LOUISVILLE, KY. (Augie PR) — Augustana Softball is back in the nation’s top spot. Despite not playing for two weeks, the Vikings are ranked No. 1 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association/NCAA poll. The Vikings racked up seven first-place votes and 387 total points to earn to the top ranking.
The Vikings sit ahead of a pair of undefeated teams in this week’s poll, including Texas-Tyler (16-0) and Rollins (17-0). Augustana is the only NSIC to be ranked in the top-25.
Augustana (8-2) is off to a strong start this season behind solid pitching and timely hitting. Two-time NSIC Pitcher of the Week Ashley Mickschl is 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Mickschl is currently riding an 18-inning scoreless streak and back-to-back shutouts. Amber Elliott is 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA in four appearances this season.
From the plate, Junior Abbie Lund is off to a career-start this season, hitting .529 with six RBI through 10 games. Christina Pickett leads the team with nine RBI and a .704 slugging percentage. Freshman Torri Chute is adjusting to the college game well, connecting on a team-high four doubles in just 25 at-bats.
The No. 1 Vikings are back in action this weekend, traveling to Orlando, Florida to play in the 2020 Spring Games. Augustana will take on 10 opponents over the course of five days, starting on Saturday morning. The Spring Games are known as the largest college softball event in the world, featuring more than 2,300 games and 30,000 student-athletes.
