The Pitt-Johnstown softball team, under first-year coach Niki Cognini, was picked to finish sixth in the PSAC Central Division when this year's preseason coaches poll was released on Thursday... (Full PSAC Release) ... (PSAC Central Preseason Notes) ... (PSAC West Preseason Notes) ... (PSAC East Preseason Notes)

The defending PSAC Champions from California, along West Chester and Bloomsburg, have been selected by the leagues coaches to win their respective softball divisions.
 
After competing in two divisions for the past two seasons, the PSAC will once again go back to its three division format. The league will be separated into a west, east, and central divisions.
 
The 2015 PSAC and Atlantic Region Champions California received four first place votes in the PSAC West. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association Preseason Poll currently ranks the Vulcans #4 in the country after finishing last season with a 43-13 record. Three-time PSAC West Pitcher of the Year Alex Sagl is back in the circle for the Vulcans after posting a 29-5 record last season, with a 1.52 ERA and 277 strikeouts. Lindsay Reicoff, a three-time All-PSAC First Baseman returns for her senior season after finishing last season fourth in the league with a .396 batting average, in addition to a .518 on base percentage and a league leading 19 home runs.
 
West Chester was selected first in the Eastern Division after getting three first place nods. The Golden Rams return three All-PSAC players from last season, including the 2015 Freshman and Pitcher of the Year Amanda Houck. Houck went 19-7 in her rookie season, while posting a 1.95 ERA and 89 strikeouts. The 2015 Athlete of the Year, Laura Altenburger, also returns for West Chester. Last season, Altenburger knocked in 35 runs on 54 hits with a .314 batting average and a .353 on base percentage.
 
After finishing second in the Eastern Division last season, Bloomsburg grabbed five first place votes to put them in the top spot in the Central Division. The Huskies return two First Team All-PSAC players in outfielder Emily Mayhew and starting pitcher Taylor Parker, along with Second Team All-PSAC Second Baseman Valerie Carcasses. Mayhew batted .303 with 37 hits and 23 RBIs, while Parker was the third best pitcher in the league last year with a 14-5 record, striking out 109 batters for a 1.80 ERA in 132 innings pitched.

IUP is tagged to finish second in the Central Division, after finishing fourth in the Western Division a season ago. The Crimson Hawks return three players from the All-PSAC West team in outfielder Megan Gould, third baseman Hannah Mercer, and first baseman Allison Viguers. Mercer finished last season third in the league with a .406 batting average on 54 hits and 6 homeruns.
 
Lock Haven received the final first place vote and was selected to finish third in the Central Division, while Mansfield finished in fourth. Rounding out the Central Division is No. 5 Clarion and No. 6 Pitt-Johnstown.
 
Seton Hill grabbed the second spot in the West with two first place votes. The Griffins return three All-PSAC performers in designated hitter Ashley Perillo, outfielder Victoria Stock and utility player Kaitlyn Kutchman.  Perillo, Stock, and Kutchman return as the top three hitters for the Griffin's from last season, hitting .347, .393, and .359, respectively.
 
Receiving two first place nods, Kutztown was selected to finish second in the Eastern Division. The Golden Bears look to improve from last year after finishing third in the Eastern Division and falling early in the PSAC Tournament. Kutztown returns three All-PSAC players from last season including their leading slugger Danielle Amato. Amato led the team with a .367 batting average on 36 hits, 18 RBIs, and a .392 on base percentage. Starting pitcher Savannah Nierintz also returns for her junior season. Nierintz finished 2015 with a 16-4 record and a 1.80 ERA, while striking out 96 batters.
 
Shippensburg was selected to finish third in the Eastern Division, while Millersville and East Stroudsburg were picked to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.
 
Gannon looks to make its sixth straight trip to the PSAC Tournament and its second straight appearance in the PSAC Championship game. GU is ranked third in the Western Division, while Edinboro finished fourth in the poll. Slippery Rock grabbed the fifth spot, with Mercyhurst rounding out the division.

The complete PSAC Preseason Softball Polls can be found below. First place votes are in parenthesis. 
 
CENTRAL
1. Bloomsburg (5)
2. IUP
3. Lock Haven (1)
4. Mansfield
5. Clarion
6. Pitt-Johnstown
 
EAST
1. West Chester (3)
2. Kutztown (2)
3. Shippensburg
4. Millersville
5. East Stroudsburg
 
WEST
1. California (4)
2. Seton Hill (2)
3. Gannon
4. Edinboro
5. Slippery Rock
6. Mercyhurst