WAYNE, N.J. -- The William Paterson softball team will start the 2010 season ranked 15th in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 Poll.

The Pioneers were ranked 15th on both the preseason and March 3 NFCA lists.  William Paterson returns 10 letterwinners and seven starters this spring, a year after the Pioneers were 35-9 overall, 13-5 in league play, the champions of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament and the runners-up in the NCAA Tournament Mahwah Regional.

William Paterson will begin the season March 13-19 at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.