CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the American Rivers Conference Softball Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2024 American Rivers Conference Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2023 Record |
| 1. |
Coe (7) |
63 |
39-11 overall, 13-3 A-R-C (Conference Champions, National Semifinalists) |
| 2. |
Central (1) |
51 |
33-11 overall, 11-5 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Wartburg (1) |
50 |
25-18 overall, 10-6 A-R-C (Tournament Champions) |
| 4. |
Luther |
47 |
33-10 overall, 12-4 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Loras |
33 |
21-15 overall, 9-7 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Simpson |
30 |
23-17 overall, 4-12 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
27 |
21-18 overall, 6-10 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Dubuque |
14 |
12-28 overall, 5-11 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Buena Vista |
9 |
6-28 overall, 2-14 A-R-C |
The Coe College Kohawks stand at the top of the coaches' poll to win the 2024 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) regular season title. The Kohawks, who were the champions of last year's conference regular season, earned 63 points in the poll, recording seven first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Central College picked up 51 points, including one first-place vote, to finish second in this year's preseason coaches' poll. Wartburg College just barely behind the Dutch are picked to finish third after winning the 2023 conference tournament garnering one first-place vote and 50 votes overall. Season previews for all nine teams follow below.
NFCA Poll: After finishing the season in the National Semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, the Coe Kohawks open the 2024 season ranked No. 4 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Top 25 poll. The Dutch of Central College are ranked 21st in the opening poll.
New Coaches:
- Andrea Bombace, University of Dubuque -- Bombace became the 15th softball coach in school history in the fall of 2023. She comes most recently as an assistant coach at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York. She played her college softball career at Syracuse University and Marist College. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Syracuse and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies at Marist College before becoming a special agent with the United States Secret Service from 2020-22.
The Schedule: The 2024 season kicked off a few weekends ago with Buena Vista playing at the Dordt University Dome Games in Sioux Center, Iowa. Nebraska Wesleyan University will begin their season on Saturday, February 17th in Mankato, Minnesota where they will take on St. Olaf and St. Catherine.
Loras will begin their 2024 campaign on February 22nd in Peoria, Illinois against Mount Mary and Augustana. Central and Coe open their season on February 24th. The Dutch will begin play with UChicago and Monmouth while the Kohawks take the field against Bethany Lutheran and Saint Mary's (Minn.). A day later, the Norse of Luther take on Saint Mary's (Minn.) and St. Catherine in Mankato, Minnesota.
The Wartburg College Knights get their season started in Mount Berry, Georgia against No. 3-ranked Berry College in a doubleheader on February 26th. Dubuque gets started in sunny Clermont, Florida in a doubleheader against Cabrini on February 28th.
The Simpson College Storm are the last A-R-C team to begin their 2024 season when they open in Kissimmee, Florida on March 9th against Roger Williams and Suffolk.
A-R-C play is set to begin on Saturday, March 30th as the Coe College Kohawks and University of Dubuque Spartans kick it off with a doubleheader in Dubuque, Iowa. Five more teams will begin conference play on Wednesday, April 3rd with the Loras Duhawks traveling to Decorah, Iowa for a doubleheader against Luther, the Simpson Storm will host Buena Vista, and Dubuque will travel to the Knights of Wartburg. The final two A-R-C teams to begin conference action are Central and Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday, April 6th. The Dutch will host the Kohawks while the Prairie Wolves travel to Dubuque to take on Loras.
Conference Tournament: The 2024 American Rivers Conference Tournament will be held May 10-11 with the tournament's top seed serving as the 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 tournament champion will receive the leagues' automatic qualifier bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The A-R-C received four bids to the NCAA Tournament during the 2023 season.
