Preseason rankings for Illinois Wesleyan’s softball team came out this week and to no one’s surprise, expectations are high.
Slated to win its third straight CCIW title and sixth in seven years, the Titans will enter the season as the 6th ranked division three team in the country.
Voting is done by the eight head coaches in the conference with points being assigned in order of expected finish.
The Titans topped the standings with 64 points and eight first-place votes. Carthage University came second in the standings with 54 points, a rival that is sure to push our Titans to the limit.
Rounding out the rest of the top five is North Central (49), Milikin (38), and Carrol (37).
Last spring, the Titans earned an appearance in the national semifinals, winning 39 games in the regular and postseason combined.
They are only one of four Wesleyan teams to reach such a win total, and while they are happy with what they have accomplished, they are looking to improve this spring and bring home their first division three national title.
“We are all excited to out fun ‘em this season!” Senior Ally Wiegand said from the locker room after Wednesday night’s practice.
It’s safe to say that the team is confident and not going to let the high expectations faze them going into the season.
IWU begins their quest for the title with a doubleheader against Illinois College at the Louisville Slugger Sports Dome in Peoria, Ill. Thursday, Feb. 20.
First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.