2020 GNAC SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL 

WINTRHOP, Mass. – In its final GNAC season in program history, the Suffolk softball team has been predicted to finish as the North Division's runner-up in a vote by the league's 12 head coaches, the league office unveiled Wednesday afternoon. 

The conference's divisional slate is in its second season with a schedule built around five divisional twinbills and three additional league doubleheaders. The 16 conference clashes will all count towards standings and tournament positioning. 

There was a mix of predictions for favorites on either side with six different programs receiving first place nods. 

Jaclyn Davis' Rams received five on the North side, along with the Saints of Emmanuel. Suffolk was two points shy of the top spot, with the Saints sealing the projected champion status with 62 points. Saint Joseph's (Maine) rounded out the top three, falling three points behind the Rams with 57 points and a pair of first-place votes. 

Coaches were divided in the South Division as well with Johnson & Wales, Simmons and Saint Joseph (Conn.) all earning first-place picks. Six points separated the first and third place teams with the Wildcats sitting atop the South side with 61 points with four first-place picks. The Sharks secured second with three-first place votes for 59 points and the Blue Jays' 55 points came after with five first-place ballots. 

Davis enters her eighth season on the Rams bench. Her 23-player roster is one of the youngest for the Rams in recent history with 17 underclassmen – seven sophomores and 10 true freshmen.  A pair of those players made their presence known on the diamond in 2019 all-league selections Caitlin Murphy (.423/.508/.514) and Kennedy Reyes (77.0 IP, 4.00 era, 40 Ks). The centerfielder and twirler compliment the blue-and-gold's veterans – four juniors and two seniors – highlighted by all-conference honorees outfielder Grace Boehler (.360/.439/.421), first baseman Kelly Keane (.319/.375/.422) and catcher Ashley Zulla (.314/.339/.446). 

Suffolk jet sets to the Sunshine State to lift the lid on its 36th season. First pitch is set for Saturday, March 7 against Montclair State at 9:15 a.m.