Tigers Picked Fifth in GPAC Poll

Doane College graduated only two seniors from last year's 28-29 team and return all eight position players, a big reason why the GPAC coaches have picked the Tigers to finish fifth in the conference this year.  The biggest loss from last year's team was starting pitcher Allison Sperry.  Sperry finished with 17 of the Tigers wins and posted a 2.82 earned run average.  The Tigers will rely on returner Megan Steele and several young recruits.

Depth in the field should be a Tiger strength.  With all position players returning and several new recruits challenging for playing time, it should be a fun season for Doane softball. 

Leading the way will be junior Joy Vasa.  Vasa was named All-Region III and First Team All-GPAC a year ago.  She hit .407 with 43 runs batted in.  Vasa earned her honors with a game-winning home run versus Midland Lutheran in the GPAC Tournament, a win that vaulted the Tigers into the regional tournament for the first time.

Another key returner will be Mindy Nguyen.  Nguyen set a school record for stolen bases with 55 last year.  She also led the team with a .411 batting average.

Below is the complete GPAC poll as voted on by the conference coaches.  A coach could not vote for their own team.