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Charlotte, NC – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced its 2017 Preseason Softball All-Conference Team and Predicted Order of Finish as selected by the CIAA Softball Coaches and Sports Information Directors Associations.

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Hawks, who finished runner-up in the 2016 season, have been selected to dominate the Northern Division and predicted to take the crown at this year's championship. The Rams of Winston-Salem State University were selected atop the Southern Division and second conference-wide.

Conference play for softball teams begins this weekend at the CIAA Round-Up, hosted by Johnson C. Smith University. Games will be held Friday, March 17 – Sunday, March 19 at Nevins Community Park. The event is free and open to the public. The 2017 CIAA Softball Championship will be held May 4-6 on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.

2017 Preseason All-CIAA Team

Pitcher

#8  | Chowan

#33 Mercedes Hargett | Winston-Salem State

Catcher

#12  | Chowan

#7 Shi-Cara Goins | Fayetteville State

Utility

#9 Zoe Howard | Fayetteville State

First Baseman

#3  | Chowan

Second Baseman

#13 , Chowan

Third Baseman

#11 Morgan Hasty, Johnson C. Smith

Short Stop

#17 Jacqueline Pickering, Bowie State

Right Fielder

#17 , Chowan

Designated Player

#4 HaLee Knowles, Fayetteville State University

Northern Division Ranking

Chowan
Bowie State
Virginia State
Virginia Union
Elizabeth City State
Lincoln (PA)

Southern Division Ranking

Winston-Salem State
Fayetteville State
Saint Augustine's
Johnson C. Smith
Shaw
Livingstone

Conference Coaches Poll

Chowan
Winston-Salem State
Bowie State
Fayetteville State
Virginia State
Saint Augustine's
Virginia Union
Johnson C. Smith
Shaw
Elizabeth City State
Livingstone
Lincoln (PA)