PORTLAND, Ore. – With Saint Martin's hosting the 2020 GNAC Softball Championships, the Saints aim to earn one of the four spots in the tournament. Entering the season, the Saints were voted sixth in the GNAC Preseason Coaches' Poll on Wednesday.
 
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Western Oregon, who reached the NCAA West Regional Championship last season, was tabbed as the favorite, earning four first place votes, and 54 total points. Western Washington followed closely behind at 50 points, with one first place vote.
 
Concordia, who garnered two first place votes, placed third with 48 points, while defending GNAC Champions Central Washington followed with 46 points, and one first place vote.
 
Saint Martin's came in sixth with 18 points, followed by Montana State Billings at 17, and Simon Fraser at 15.
 
Saint Martin's returns a core of All-Conference players, including outfielder Emery Norwood, pitcher Brandi Schoessler, and catcher Devyn Connolly. Connolly returns behind the dish with a .318 batting average, along with one home run and 16 RBIs. Playing in 43 of the Saints' 47 games last season, Connolly collected 34 hits, with 11 doubles, and 14 runs scored.
 
Norwood's .337 batting average leads all returning Saints, along with her 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts. Norwood also leads with her 40 hits, and 23 runs scored. Also returning to the Saints' lineup will be sophomore Kylee Vanderbout and senior Nicki DeHan. Vanderbout comes off a .267 season, with one home run and 13 RBIs. DeHan posted a .260 average, with nine RBIs, and five extra base hits.
 
Inside the circle, Schoessler looks to build on her junior campaign of a 15-9 record with a 4.16 ERA in 33 games. The righty completed nine games, while totaling 139.2 innings, and punching out 72 batters.
 
Other notable returners for the Saints include infielders Emily Thornton, and Kylie Lopez, outfielder Regan Byrd, catcher Julia Lucas, and pitcher Jessica O'Toole.

The Saints welcome in eight new players to the roster, including five position players, and three pitchers. In the infield will be Destiny Conerly, and Lauren Lunt, with outfielder Megan Convery, and utility players Delaney Sager and Olivia Schmidt. Joining the staff will be Abby Runyon, Kylee Freese, and Shaye Pinner.
 
Saint Martin's opens the 2020 season in Las Vegas, competing at the Desert Stinger Tournament on January 31. The Saints begin with five games in three days, starting with University of Mary at 4:30 PM.