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2025 PSAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll: Softball

Shippensburg University’s softball team is poised to make a strong showing in the 2025 season, having been ranked fourth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division according to the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. This ranking comes on the heels of a successful 2024 campaign where the Raiders recorded a commendable 36-21 overall record, underscored by their impressive run in the postseason which included five victories. These wins were split between two crucial games at the PSAC Tournament and an additional three at the NCAA Atlantic Regional pod, hosted by East Stroudsburg.

As they gear up for the new season, Shippensburg boasts a robust roster that includes 16 returning players, ensuring continuity and experience are on their side. Complementing this seasoned group are seven promising newcomers, expected to infuse fresh energy and talent into the team. The Raiders are scheduled to commence their season with an away game on February 15, facing off against Catawba in North Carolina, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting season.

The preseason polling, as decided by votes from the league’s head coaches, places East Stroudsburg at the top of the Eastern Division, followed by West Chester and Kutztown. Shippensburg follows closely in fourth place, ahead of Bloomsburg, Shepherd, Lock Haven, Millersville, and Mansfield, which complete the division rankings. Over in the Western Division, Gannon leads the pack with the majority of first-place votes, followed by Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and California University of Pennsylvania, with Slippery Rock, Seton Hill, Edinboro, Clarion, and Pitt-Johnstown filling out the remaining spots.

This blend of veteran leadership and new talent at Shippensburg, coupled with the structured competition across both divisions of the PSAC, sets the stage for a competitive season that will likely see the Raiders as a formidable contender in collegiate softball.

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Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

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Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

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The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.