In a survey conducted exclusively among the league's head coaches, Texas Lutheran has once again emerged as the top contender for the 2024 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Softball crown. Following closely in second place is St. Thomas.
The conference is riding the momentum of a remarkable year, witnessing two teams making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010 and multiple programs achieving 30-plus wins for the first time since 2019.
Texas Lutheran, demonstrating consistent excellence with 40 or more wins for the second consecutive season and the fourth time since 2016, secured seven first-place votes and 63 points, clinching the preseason favorite spot. St. Thomas, fresh off its inaugural SCAC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance, garnered the final first-place vote, securing second place in the preseason rankings with 54 total points.
The Celts boast a strong lineup with the return of all-region awardees Chloe Bennett and Rebecca Archibald. Archibald, who led the SCAC in batting average at an impressive .450 last season, also claimed the second spot in stolen bases with 34. Meanwhile, Bennett contributed significantly with 129 at-bats, 46 RBIs, and a team-high five home runs, propelling the Celt offense to the top spot in the SCAC.
Also returning is junior Jaelyn Simmons. Simmons picked up an NCAA All-Tournament nod and first-team all-SCAC award after being second on the team in hits at 47 and posting a .382 batting average. She was also third on the team with 28 RBI and second on the team with 12 doubles.
In the circle, sophomore Allison Hughes takes the lead after earning an NCAA All-Tournament team nod and throwing a memorable no-hitter against Rosemont College in the opening regional. Hughes, who led the team with 66 strikeouts and secured 14 wins, is poised to be a key player for the upcoming season.
Heading into her fourth season as the head coach, Angela Froboese continues to lead Celt softball with distinction. Under her guidance, the Celts have amassed an impressive 77 wins in the last three years, securing the second position in the conference within that span.
"I'm just really excited to get the season going! It should be an exciting year for us," Head Coach Angela Froboese added. "We are playing some tough non-conference opponents to get us ready for our SCAC schedule."
Celt softball opens the season this Friday, February 2nd against Mary Hardin Baylor at home. The first pitch for the doubleheader is set at 1 & 3 pm on the grounds of West University Softball Association.
For the full release from the SCAC, click here!
