PITMAN --- Rowan has been predicted to finish atop the New Jersey Athletic Conference softball standings, based on preseason polling of the league's 10 head coaches. The Profs garnered nine first-place votes and will look to build on their historic 2025 campaign that saw them win the NJAC regular season title and advance to the NCAA Division III World Series.
TCNJ received one first-place vote and was picked second, followed by Ramapo third, Stockton fourth, and Kean fifth. Montclair State was tabbed sixth, with William Paterson earning the dark horse designation at seventh. Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers-Camden, and NJCU round out the 10-team poll.
The 2026 NJAC Softball Championship opens on Tuesday, April 28, with the quarterfinal round that has the #3 seed hosting #6 and the #4 seed hosting #5. The top seed will host the #4/#5 winner and the #2 seed will host the #3/#6 winner in the semifinal round on Thursday, April 30. The semifinal winners will then meet in a best-of-3 championship series with two games on Saturday, May 2 and the "if necessary" game on Sunday, May 3.
2026 NJAC SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. Rowan (9)
2. TCNJ (1)
3. Ramapo
4. Stockton
5. Kean
6. Montclair State
7. William Paterson (dark horse)
8. Rutgers-Newark
9. Rutgers-Camden
10. NJCU
KEAN
The Cougars return one of the conference's top young players in Gina Mahlik, the 2025 NJAC Co-Rookie of the Year and Second Team All-Conference honoree who hit .355 with 20 RBI from the shortstop position in her first season. Second Team All-Conference outfielder Brianna Sciulli (.366 BA, 17 RBI, 53 hits) gives Kean another proven offensive weapon heading into 2026. In the circle, the Cougars bring back veteran right-handers Nikki Lusnia and Samantha Raymond. Lusnia was a workhorse in 2025, logging 130.1 innings with a 2.90 ERA and 126 strikeouts, while Raymond contributed 43.2 innings of solid work. Head Coach Margie Acker expressed confidence in the team's blend of returning experience and incoming talent.
Newcomers to Watch: Ashley Weber (1B; Jonathan Dayton HS), Rielyn Carey (P/UT; Boyertown HS (PA))
Head Coach Margie Acker: "This upcoming season brings a strong mix of proven leadership and exciting new talent. Returning NJAC Rookie of the Year Gina Mahlik will once again anchor the infield, while serving as a consistent offensive threat at the plate. In right field, Bri Sciulli continues to be a presence, combining impactful offense and outstanding defensive play in the outfield. In the circle Nikki Lusnia and Sam Raymond provide experience and stability. Freshmen Rielyn Carey and Ashley Weber will make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively."
MONTCLAIR STATE
The Red Hawks look to rebound in 2026 with an infusion of new energy. Montclair State returns a trio of core contributors led by designated player Jordyn Hester, who hit .301 with 20 RBI in 2025. Second Team All-Conference first baseman/catcher Carlee Iannone (.364 BA, 30 RBI) and center fielder Sophia Alonso (.391 BA, 16 RBI, 50 hits) give the Red Hawks a proven offensive foundation. The biggest challenge facing Montclair State is replacing its entire pitching staff — the program returns no experienced arms from 2025, making the development of newcomers critical to its success. Head Coach Nicole Degenhardt spoke enthusiastically about the youthful energy that the new roster brings.
Newcomers to Watch: Carly Mockenhaupt (P; Morris Plains, NJ/East Stroudsburg University), Leah Monschein (OF; Orange, CT/Amity Regional HS)
Head Coach Nicole Degenhardt: "We're really excited about this season. We have a lot of new faces and a younger group that brings great energy and competitiveness every day. It's been fun watching them grow quickly and start to come together as a team. We expect to play fast, aggressive softball and keep improving as the year goes on."
NJCU
The Gothic Knights enter 2026 with captain Emma Grochowski (1B) leading the way for a program hungry to compete. Grochowski's 31 games played and 11 RBI in 2025 bring valuable experience to a squad that also returns designated player/outfielder Natalie Rosales (.222 BA, 5 RBI) and pitcher Danika Borza, who logged 94.1 innings in the circle last season. Though this will be the program's final season, the Gothic Knights are focused on making the most of every opportunity and leaving their mark on NJAC softball.
Newcomers to Watch: Kiara Taylor (C/IF; Berlin, MD/Keystone College), Jennie Carmona (3B; Bergenfield, NJ/Bergenfield HS)
Head Coach Ashley Martinez: "This season marks a rebuilding year for our program, as we look to grow and compete with a roster full of fresh energy. While we recently learned there will not be a program next year, this team is focused on making the most of every opportunity, guided by a strong captain in Emma Grochowski. With heart, resilience, and a commitment to each other and the NJCU legacy, this group is ready to leave its mark. Good luck to everyone in the NJAC."