| 1st |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Jake Koolbeck (2nd season, 39-11 overall record)
2023 Conference Finish: 1st
2023 Record: 39-11 overall, 13-3 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2023/18
2023 NCAA Tournament: National Semifinalist
- Defeated Transylvania 6-5 (Regional)
- Lost to UW-Whitewater 3-2 (Regional)
- Defeated Transylvania 6-4 (Regional)
- Defeated UW-Whitewater 13-4 (Regional)
- Defeated UW-Whitewater 3-2 (Regional)
- Defeated Hiram 5-0 (Super Regional)
- Defeated Hirman 2-1 (Super Regional)
- Defeated Linfield 3-0 (World Series)
- Defeated Rowan 2-1 (World Series)
- Lost to Trine 9-2 (World Series)
- Lost to Trine 4-1 (World Series)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 8/1
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 4/1
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 14/4
All-Conference Returning: Skyler Stookey (Sr., C), Ruby Kappeler (Sr., OF), Heather Bockenstedt (Sr., SS), Bree Mangelsen (Sr., D), Ellie Thurow (Sr., P), Marisa Vodicka (So., 2B)
All-Conference Lost: Hannah Ausenhus (Sr., P)
Jake Koolbeck - "We like our team and have big goals for our season. The league returns a lot of talent and as always will be very competitive in 2024. We are excited for the challenges of a tough non-conference and conference schedule. Our focus will continue to be on bringing our best every day." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Skyler Stookey (Sr., C) |
48 games started // .338 BA // 51 RBI // 25 runs // 15 HR // .709 SLG% // .409 OB% |
| Ruby Kappeler (Sr., OF) |
49 games started // .304 BA // 31 runs // 21 RBI // .473 SLG% // .391 OB% // 13-14 stolen bases |
| Ellie Thurow (Sr., P) |
24 appearances // 15-5 record // 1.31 ERA // 94 K |
| Heather Bockenstedt (Sr., SS) |
50 games started // .383 BA // 45 runs // 8 RBI // .444 SLG% // 18-20 stolen bases // .462 OB% |
| Bree Mangelsen (Sr., UTL) |
49 games started // .315 BA // 38 RBI // 21 runs // .510 SLG% // .361 OB% |
| Madi Parson (Sr., UTL) |
26 games started // .306 BA // 26 hits // 16 RBI // .412 SLG% // .362 OB% |
| Shaylee Dodd (Sr., 3B) |
49 games started // .316 BA // 30 runs // 25 RBI // .432 SLG% // 9-9 stolen bases // .343 OB% |
| Marisa Vodicka (So., UTL) |
50 games started // .266 BA // 39 RBI // 28 runs // .489 SLG% // 4-6 stolen bases // .331 OB% |
| 2nd |
|
Central College
Head Coach: George Wares (40th season, 1,232-437-3 overall record)
2023 Conference Finish: 3rd
2023 Record: 33-11 overall, 11-5 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2023/32
2023 NCAA Tournament:
- Defeated Grinnell 3-2 (Regional)
- Lost to Bethel 4-3 (9 innings - Regional)
- Defeated Grinnell 2-1 (Regional)
- Lost to Bethel 1-0 (Regional)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 8/1
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/0
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 17/2
All-Conference Returning: Haley Bach (Jr., 2B), Emma Johnson (Gr., CF), Emma Beck (So., P), Frannie Burnett (Sr., 3B), Syndi Huisman (Gr., P)
All-Conference Lost: None
George Wares - "We are excited to try and build off last year's success. Feel good about our experience and leadership, both on and off the field. The conference continues to be one of the best in the country, and from top to bottom is probably the best, as demonstrated by four NCAA teams last year." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Syndi Huisman (Gr., P) |
26 appearance // 17-4 record // 1.90 ERA // 72 K |
| Emma Johnson (Gr., CF) |
40 games started // .378 BA // 27 runs // 17 RBI // .387 SLG% // .444 OB% // 14-22 stolen bases |
| Haley Bach (Jr., 2B) |
44 games started // .418 BA // 53 runs // 25 RBI // .530 SLG% // .544 OB% // 17-23 stolen bases |
| Frannie Burnett (Sr., 3B) |
44 games started // .329 BA // 45 RBI // 27 runs // .413 SLG% // .398 OB%, 15-19 stolen bases |
| Emma Beck (So., P) |
23 apperances // 10-4 record // 2.18 ERA // 111 K |
| 3rd |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Jamie Mueller (9th season, 174-115)
2023 Conference Finish: 4th
2023 Record: 25-18 overall, 10-6 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2023/11
2023 NCAA Tournament:
- Defeated Millikin 3-2 (Regional)
- Lost to Trine 8-0 (Regional)
- Defeated Millikin 8-0 (Regional)
- Lost to Trine 4-1 (Regional)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 5/0
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 17/4
All-Conference Returning: Reegan Deputy (Sr., 3B), Ella Link (Sr., C/DP), Sydney Fellows (Sr., OF)
All-Conference Lost: Lauren Frerichs (OF), Hannah Happ (2B), Sydney Illg (SS)
Jamie Mueller - "The 2024 season is going to be a fun one. We've got an experienced senior class to lead the way along with some talented underclassmen that we will rely on. We've got a tough schedule again this year, and we're counting on that to help us prepare to compete in one of the top conferences in Division III. We're excited for the challenges ahead of us, and I'm especially looking forward to making a lot of memories with great people in this program." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Reegan Deputy (Sr., 3B) |
