WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Monmouth University softball team was selected to finish first in the 2021 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced this morning.
In addition, senior pitcher
Alyssa Irons (Rock Creek, OH/Jefferson Area/Hofstra) and junior infielder
Lindsey Baron (Matawan, NJ/St. John Vianney) were picked as Co-Preseason Players of the Year.
Joining Irons and Baron on the Preseason All-MAAC Team are senior catcher
Erika Coreth (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) and senior infielder
Deangie Jimenez (Haverstraw, NY/North Rockland).
"The best part of this release is it means we are that much closer to getting back on the field," said Monmouth head coach
Shannon Salsburg. "While I appreciate the respect given to our program, we are very aware that polls are more about the past than the present. We strive each year to play for a championship, and while this year is no exception, there is plenty of work to be done."
Monmouth has won the last two MAAC Championships (2018 & 2019), and have advanced to the championship round five straight times. The 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am happy for our players that were recognized by the coaches," said Salsburg. "They have all worked extremely hard and are deserving of the nod. I look forward to watching this team grow!"
The Hawks are scheduled to begin the 2021 season on Saturday, March 20, hosting Canisius for four games on the weekend.
| Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| 1 |
Monmouth (8) |
117 |
| 2 |
Marist (3) |
112 |
| 3 |
Fairfield |
93 |
| 4 |
Iona |
84 |
| 5 |
Manhattan |
69 |
| T6 |
Canisius |
60 |
| T6 |
Siena |
60 |
| 8 |
Niagara |
48 |
| 9 |
Quinnipiac |
47 |
| 10 |
Rider |
22 |
| 11 |
Saint Peter's |
14 |
| Preseason All-MAAC Team |
| Player |
Position |
Year |
Institution |
| Kaley Coltrian |
Catcher |
Jr. |
Marist |
| Erika Coreth |
Catcher |
Jr. |
Monmouth |
| Mikayla Rubin |
Infield |
Sr. |
Fairfield |
| Christine Gebhardt |
Infield |
Gr. |
Manhattan |
| Lauren Rende |
Infield |
So. |
Manhattan |
| Caroline Baratta |
Infield |
Sr. |
Marist |
| Deangie Jimenez |
Infield |
Sr. |
Monmouth |
| Erin Hufford |
Outfield |
Sr. |
Canisius |
| Ali Milam |
Outfield |
Gr. |
Marist |
| Lindsey Baron |
Outfield |
So. |
Monmouth |
| Annie Moore |
Designated Player |
Jr. |
Manhattan |
| Lauryn Rhinehart |
Utility |
Sr. |
Fairfield |
| Jessica Chilcott |
Utility |
Jr. |
Iona |
| Calista Phippen |
Pitcher |
Jr. |
Marist |
| Alyssa Irons |
Pitcher |
Jr. |
Monmouth |
