Softball Projected to Contend for MIAA Title This Spring

The Flying Dutch tied for second in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

Senior Cayley Ebeling, right

The Hope College softball team is projected to challenge for an Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title this spring.

Led by first-year head coach Brittney Harvey, the Flying Dutch tied for second place in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll with 55 points.

Hope tied with Calvin University for second place. Defending league champion Trine University finished first with 63 points and seven first-place votes. Calvin received the other two first-place votes.

Coaches could not vote for their own teams. Alma College placed fourth with 43 points and was followed by Kalamazoo College (33), Adrian College (25), Albion College (23), Saint Mary's College (19), and Olivet College (8).

Hope returns two All-MIAA First Team selections from last season: junior infielder Grace Henry and senior infielder Lexi Potapczak.

Henry (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville HS) led the MIAA last season with 64 plate appearances and 60 at-bats. A biology major, Henry batted .393 in 2022 with three home runs, 33 runs scored and 23 RBIs.

Potapczak (Naperville, Illinois / Benet Academy) hit .421 with five home runs and 28 RBIs last season.

In 2022, the Flying Dutch went 26-12 overall and 13-3 in MIAA play for second place.

Hope is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. Central vs. Fontbonne University (Mo.) in Chesterfield, Mo.

The Flying Dutch's home opener is Saturday, March 4, at 1 p.m. at Wolters Stadium.

Hope's MIAA opener is Monday, April 10, at 3 p.m. against Saint Mary's.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#6 Grace Henry: IF; Junior

#18 Lexi Potapczak: IF; Senior

Players Mentioned

#6 Grace Henry
: Junior
: IF

#18 Lexi Potapczak
: Senior
: IF

Players Mentioned

#6 Grace Henry

#18 Lexi Potapczak

Players Mentioned

#6 Grace Henry

#18 Lexi Potapczak