SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University softball team is ranked #18 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Top 25 released on Wednesday, March 17. The Bearcats are currently 11-3 overall and 4-0 in the Northwest Conference. WU just returned from the Leadoff Classic in Panama City, Fla. Willamette went 4-2 at the prestigious tournament.
At the Leadoff Classic, Willamette split two games with Cortland State. Cortland is ranked #6 in the NFCA poll. The Bearcats lost a close battle to Texas-Tyler, 5-2. Texas Tyler is 11-1 overall and ranked #2 in the nation.
NWC rival Linfield college is ranked #11 in the current poll. The Wildcats and Bearcats finished first and second last year in the NWC. The two rivals do not meet until April 17 in McMinnville, Ore.
Willamette will return to the Pacific Northwest to face Pacific University on Saturday, March 20 in Forest Grove, Ore. The two teams will play a doubleheader on both Saturday and Sunday. Pacific is currently 9-5 overall and 4-0 in the NWC.
NFCA Division III Top 25
Released on March 17, 2010Mica Romero leads the Bearcats with a .512 batting average and nine doubles this season.
