Offense has taken over the game of softball at all levels, with hitters hitting the ball out of the park like never before.

A dominant pitcher is a must if a team hopes to make a deep run in the postseason.

In just a few weeks, we will see some of the top NCAA Division III teams back in action. Along with some of those top teams, we will see the return of some talented pitchers.

Mark Allister is the author of Women’s College Softball on the Rise: A Season Inside the Game. He will be writing on DIII softball this spring and would welcome story ideas and comments at allister@stolaf.edu

Mark Allister is the author of Women’s College Softball on the Rise: A Season Inside the Game. He will be writing on DIII softball this spring and would welcome story ideas and comments at allister@stolaf.edu

Six teams outside of the Top 25 made it to the Sweet Sixteen sending top-seeded teams like Virginia Wesleyan, East Texas Baptist, Birmingham Southern, and more packing.