Full Centennial Conference Release
HAVERFORD, Pa.- The Haverford College Softball team has been selected seventh in the annual preseason Centennial Conference Softball poll, the league office announced in a release this afternoon.
In the dugout leading the charge for the Fords will be Kate Gatti, who returns for season seven with the Fords in 2024. Chosen just two spots outside the projected playoff spots, the Scarlet and Black look to re-enter the Centennial Conference Championship tournament for the first time since 2019, when the Fords finished as runner-ups in the Centennial.
A key returner for the Fords is sophomore Addie Sapirstein. Just like Kaufman, Sapirstein hit the ground running in her first collegiate season. The Kirkland, Wash. local led Haverford in at bats (125), hits (47), runs (32), and stolen bases (27).
Returning to the pitcher's circle for the Scarlet and Black this season is junior Rachel McQueen. The Summit, N.J. native led the Fords in appearances (26), starts (19), wins (seven), complete games (four) innings pitched (96.1) strikeouts (35), and ERA (4.94).
After capturing their first Centennial Conference crown in 2023, Swarthmore was tabbed first in the 2024 preseason poll, garnering six first place votes and 72 voting points. Ursinus slots in second in the pool, grabbing two first place votes and 55 voting points. Gettysburg was chosen third, claiming the final first place vote and 48 voting points. Dickinson and Washington were both chosen fourth with 40 voting points each, to round out the 2024 Centennial Conference projected playoff scene.
Muhlenberg (sixth, 28 points), Haverford (seventh, 24 points), McDaniel (eighth, 15 points) and Franklin & Marshall (ninth, 12 points) concluded the 2024 softball preseason poll. The Scarlet and Black open their 2024 campaign at home with a doubleheader against Cabrini on March 7, with the pair of games slated for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Class of '95 Field.
The double-elimination Centennial Conference Championship tournament will commence on April 30, rolling on through May 2, and May 4, with the championship game being played on May 5.