CARMEL, Ind. – The Hanover softball team was pegged third as part of the 2023 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference preseason poll announced Wednesday afternoon by the league office.
 
Hanover received 45 points in the poll, while Transylvania took the top spot with 61 points and five first place votes followed by Mount St. Joseph in second with 59 points and four first place nods. Franklin landed fourth with 42 points and Defiance fifth with 40 points.
 
The Panthers concluded the 2022 campaign at 17-19 overall, 10-6 HCAC and advanced to the HCAC Tournament where they defeated Transylvania 9-3 as part of opening round play. The 2022 season also featured a sweep of national tournament contender Mount St. Joseph.
 
The Panthers return a veteran squad in 2023 featuring senior Kendra Hutchinson (Lafayette, Ind.) who a season ago ranked among the HCAC top 10 in runs scored. The roster will also feature returner sophomore Lauren Beaman (Indianapolis, Ind.), who in the circle, charted six complete games against HCAC opponents.
 
As a unit in 2022, the Panthers ranked among the HCAC top five in RBI, stolen bases, and strikeouts.
 
The 2023 campaign is set to open on Saturday, Feb. 25 when Hanover takes on Greenville. The season will feature five 2022 NCAA Tournament contenders including Trine who advanced to the Tournament finals on Saturday, March 18.

HCAC ATHLETES TO WATCH LIST 

Lauren Beaman, So. (Indianapolis, Ind.) - P/OF
Kensie Bradley, Sr. (Greenfield, Ind.) - INF
Katherine Dickinson, Sr. (Francisco, Ind.) - OF
Kendra Hutchison, St. (Lafayette, Ind.) - INF