The University of Minnesota Crookston softball team was picked to finish 14th this season in the NSIC preseason coaches’ poll. The Golden Eagles earned 46 points from coaches across the NSIC.
Defending National Champions, Augustana, earned 12 of the 15 possible first-place votes. Winona State, who went undefeated in conference play in 2019, earned three first-place votes. Minnesota State, St. Cloud State, and Minnesota Duluth round out the top five.
Minnesota Crookston will look to continue the momentum they have gained under the helm of Travis Owen this season. Before the season was halted in 2020, the Golden Eagles were off to their best start in school history at 6-10.
Head coach Travis Owen likes what he sees from his team in 2021. “What excites me about this year’s team is the leadership we’ve had emerge throughout the adversity that has hit everybody in 2020. It hasn’t been easy on anyone and I’m looking forward to seeing us stick together through the adversity that ultimately happens in any season too, once we get rolling with 2021,” said Owen. “We will need to have different people step up in different roles and situations, and that is always unique with any team, so I am excited to see how this year’s team will respond.”
The Golden Eagles will kick off their season on February 10 against NSIC foe Bemidji State in non-conference play. The first pitch is set for 9 A.M.
