LOUISVILLE, KY. (Augie PR) — For the first time in program history, Augustana Softball is ranked No. 1 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association/NCAA Preseason Poll. The Vikings racked up 15-of-16 first-place votes and 399 points to earn to the number one spot.
Fresh off the 2019 Division II National Championship, the Augustana softball is set to reload for the 2020 campaign. The Vikings bring back a talented lineup and trio of dominant arms in the circle.
The Viking potent pitching attack starts with two-time NFCA All-America honoree Ashley Mickschl. As a sophomore, the righty made 40 starts, finishing 32-6 with a 1.82 ERA. The Minnesota native twirled 22 complete games, seven shutouts and team-high 231 innings with 196 strikeouts. Augustana also returns two other All-NSIC pitchers in senior Olivia Wolters and junior Amber Elliott. A year ago, the staff established 2019 single-season records for total wins (61), innings pitched (464.0), strikeouts (417), and opponent batting average (.197).
The Vikings also return an impressive lineup to the dish, starting with a pair of seniors in Kara McDougall and Kendall Cornick. A First Team All-NSIC and NFCA DII Scholar-Athlete selection, McDougall led the team with a .444 batting average while platting 33 runs and 23 RBI.
Cornick came on strong in 2019, hitting a career-high .386 and scoring a team-high 74 runs, which led the NSIC and was 2nd in the nation. Fellow senior Christina Pickett hit .292 with eight doubles, four home runs and a pair of triples last year.
For the second-straight season, Augustana starts the season in Houston, Texas, at the Arkansas Tech Winter Invitational. The Vikings season-opener will feature a 10 a.m. first pitch on Jan. 31 vs. Cameron. During its time in Texas, Augustana will also square up with Texas Woman’s, Angelo State, Saint Mary’s, Texas A&M Commerce and Tarleton State.