RAMAPO
The Roadrunners enter 2026 with their sights set on finally breaking through after three consecutive NJAC Finals appearances and three straight NCAA Tournament bids. Three-time all-conference pitcher Marissa DiPaolo has graduated, leaving a significant void in the circle, but Ramapo returns a seasoned core of position players primed to carry the offense. First Team All-Conference outfielder Kori Gargiulo, Second Team selections Hannah Hensler (C), Avery Kontura (2B), and Lia Milsom (OF) give Ramapo one of the most experienced returning lineups in the conference. Hensler hit .324 with 24 RBI while Kontura batted .339 with 21 RBI in 2025. Brooke Knight returns in the circle after posting a 2.16 ERA with four saves in 64.2 innings last year, and the Roadrunners have added a deep freshman class to fortify the pitching staff.
Newcomers to Watch: Mikayla McJilton (RHP; Abingdon, MD/Harford Tech HS), Gabby Morgan (RHP; Burlington, NJ/Burlington Twp. HS), Paley Sullivan (IF; Portland, OR/Tualatin HS), Aimee Notaro (IF; Morganville, NJ/Marlboro HS), Angelina Ciesnicki (IF; Freehold, NJ/Freehold Boro HS), Emily Pietrzykowsk (UT; East Bethany, NY/Alexander HS), Madison Groschel-Klein (IF; Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional HS), Elianna Meola (P/UT; Manahawkin, NJ/Pinelands Regional HS)
Head Coach Bridgette Quimpo: "The majority of our team returns with a seasoned senior class who have experienced three NJAC Finals and three NCAA Tournament appearances in a row. Though losing four seniors last year that impacted both on and/or off the field, we have added a great blend of new players who bring personality, competitiveness, and talent to this year's squad. I think we are going to be a fun yet competitive group to watch this season looking to finally break through."
ROWAN
The Profs enter 2026 as the heavy favorites after a remarkable 2025 campaign that culminated in a trip to the NCAA Division III World Series. Rowan must replace four-time all-conference honorees in pitcher Rylee Lutz, outfielder Liz McCaffery, and infielder Payton MacNair — three pillars of one of the most decorated classes in program history. But the cupboard is far from bare. Emily McCutcheon, a two-time All-American and two-time all-conference selection, takes the mantle as the undisputed ace of the staff after posting a sterling 0.90 ERA with 21 wins and 75 strikeouts in 140.1 innings in 2025. BethAnne Doderer, a two-time Rookie Pitcher of the Week honoree last season, is expected to step into a larger role alongside McCutcheon in the circle. First Team All-Conference outfielder Abby Pawlowski — who led the conference with 38 walks and hit .338 with 36 RBI — anchors the lineup, while Second Team All-Conference catcher Kate Evick (.360 BA, 29 RBI) provides experience behind the plate. Zara MacNair (.261 BA, 30 hits) also returns to add depth in the outfield and infield corners.
Newcomers to Watch: Ava Fisher (P/1B; East Carolina University), Zoey Rogers (SS; Garnet Valley HS (PA)), Carly Polsky (OF; Archmere Academy (DE))
Head Coach Kim Wilson: "We have a great blend of experienced returners who know what it takes to compete at the highest level, and a group of rookies who are hungry and determined to contribute to the team's success. While we lost some experienced players in last years' senior class, this year's team has a gritty attitude and refuses to settle."
RUTGERS-CAMDEN
After a tough 2025 season, the Scarlet Raptors are motivated to bounce back and recapture the form that made them an NJAC Tournament force in 2024. Rutgers-Camden returns 2024 NJAC Rookie of the Year and Second Team All-Conference left-hander Sammie Friel, who figures to anchor the pitching staff as one of the league's most experienced arms. Honorable Mention All-Conference outfielder Ryleigh Lender (.349 BA, 15 RBI) returns as a key offensive weapon, alongside catcher/utility player Madi Carr and second baseman Gianna Bauer (.257 BA, 5 RBI). Head Coach Meredith McCarthy is optimistic about the combination of returning talent and key new additions.
Newcomers to Watch: Ava Iepson (SS; Gloucester City, NJ/Widener University), Victoria Connelly (OF; West Deptford, NJ/Framingham State University), Kaede Walsh (1B; Easton, PA/Easton Area HS)
Head Coach Meredith McCarthy: "After a disappointing 2025 season, we are looking forward to bouncing back and continuing the growth we showed at the end of the 2024 season. We are returning a lot of talent on the mound and in the lineup, as well as adding a few key pieces in the new additions we have this season. Though it's a small group, we have great leadership and buy in from everyone in the program and are excited to get back to competing and finding ways to win games."
