VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Notre Dame of Maryland Softball team was picked to finish eight in the initial release of the 2022 Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) preseason coaches' poll as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon.

Cedar Crest College was picked to defend its softball title as the Falcons were the top pick after winning its first CSAC title last year. The Falcons received 76 points and four first-place votes. Wilson College, last year's runner-up and the 2019 champion, received 72 points and three first-place votes. Keystone College was third with 64 points and one first-place vote.

Rosemont College was fourth with 56 points and one first-place vote, followed by Saint Elizabeth University was fifth with 47.

Cairn University was sixth with 31 points, followed by Clarks Summit University in seventh with 27 points, Notre Dame of Maryland University in eighth with 22 and The University of Valley Forge in ninth with 22.

The top five teams will battle for the CSAC title starting on Wednesday, May 4, with the championship weekend scheduled for Friday-Saturday, May 6-7. The winner of the double elimination tournament will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

2022 CSAC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Cedar Crest College – 76 points (4 first place)
2. Wilson College - 72 (3 first place)
3. Keystone College - 64 (1 first place)
4. Rosemont College - 56 (1 first place)
5. Saint Elizabeth University- 47
6. Cairn University – 31
7. Clarks Summit University – 27
8. Notre Dame of Maryland University- 22
9. The University of Valley Forge - 10