The University of Missouri–St. Louis softball team will open the 2015 campaign ranked No. 13 in the NFCA Division II Preseason Poll.
The UMSL Tritons, ranked No. 13 in the final poll of the 2014 season, are coming off a program best 49-8 record, advancing to the NCAA Midwest Super Regional. Fifth-year head coach Brian Levin returns 15 players from that squad, including all but one starter.
Among the returnees is two-time All-American pitcher Hannah Perryman. The two-time reigning Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, Perryman led NCAA Division II in total strikeouts (408) for the second straight year and strikeouts per seven innings (13.5). She finished the year 29-6 in the circle with a 1.19 ERA. (Read more about Perryman in a recent UMSL Magazine article.)
Senior first baseman Brianna Butler also earned All-America honors a year ago after a season in which she set a single-season record with 14 home runs. Butler also led the team with 45 RBIs and posted a batting average of .329, recording 55 hits, including 13 doubles.
Other returners include senior pitcher Brittni Chapman, a two-time First Team All-GLVC performer (19-2 record and a 1.57 ERA); senior outfielder Jena Boudreau, a First Team All-GLVC and All-Region honoree (batted .330 with 62 hits, including team-best 16 doubles and 11 home runs); and sophomore shortstop Alex Stupek, the reigning GLVC Freshman of the Year (team-best 69 hits, .369 batting average, 11 home runs, 10 doubles, 44 RBIs).
Additional returning starters include senior catcher Madison Zbaraschuk, senior second baseman Katie Wood, senior third baseman Hannah Wessels, senior outfielder Katie Rutledge and junior designated player Katie Schultz.
The Tritons are one of three GLVC teams mentioned in the poll with Indianapolis checking in at No. 21 and Truman State in others receiving votes.
UMSL will open its season Feb. 6-8 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Tucson, Ariz.
