Wildcat softball picked 10th in NSIC preseason poll

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The Wayne State softball team tied for 10th in the 2023 NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll.

The Wildcats return six position starters and four pitchers from last year’s team that was 10th in the NSIC at 15-38 overall and 12-18 in league play.

Defending NSIC regular-season and tournament champion Augustana was voted the team to beat in the NSIC this season, receiving 10 first-place votes and 217 points. Minnesota State, an NCAA tournament team last year, was second with 208 points and three first-place votes with St. Cloud State and Winona State tied for third with 187 points.

Listed as Wildcats to Watch in the NSIC this season are fifth-year infielder/catcher Kim Vidlak and sophomore pitcher Grace Lucka.

Vidlak was All-NSIC Second Team choice last season after leading WSC with a .377 batting average that included 58 hits, 15 doubles and 42 RBI while going 23-for-24 on stolen bases.

Lucka was 1-4 last season in 21 games and three starts with a 10.07 ERA in the circle for the Wildcats as a freshman.        

Wayne State is scheduled to open the 2023 season on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Pittsburg State triangular in Kansas.