43 games started // .381 BA // 38 runs // 34 RBI // .669 SLG% // .449 OB% // 7-10 stolen bases |
| Ella Link (Sr., C/DP) |
43 games started // .320 BA // 36 RBI // 30 runs // 11 HR // .633 SLG% // .418 OB% // 12-13 stolen bases |
| Sydney Fellows (Sr., OF) |
42 games started // .333 BA // 35 RBI // 25 runs // .493 SLG% // .382 OB% // 7-9 stolen bases |
| Kaylie Springer (Sr., OF) |
40 games started // .336 BA // 29 runs // 7 RBI // .350 SLG% // .372 OB% // 18-23 stolen bases |
| Ashley Nelson (Sr., P) |
|
| Tarah Wehde (Sr., P/1B) |
43 games started // .239 BA // 19 RBI // 15 runs
16 pitching apperances // 4.54 ERA // 7-1 record // 41 K |
| 4th |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Renae Rost-Hartl (23rd season, 681-230 overall record)
2023 Conference Finish: 2nd
2023 Record: 33-10 overall, 12-4 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2023/20
2023 NCAA Tournament:
- Lost to UW-Oshkosh 5-4 (Regional)
- Defeated UW-Superior 8-2 (Regional)
- Lost to UW-Oshkosh 6-2 (Regional)
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 4/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/2
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 8/6
All-Conference Returning: Abby Spore (Sr., C), Anna Forari (Fifth Yr., DP)
All-Conference Lost: Kendra Cooper (P), Belle Berg (SS), Leah Crown (OF)
Renae Rost-Hartl - "Although we graduated a lot of at-bats, innings in the circle, and experienced starters last season, this younger team has already shown a lot of fire and commitment to each other to make this another great year. Our international travel experience in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil definitely has contributed to this team's chemistry already and we look forward to the 2024 season." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Abby Spore (Sr., C) |
43 games started // .474 BA // 32 RBI // 26 runs // 6 HR // .719 SLG% // .551 OB% |
| Anna Forari (Fifth Yr., DP) |
43 games started // .297 BA // 26 RBI // 14 runs // .458 SLG% // .458 OB% |
| Olivia Engler (Jr., P) |
17 apperances // 3-3 record // 3.58 ERA // 47 K |
| Riley Sauser (Jr., 1B) |
41 games started // .275 BA // 25 RBI // 36 hits // .351 SLG% // .312 OB% // 2-2 stolen bases |
| Raven Allen (So., UTL) |
34 games started // .233 BA // 15 RBI // 14 runs // .330 SLG% // .273 OB% |
| Chloe Wagner (So., OF) |
35 games played // .347 BA // 19 runs // 16 RBI // .551 SLG% // .484 OB% |
| Ken Vavrichek (Jr., OF) |
29 games started // .299 BA // 20 runs // .343 SLG% // .365% OB% // 5-6 stolen bases |
| 5th |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Ashley Winter (15th season, 217-260-1)
2023 Conference Finish: 5th
2023 Record: 21-15 overall, 9-7 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): N/A
2023 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 7/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 4/0
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 17/4
All-Conference Returning: Alyssa Hughes (Sr., 1B), Ashlyn Hemm (Jr., P), Morgan Machovec (Jr., OF)
All-Conference Lost: Grace Houghton (DP)
Ashley Winter - "The A-R-C will be as strong as ever. With a core group of upperclassmen, their experience will help our team grow and stay intentional as we work together towards our goals this season." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Morgan Machovec (Jr., OF) |
36 games started // .280 BA // 28 hits // .280 SLG% // .321 OB% // 13-15 stolen bases |
| Alyssa Hughes (Sr., 1B) |
34 games started // .343 BA // 37 hits // 16 RBI // .481 SLG% // .392 OB% // 2-2 stolen bases |
| Ashlyn Hemm (Jr., P) |
20 appearances // 2.47 ERA // 11-6 record // 136 K |
| 6th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Brent Matthias (7th season, 108-116 overall record)
2023 Conference Finish: 7th
2023 Record: 23-17 overall, 4-12 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2016/16
2023 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 8/0
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 4/0
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 19/2
All-Conference Returning: Ashlyn Steen (So., OF), Maddie Luderman (Sr., C), Alexis Ehlers (Jr., SS)
All-Conference Lost: None
Brent Matthias - "We are really excited for this season. With all our starters returning from last year, added with amazing newcomers, our expectations are high. We are looking forward to competing in one of the toughest Division III softball conferences in the country, the American Rivers Conference!" |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Maddie Luderman (Sr., C) |
40 games started // .395 BA // 51 hits // 45 RBI // 12 HR // .791 SLG% // .474 OB% |
| Ashlyn Steen (So., OF) |
40 games started // .386 BA // 36 runs // 11 RBI // .434 SLG% // .444 OB% |
| Alexis Ehlers (Jr., SS) |
40 games started // .419 BA // 54 hits // 40 RBI // .729 SLG% // .461 OB% |
| Karlie Hill (Sr., 1B) |
