LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Belhaven Softball team is once again primed for a strong year in both conference play and on the national stage after being ranked 6th in Division III by the NFCA Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Blazers, who won the American Southwest Conference in 2022 and swept their NCAA Regional, finished last year's campaign ranked 7th in Division III by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and made their first ever NCAA Super Regional Appearance. 

Head Softball Coach Kevin Griffin had this to say about the Blazers' ranking...

"To gain the attention of the national committee is an honor and it shows the respect that a handful of people have for what we've built here at Belhaven. As far as this year and how things will play out, it means nothing in that regard. We will play arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the country and that's by design. It will be a challenge and we will have to be mentally tough especially during the first three weeks of the season playing so many nationally ranked opponents."

Griffin on the Blazers team and mentality heading into the start of the season...

"This is a special group. We have a lot of the same players from a year ago who understand how to prepare daily for a tough schedule. We still feel like we have a lot to prove. Our goal of winning a Super Regional and a National Championship are still in front of us. We want to check those things off of our list."

The Blazers open their 2023 regular season at home when they host Berry College who was picked 5th in the NFCA Preseason Poll. The Blazers will also face #1 Christopher Newport and #7 Virginia Wesleyan in the first month of the campaign. The Blazers will also square off against #24 Rowan early in the year with CCS foe #25 Piedmont to come later in the season.

To view the full season preview for Belhaven Softball click here. 

To view the full preseason poll from the NFCA click here. 

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