FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University softball team begins the 2006 season where it left off last May – ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division III, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll. The Panthers, who placed third at the national championships in Raleigh, N.C. in 2005, even received one of the eight first place votes. Two-time defending champion St. Thomas (Minn.) received the other seven first place votes and are ranked No. 1. Chapman remained No. 3 in the rankings due to the loss of just two starting position players from their 2005 squad. The Panthers return All-Americans Jill Jeranko (senior shortstop) and Maggie Wilder (junior pitcher), as well as five All-West Region selections, eight seniors and a total of 10 regular starting players. The Panthers’ attempt at a third consecutive regional championship could be their toughest road yet. Chapman’s schedule features five top-25 Division III teams, including No. 1 St. Thomas and No. 15 St. Mary’s (Minn.) on March 19 at home. The Panthers will also face regional foe Linfield (Ore.), currently ranked No. 22 on March 28 and will travel to San Antonio this weekend to play six games against four in-region teams, all of which had winning records last season. Already completed on the schedule for Chapman are four games – all victories – against the top two teams in the SCIAC: La Verne and No. 13-ranked Redlands. The Panthers are already off to a 6-2 start this season, including a perfect 6-0 versus Division III opponents.
NFCA Division III Preseason Poll available online: |
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