37 games started // .280 BA // 28 hits // 18 RBI // .450 SLG% // .400 OB% |
| Kate Kriegel (Jr., 2B) |
40 games started // .290 BA // 30 runs // 15 RBI // .439 SLG% // .418 OB% |
| Caelyn Obleton (So., 3B) |
40 games started // .294 BA // 30 hits // 21 RBI // .324 SLG% // .327 OB% |
| Megan Heidelbauer (So., OF) |
31 games started // .293 BA // 24 hits // 12 RBI // .415 SLG% // .392 OB% |
| Rylee Purvis (Sr., OF) |
30 games started // .222 BA // 20 runs // .317 SLG% // .317 OB% |
| Taryan Barrick-Wessels (Sr., P) |
21 appearances // 9-8 record // 2.16 ERA // 90 K |
| Madeline Petersen (Sr., P) |
15 appearances // 6-4 record // 3.97 ERA // 37 K |
| Makayla Bryant (Sr., P) |
15 appearances // 1-2 record // 2.97 ERA // 26 K |
| Kylee Tucker (Jr., P) |
14 apperances // 3-1 record // 3.32 ERA // 8 K |
| Sierra Franklin (So., P) |
14 appearances // 3-2 record // 3.27 ERA // 10 K |
| 7th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Mary Yori (9th season, 151-128 overall record)
2023 Conference Finish: 6th
2023 Record: 21-18 overall, 6-10 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2022/1
2023 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 7/1
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 14/1
All-Conference Returning: Elise Warneke (Sr., P), Sami McDonald (Sr., 1B)
All-Conference Lost: None
Mary Yori - "We have a veteran team that has experienced qualifying and competing in the A-R-C and NCAA tourney over the last two years. We have some strong newcomers that blend well with our returners, so I look for our team to be competitive in a very competitive league." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Elise Warneke (Sr., P) |
32 apperances // 17-10 record // 3.51 ERA // 161 K |
| Val Gerlach (Sr., C) |
39 games started // .354 BA // 40 hits // 28 RBI // .549 SLG% // .405 OB% |
| Sami MacDonald (Sr., 1B) |
34 games started // .337 BA // 31 hits // 20 RBI // .478 SLG% // .419 OB% |
| Hanna Roth (Jr., OF) |
35 games started // .295 BA // 23 runs // 23 RBI // .421 SLG% // .431 OB% |
| 8th |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Andrea Bombace (1st season)
2023 Conference Finish: 7th
2023 Record: 12-28 overall, 5-11 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): N/A
2023 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 13/5
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 5/0
All-Conference Returning: None
All-Conference Lost: Dariann Diorio (OF)
Andrea Bombace - "There's nothing quite like the anticipation and excitement of an upcoming season, and as a coach, I'm more than ready to see my athletes compete. I'm driven to inspire them to do their best, both on and off the field, knowing that the hard work they put in now will pay off in the long run. With a strong team that is motivated and focused on the upcoming season and conference, I'm confident that we can achieve great things together. Let's show everyone what we're made of!" |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Bella Allison (So., CF) |
40 games started // .305 BA // 43 hits // 14 RBI // .340 SLG% // .315 OB% // 8-10 stolen bases |
| Audrey Morris (Sr., UTL) |
N/A |
| Kaitlyn Powell (So., SS) |
33 games started // .308 BA // 36 hits // 14 RBI // .419 SLG% // .352 OB% |
| Ally Gullette (Sr., P) |
21 appearances // 6-10 record // 3.33 ERA // 40 K |
| Megan Leick (So., INF) |
33 games started // .308 BA // 28 hits // 12 RBI // .330 SLG% // .394 OB% // 5-7 stolen bases |
| 9th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Sarah Richardson (2nd season, 6-28 overall)
2023 Conference Finish: 9th
2023 Record: 6-28 overall, 2-14 A-R-C
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2022/6
2023 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 7/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 4/2
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 7/3
All-Conference Returning: Jamie Wendt (Sr., 2B)
All-Conference Lost: None
Sarah Richardson - "With an equal mix of returners and newbies we have a completely new team with a great dynamic. We also added a new assistant who brings a lot of energy and knowledge. This season will look a lot different than last year, and we are excited to see what we can do. The conference is always tough, and we see a lot of great competition. We are looking forward to competing this year." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2023 Statistics |
| Nattie Murillo (Sr., 3B) |
34 games started // .304 BA // 31 hits // 18 RBI // .373 SLG% // .354 OB% |
| Maddy Elwood (Jr., OF) |
30 games started // .169 BA // 13 RBI // 12 hits // .254 SLG% // .299 OB% |
| Jamie Wendt (Sr., 2B) |
34 games started // .310 BA // 31 hits // 9 RBI // .330 SLG% // .386 OB% // 5-6 stolen bases |
| Nikki Griggs (Sr., 1B) |
24 games started // .288 BA // 17 hits // 9 RBI // .407 SLG% // .425 OB% |
| Paige Druskis (Jr., OF) |
34 games started // .267 BA // 21 runs // 8 RBI // .310 SLG% // .331 OB% // 5-6 stolen bases |
About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
