Burnsville, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate conference released the 2021 Preseason Softball Coaches' Poll this morning, with the Northern State Wolves picked seventh. Northern earned 146 points in the poll.
 
The Northern State softball team was producing their best start in program history in 2020 prior to the spring cancelations due to COVID. The Wolves were 15-4, having opened the year with ten straight victories. Three single game and career records were broken by the Wolves, including Kennady Thompson becoming the all-time leader in average and RBI. Northern returns 15 from the 2020 roster and welcomes nine incoming freshmen and transfers.
 
Kennady Thompson and Meghan Anderson were named the team's player and pitcher to watch for the upcoming season.
 
Thompson is the Northern State school record holder for single season homeruns, career homeruns, career RBI, and career average. She is a 3-time NSIC All-Conference performer. The Omaha native hit .345 with 20 hits, 21 RBI, four homeruns, and one triple (2020). In addition, she recorded a .978 fielding percentage (2020).
 
Anderson went 10-1 in 13 appearances in 2020. She recorded a 1.15 ERA through 67.0 innings pitched
The Verona, Wisconsin native threw nine complete games, three shutouts, and one save. Anderson led the team with 68 strikeouts and a .185 opponent batting average.
 
The Wolves will open the season on the road at the Minot State Tournament, February 20 and 21.
 
NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches' Poll

1. Augustana (12)	222
2. Winona State (3)	210
3. Minnesota State	194
4. St. Cloud State	180
5. Minnesota Duluth	161
6. Concordia-St. Paul	150
7. Northern State	146
8. Minot State	122
9. Sioux Falls	120
10. Southwest Minnesota State	94
11. University of Mary	85
12. Bemidji State	65
13. Upper Iowa	61
14. Minnesota Crookston	46
15. Wayne State	36
16. MSU Moorhead	28