Softball Predicted to Finish Second in MASCAC Preseason Poll

Framingham, Mass.- The Framingham State softball team has been predicted to finish second in the 2022 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Preseason poll as voted on by the coaches from around the league. 

The Rams received 44 points and two first place votes in the poll after capturing 2021 MASCAC Regular Season Title going a perfect 10-0 in MASCAC play and finishing with an overall record of 29-8 in 2021.  

The Rams will return senior shortstop Camille Desrochers who was voted to the All-MASCAC team for the third time in her career in 2021 after finishing the season batting .277 with a .960 fielding percentage. Desrochers tied for the season lead in home runs in the MASCAC with five and added six doubles, a triple and drove in 19 with a .385 OBP. 

In the circle, the Rams return the All-Conference duo of juniors Ally Moran and Shannon Ward. Moran earned first-team all-conference honors after an outstanding rookie season. She finished the year 13-3 in the circle with an ERA of 1.62.  Moran tossed a league high 120.2 innings with 10 complete games, two saves and 94 strikeouts. Moran finished the year second in the league in ERA, tied for second in wins, tied for first in saves and second in strikeouts. 

Ward earned her first all-conference honors and was equally solid in the circle during her rookie season. Ward finished the season 13-4 with a 1.60 ERA, 10 complete games and two saves. She tossed 96.1 innings with 93 strikeouts.  Ward narrowly edged Moran to lead the league in ERA and was tied with Moran for the conference lead in saves and second in wins on the season.  Ward finished the season third in the league in strikeouts and innings pitched. 

Bridgewater State who upset the Rams in the conference championship series last spring earned 48 points and six first place votes quickly followed by the 44 votes for the Rams. Following in third place was Fitchburg State with 33 points and Westfield State with 27. In fifth place is Worcester State with 24 votes followed by MCLA who picked up 20 tallies. Rounding out the poll is Salem State with 19 points and Mass. Maritime who picked up 9 points. 

The Rams start the 2022 campaign with a ten-game swing at THE Spring Games in Central Florida. Their first game is on Sunday, March 13th at 4pm against Wesleyan at Hancock Park in Clermont, FL.