BALTIMORE- The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) announced their 2023 Softball Preseason Poll on Wednesday, Feb. 15, with Notre Dame of Maryland being picked sixth overall with 35 points. 
 
The Gators went 10-14 last season, going 7-9 in CSAC play. NDMU will be led by long-time assistant coach and alumna Samantha Kastner in her first season at the helm. The Gators return all-conference second team players Jessie Leatherwood and Bethani Newbold in addition to all-conference honorable mention player Ciarra Bockstie.
 
Defending CSAC champion Wilson College secured the top spot, finishing with 72 points and five first place votes. Rosemont College finished just behind the Phoenix with 69 points and three first place votes. Cedar Crest rounded out the top three, finishing with 66 points. 
 
The CSAC Softball Championships will take place May 3-6, 2023.  The top five teams qualify for the playoffs with the No. 4 vs. No. 5 facing off in a one-game elimination to take place prior to the four-team double-elimination tournament to take place on Friday and Saturday, May 5-6.
 
The Gators will hit the road on the opening weekend of the season, traveling to face Washington College (March 4) and Gallaudet University (March 5) in doubleheaders. NDMU has never faced the Shorewomen in softball, but will be more familiar with the Bison. Last season NDMU swept Gallaudet in their twinbill, improving to 5-7-1 all-time against the Bison.
 
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports. 
 
2023 CSAC Softball Preseason Poll
1.       Wilson, 72 points (5)
2.       Rosemont, 69 points (3)
3.       Cedar Crest, 66 points
4.       Keystone, 54 points
5.       Saint Elizabeth, 51 points (1)
6.       Notre Dame (MD), 35 points
7.       Cairn, 27 points
8.       Clarks Summit, 20 points
9.       Valley Forge, 11 points