PITMAN, N.J. – The No. 22 TCNJ softball team was ranked second in the annual spring NJAC coaches' preseason poll, as revealed by the conference office Friday morning.

The Lions received one first-place vote and are only behind No. 5 Rowan, who received the remaining nine first-place votes. Rounding out the top three behind them is NJAC runner-up Ramapo. Montclair State was given the dark horse label in seventh place.

Freshly coming off a 32-11 season that was punctuated by an NJAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament Regionals appearance, the program returns a talented cast of experienced veterans mixed with a group of talented underclassmen.

The blue and gold will be led at the plate by senior All-American shortstop Julia Kinnally, who had a historic 2023 season that included breaking program legend Michelle Carlson's single season doubles record, with 25. Kinnally also was awarded as the NJAC Player of the Year and received First Team All-NJAC and All-Region honors.

Starting behind the plate will once again be senior catcher Julia Mayernik, who was named to NFCA First team All-Region and First team All-NJAC after batting .333 with seven doubles, a triple, and 34 RBIs. The senior also flashed her arm talent by throwing out 12 baserunners.

Graduate student Kaci Neveling returns for her extra year of eligibility coming off a stellar senior season that saw her bat .408 with 14 doubles, a team-best five triples, two home runs and 26 RBIs. Neveling was selected to both the First Team All-NJAC as well as First Team All-Region.

Other notable returnees in the lineup include junior Mckayla Yard, who was named Second team All-NJAC, and sophomore Camryn Kitchin, who made it onto the Honorable Mention All-NJAC team.

TCNJ's pitching staff will once again be led by sophomore ace Elizabeth Gosse, who comes off a memorable freshman season that saw the southpaw being crowned as the NJAC Rookie of the Year, as well as making both the NFCA First Team All-Region and the First Team All-NJAC. Rounding out the rotation will be graduate student Gillian Roberts, who finished 2023 with a 5-2 record and a 2.82 ERA with 11 strikeouts while making three saves in 27.1 Innings; junior Julia Roessler, who also finished 5-2 with a 2.36 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 71.1 Innings; and freshman newcomer Maya Knasiak.

Alongside Knasiak, the five member freshman class includes Taylor Freudenberg (Utility), Gianna Frino (Utility), Ryleigh Manning (outfield) and Sara Vincent (Catcher).

"We have a lot of experience returning with the expectation that they will lead the less experienced players right away," said Head Coach Sally Miller. "With the graduation of key starters, there is opportunity for less experienced players to gain and receive playing time right away.

"The entire roster is diligent in their approach during practice so I anticipate they will settle in and adjust as the season progresses."

The Lions will officially get the season underway later this month by hosting DeSales for a noon doubleheader at Dr. June Walker Field on February 25.