LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Augustana softball team has earned a preseason ranking of No. 3 from the NFCA Division II Top-25 Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Vikings are the highest ranked NSIC team in the preseason poll.
 
Augustana finished the 2020 season with a 16-3 record and was No. 4 in the NFCA Final Poll from the season.
 
The Vikings return all but three players who saw action last season including seven of the top-eight hitters. Also returning are pitchers Ashley Mickschl and Amber Elliott who combined for a 16-2 overall record with 11 of the wins coming from the All-American Mickschl.
 
Augustana is joined by fellow NSIC institution Winona State who is No. 15 in the poll.
 
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason coaches' poll is expected in the near future.
 
Augustana opens its season Feb. 12-14 at the UT Tyler Irwin Invitational where it will face Southeastern Oklahoma State and Texas A&M Commerce on the season's opening day.