R-C)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 4/5
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 1/2
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 9/4
All-Conf Returning: Morgan Shipley (Sr., OF), Kailey Neyer (Jr., P/DP)
All-Conf Lost: None
Returning Players to Watch: Morgan Shipley (Sr., OF), Kailey Neyer (Jr., P/DP)Alycin Braun, Sydney Nickerson, Taylor Styskal
Mary Yori - "We will be quite young but talented overall, with terrific upperclassman leadership. We will be competitive, in a very competitive league."
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| 2019 Walks Allowed (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
At-Bats |
Walks Allowed |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
427 |
24 |
| Coe |
414 |
27 |
| Dubuque |
440 |
27 |
| Luther |
402 |
33 |
| Buena Vista |
435 |
40 |
| Simpson |
453 |
44 |
| Loras |
457 |
45 |
| Wartburg |
416 |
47 |
| Central |
425 |
56 |
| * The Prairie Wolves will look to keep the number of free passes to the minimum again this season after leading the A-R-C in walks allowed in 2019. Junior Kailey Neyer led the Prairie Wolves in innings pitched last season with 132.0 and only walked 24 batters while facing 529 batters. NWU will look to young arms in 2020 to pick up where they left off in 2019. |
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No.7 Simpson College
Head Coach: Brent Matthias - 5th Season at Simpson (50-63)
2019 Conference Finish: T-6th
2019 Record: 21-19 OA (7-9 A-R-C)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 6/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 5/1
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 15/10
All-Conf Returning: Megan Crockett (Jr., OF), Sara Trent (Jr., 3B), Emily Bell (Jr., P)
All-Conf Lost: Ashley Allen (C)
Returning Players to Watch: Megan Crockett (Jr., OF), Sara Trent (Jr., 3B), Emily Bell (Jr., P)
Brent Matthias - "We are fired up for the 2020 season to start! The A-R-C should be as tough as it has ever been. With our team returning 17 key players and adding 23 talented newcomers, we feel like we have the right blend and depth to compete for an American Rivers Conference championship. This season will be a lot of fun!" |
| 2019 Homeruns (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
HR |
| Simpson |
18 |
| Luther |
13 |
| Buena Vista |
10 |
| Wartburg |
9 |
| Coe |
8 |
| Dubuque |
8 |
| Central |
6 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
5 |
| Loras |
4 |
| * The Storm will look to swing a big bat heading into the 2020 season after belting a conference-leading 18 home runs during the 2019 conference season and 26 homeruns on the season. In 2018 Simpson only had six homeruns on the entire season. Megan Crockett led the Storm with nine homeruns on the season, followed by teammate Sara Trent who had six. |
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No.8 Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Mandie Nocita (Berneking) - 6th season at Buena Vista (98-85)
2019 Conference Finish: 8th
2019 Record: 19-17 OA (5-11 A-R-C)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 6/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 13/4
All-Conf Returning: Brook Linderman (Jr., DP/1B)
All-Conf Lost: Kate Lesmeister (UTL)
Returning Players to Watch: Brook Linderman (Jr., DP/1B)?, Peyton Gross (So., P), Carlee Guyett (Jr., C/OF)
Mandie Berneking - "Looking forward to coaching this squad this year. We are young in age but have some experience under our belts. Excited to put it all together and see what we can do."
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| 2019 Hit-by-Pitches (Conf. Games Onlyy) |
| Player |
HBP |
| Simpson |
9 |
| Buena Vista |
7 |
| Wartburg |
7 |
| Coe |
6 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
6 |
| Luther |
5 |
| Loras |
4 |
| Central |
2 |
| Dubuque |
2 |
| * The Beavers will rely on the experience and leadership of juniors Brook Linderman and Carlee Guyett in 2020. A season ago, Linderman hit .324 in 14 conference games while Guyett finished at .298 in 16 games. Peyton Gross will look to be a dominating presence in the circle this season. In 2019, Gross tossed 28.2 innings during conference play, holding opponents to a batting average of .252. |
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No.9 Loras College
Head Coach: Ashley Winter - 11th season at Loras (167-203-1)
2019 Conference Finish: 9th
2019 Record: 10-27 OA (1-15 A-R-C)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 4/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letter winners Returning/Lost: 12/5
All-Conf Returning: Madison Doubek (Jr., UTL)
All-Conf Lost: Ashley Lentine
Returning Players to Watch: Madison Doubek (Jr., UTL)
Ashley Winter - "We are looking forward to competing in the A-R-C. Our team has a good mix of new players and returners and we are looking to bounce back from last season." |
| 2019 Batting Average (Conf. Games Only) |
| Team |
Batting Average |
| Central |
.343 |
| Wartburg |
.342 |
| Luther |
.310 |
| Coe |
.305 |
| Loras |
.297 |
| Dubuque |
.287 |
| Buena Vista |
.276 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan |
.255 |
| Simpson |
.239 |
| * A season ago the Duhawk offense had a solid in-conference batting average, a shade under .300 (.297). Highest returning average on the team from 2019 is junior Madison Doubek (.304), who will look to lead the Duhawks at the plate this season. Junior teammate Hadalyn Anderson will also return after hitting .276 in 2019. |
