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SMSU wrestling to host Augustana

BURNSVILLE – The Southwest Minnesota State University softball team was picked seventh in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll as voted on by the 16 head coaches in the league. The announcement came Wednesday morning from the NSIC office.

SMSU senior pitcher Shelby Bloemendaal and sophomore shortstop Abby Russell were both named “Players to Watch” in the conference this season. Bloemendaal led the way in the circle for the Mustangs last season firing a team-best 127 2/3 innings and 1.50 WHIP, finishing with a 10-10 record with a 4.44 ERA. Russell was in the top three on the team of nearly every statistical category, batting .324, scoring 30 runs, collecting 55 hits, 14 doubles, three triples, and a pair of home runs with an OPS of .854, all while striking out just 13 times in 188 plate appearances.

The 2023 Mustangs softball returns nine letter-winners and adds five fresh faces to a squad attempting to build off a 2022 team that finished 21-31 overall and 12-14 in NSIC action, winning an NSIC Tournament game for the fourth consecutive tournament.

This year’s team sees more balance in upperclassmen and underclassmen, with three seniors and four juniors mixed in with four sophomores, a redshirt freshman, and three freshmen.

The SMSU offense returns four everyday starters, including Russell and junior Jillian Noel. Noel hit .342 with a team-high six home runs and 35 RBI while adding 23 runs, eight doubles, and a .903 OPS, only striking out 12 times in 166 plate appearances.

Junior catcher Molly Bull returns after a breakout season, hitting .338 in conference play and led the NSIC with seven runners caught stealing in NSIC action. She allowed an NSIC-low 65.0 steal success rate.

Makenna Waldow also returns after hitting .212, ranking top 25 in the nation in sacrifice bunts and helping turn seven double plays while playing second base.

Bloemendaal and sophomore Karlie Miller will lead the way for the Mustangs in the circle, bringing experience and prior success. Miller is back after appearing in 23 games last season, including 22 starts, striking out 80 hitters in 124 1/3 innings of work and throwing a pair of two-hit shutouts in conference play.

The Mustangs are scheduled to open its 50-game regular season on Feb. 24 in Topeka, Kan., for the Washburn Invtational. SMSU will begin its 30-game NSIC season at Sioux Falls on March 28 and will have its first home doubleheader on April 1 versus Upper Iowa.

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