RUTGERS-NEWARK
The Scarlet Raiders enter 2026 banking on the experience of a returning core that showed significant growth in 2025. Second Team All-Conference outfielder Keelin O'Brien (.364 BA, 30 RBI) and Second Team All-Conference middle infielder Kristin Kloss (.365 BA, 11 RBI at second base) headline the returners, joined by infielder Maddy Haack (.357 BA, 16 RBI). In the circle, right-hander Charli Peter and left-hander Mia Aquino return to lead a young but hungry staff. The addition of graduate transfer Michaela Hobson from Division I Elon gives Rutgers-Newark a potential frontline arm to anchor the rotation.
Newcomer to Watch: Michaela Hobson (P; Westfield, NJ/Elon University)
Head Coach Jaclyn Davis: "We are looking forward to a competitive conference schedule and are working hard to continue to build off of our foundation. The 2025 season brought a lot of growth, on and off the field — the experience of our upperclassmen and the addition of some strong newcomers makes the 2026 season exciting for our program!"
STOCKTON
The Ospreys face one of their biggest challenges in recent years — replacing reigning two-time NJAC Pitcher of the Year and All-American hurler Nerina Tramp, who was among the most dominant strikeout pitchers in recent conference history (1.22 ERA, 15-6, 156 strikeouts in 144 innings in 2025). But Stockton has a compelling answer: graduate transfer Adriana Romano from the University of Pittsburgh, who was unavailable in 2025 due to injury but made headlines in 2024 when she limited No. 7/8 Oklahoma State to just four hits and one earned run. Sophomore McKenna George, the 2025 NJAC Co-Rookie of the Year and a Second Team All-Conference selection, leads the returning offense after batting .344 with 30 RBI. Senior designated player Emma Coldsnow (.373 BA, 32 RBI, 8 HR) and outfielder Caitlin Cetrulo provide veteran pop, while two-time all-conference infielder Alexa Panagopoylos (.318 BA, 27 RBI) anchors the middle of the field. Casey Sokol and Lexi Liquori return as key arms in the circle.
Newcomers to Watch: Camryn Harry (IF; Swedesboro, NJ/Paul VI), Emily Clauss (IF; Delanco, NJ/BCIT), Adriana Romano (GR; P; Barnegat, NJ/University of Pittsburgh)
Head Coach Mavreen Hering: "We are excited to come into this season with a great mix of experienced returners along with the addition of young talent. NJAC softball should be extremely competitive this year, and we look to be a team that will be competing at the top of the conference."
TCNJ
The Lions enter 2026 with championship aspirations but an early season rebuilding task ahead after losing five-time all-conference shortstop Kaci Neveling, three-time all-conference first baseman Julia Kinnally, and two-time all-conference outfielder McKayla Yard — among the most decorated players in program history. The good news is that the pitching staff returns two proven veterans. Maya Knasiak, a First Team All-Conference selection who went 14-5 with a 2.08 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 114.2 innings in 2025, leads the way. Liz Gosse, a three-time all-conference honoree and the 2023 NJAC Rookie of the Year, gives the Lions a formidable one-two punch in the circle. Position-player returners include infielder Gianna Vazquez, outfielder Morgan Estelow, and first baseman Camryn Kitchin, who was an all-conference honoree in 2023. Head Coach Sally Miller acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in the staff to carry the load early.
Newcomers to Watch: Morgan Leonhauser (IF; Langhorne, PA/Neshaminy HS), Daniella Biggio (P/UT; Montville, NJ/Montville Twp. HS), Emily Evans (IF; Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional HS), Emily Gill (P/C; Wall Twp., NJ/Wall HS)
Head Coach Sally Miller: "We have some key experienced pitchers on the mound who need to guide this team the entire season but most importantly in the first half of our schedule. We will go through some challenges with inexperience. Solidifying who those consistent players will be for us will be our biggest challenge."
WILLIAM PATERSON
The Pioneers come in as the designated dark horse of the 2026 NJAC Softball field, looking to return to postseason contention under Head Coach Kathy Hill. William Paterson returns a core of capable contributors led by outfielder Brandi Shortway (.316 BA, 14 RBI), middle infielder Hailey Backo (.256 BA, 12 RBI), and pitcher Lilah Guthy, a 2024 First Team All-Conference selection who logged 103.2 innings in 2025. The Pioneers have set their sights on improving upon last season's finish and earning a spot in the NJAC Tournament.
Newcomers to Watch: Giana Capone (IF; Toms River, NJ/Toms River HS East)
Head Coach Kathy Hill: "WPU is very excited to get back to competing. We are working very hard to improve upon last spring and make it into the NJAC tournament."