IGHSAU Preseason Softball Rankings Feature Several Area Teams

The IGHSAU has released their preseason softball rankings as the season opens statewide the week of June 15th. The preseason rankings feature several area teams which shows the strength of softball programs in North Central Iowa. Headlining the area’s ranked teams is Fort Dodge they come into the season preseason #1 in Class 5A. The Dodgers are coming off a 35 win season last year and a trip to the State Tournament where they fell to last year’s champs WDM-Valley. This is the 1st time in program history the Dodgers are carrying the #1 ranking into the season. The State Tournament will again be in Fort Dodge this year and is scheduled for  July 27-31st. So the big gold trophy will be in Fort Dodge can Coach Andi Adams and her squad keep the trophy in Fort Dodge this year? The Dodgers bring back 6 of 8 positional starters and their top 2 pitchers from last year, so while the expectations are high it’s easy to understand why. The Dodgers open by hosting Sioux City- Heelan (#15 in 3A preseason rankings) June 16th a 7 pm scheduled start, you can hear that game on “Sunny” 99.7 and here on our website. Heelan is one of 7 preseason ranked teams on the Dodgers regular season schedule.

Newell-Fonda opens up at #2 in Class 1A after going 38-7 a year ago. The Mustangs continue to show their excellence in female athletics as they just collected another state title in basketball in March. Bishop Garrigan joins them in the rankings in 1A coming in at #5 to open the season after a 29-8 campaign in 2019. The Humboldt Wildcats are slated at #2 in class 3A after losing just 3 games last year. Coach Todd VanOtterloo’s Algona squad checks in at #10 in class 3A. Webster City will open the year #14.