NORTHBOROUGH, MA. – Pace University Softball has opened the 2026 season with significant national recognition, earning a No. 4 ranking in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Top 25 Preseason Coaches Poll, as released this week.

The national preseason ranking comes on the heels of a historic 2025 campaign for the Setters and reflects widespread respect for the program's sustained excellence at the Division II level. Pace enters the season positioned among the nation's elite as expectations remain high heading into opening day.

In addition to its national standing, Pace was also selected No. 1 in the 2026 Northeast 10 Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced earlier this month. The Setters earned the top spot following a record-setting season that included conference titles and a deep NCAA postseason run, solidifying their status as the team to beat within the Northeast 10 Conference.

The combination of a top-four national ranking and a conference preseason favorite designation highlights the momentum surrounding the Blue and Gold entering 2026. Pace softball will look to carry its preseason accolades into another impactful spring, which begins Saturday, March 6^th, at noon against Shippensburg University.

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