BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The NSIC has released its annual preseason coaches' poll for softball and MSU Moorhead has been selected sixth in the initial conference rankings. Sophomore infielder Mack Gallagher and senior pitcher/infielder Eliya Johnson were tabbed as MSUM's players to watch. 

MSUM was selected sixth behind 123 points in the coaches' poll. Augustana topped the poll with 193 points and 11 first-place votes followed by Minnesota Duluth with 186 points and the remaining four first-place votes. Winona State, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State would come in ahead of the Dragons at third, fourth and fifth respectively. 

"We are very excited about this year's team. We have gained depth at key positions and return all of our pitchers, plus one from last year's team. Our incoming class will help make our offensive line up deeper and more balanced," said MSUM head softball coach Mike Armitage. "The goal is to compete in the top portion of the conference. We believe the talent is there, but with softball being what it is, only time will tell whether those goals become a reality."

Gallagher earns the the 'player to watch' nod after a historic freshman season in 2023. Gallagher hit for a .417 average in total last season including single-season school records in home runs (11) and RBIs (50). Gallagher was named to the All-NSIC First Team for her efforts and became the first player in program history to earn NFCA All-Central Region honors. Her 63 hits a season ago were just four shy of MSUM's single-season record as Gallagher only recorded six strikeouts all season. 

"Mack is an exceptional hitter and defends 3rd base like a seasoned veteran. Mack continues to work hard and improve her craft both at the plate and on the dirt. She is very much a student of the game and finds ways to get better every time she enters the weight room or practice facilities," said Armitage. "Mack is an excellent young person and is very much one of the reasons for our team's success."

Johnson was a vital piece to MSUM's success in 2023 both at the plate and in the circle. The senior pitched 41.1 innings for the Dragons and registered a 5-3 mark with a 3.90 ERA and 22 strikeouts. Johnson only surrendered a .286 average to opposing hitters in 2023. At the dish, Johnson hit for a .324 average with five homers and a 24 RBIs to go along with a .411 on-base percentage. 

"Eliya has the potential to be an outstanding pitcher in the NSIC. Battling injuries last season, EJ was limited in her innings," Armitage said. "When healthy she is able to locate with good velocity and spin on the ball. If we are to take another step forward with our program this year, EJ will be one of the reasons we do so."

MSUM is coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2023. The Dragons won 30 games, a 22-game improvement from Armitage's first season in 2022. Armitage helped MSUM to 16 NSIC wins, the most in program history since the conference expanded in 2008. The team's 30 wins in 2023 are the most since 2007. As a team, MSUM has set single-season school records in on-base percentage, runs and runs batted in.
 
Armitage also helped snap MSUM's 15-year postseason drought as the Dragons competed in last season's NSIC Tournament. The Dragons won two games at the tournament, earning their first postseason win since 2008. For his efforts, Armitage was named NSIC Coach of the Year in 2023. 

The Dragons open their season in Minot, N.D., as part of the Bubble Invite on February 3 and 4. MSUM begins the season against Dakota Wesleyan on February 3 at 10 a.m.