Jan. 26, 2010

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – After a stellar 2009 campaign that featured a regional final appearance, Massachusetts is listed among the nation’s best, according to both the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Preseason Polls. The Minutewomen, the only team from the northeast in both polls, are No. 20 on the NFCA’s list and No. 25 per USA Softball.

UMass, which recently topped the A-10’s predicted order of finish for 2010, returns six starters from its 2009 squad, including All-American outfielder Carly Normandin. The 2009 A-10 Player of the Year was the team's top performer in numerous categories, including batting average (.403), stolen bases (21) and runs batted in (37). UMass also brings back Sarah Reeves, a 2009 first-team All-Conference selection at first base, as well as a pair of second-team All-Conference players in shortstop Whitney Williams and second baseman Kyllie Magill.

UMass has won 21 Atlantic 10 Championships, including 14 out of the last 15. The Minutewomen have also advanced to 19 NCAA Tournaments, including 15-straight dating back to 1995. UMass made Women's College World Series appearances in 1992, 1997, and 1998.