The Central College softball team played a total of six games in Columbus, Georgia for the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic. The Dutch went 3 – 3 during their time there, including one-run losses to St. Thomas and Alma College. Coach George Wares says their three-day stay in mid-March down south stood out to him for a number of reasons. Other memorable moments in Wares’ eyes included their conference-opening sweep of rival Simpson College at home in early April. The Storm moved on to the D3 playoffs, receiving an at-large bid. Central was dealing with a record turnover of seniors, and lost only two from their varsity squad at the conclusion of their 2016 season. The Dutch finished 23 – 15 overall.