Central College’s late-season surge produced a No. 21 ranking in the final season National Fastpitch Coaches Association top 25 softball poll. The American Rivers Conference champion Dutch (27-10) were rated No. 22 in the preseason and rose to has high as No. 15 March 13 before dropping out of the rankings. Central re-emerged at No. 22 May 1 after coming from three games back in the league standings for the title in the final two weeks, then jumped to No. 15 May 8 after also capturing the conference tournament crown. The Dutch tied for 21st in the final 2018 poll. Central finished third in the NCAA Division III Pella, Iowa Regional May 10-12. It was a record 30th NCAA tournament appearance for the Dutch. Five Central players received all-Midwest Region honors. NFCA Hall of Famer George Wares, the winningest coach in Division III history, raised his record to 1,125-384-3 (.745). The Dutch will return starters at six positions in 2020.