CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces its 2019 Preseason Softball All-Conference Team and Predicted Order of Finish as selected by the CIAA Softball Coaches and Sports Information Directors Associations.
 
Coming off a 31-16 overall and 16-0 conference record in 2018, the Chowan University Hawks, are predicted to take the crown at this year's championship as selected by the Softball head coaches. Newcomer Claflin University is predicted to finish second overall. The Panthers finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 27-28 and 14-4 in their previous (SIAC) conference. Bowie State and Virginia State are next up in order of finish, ranked third and fourth, respectively.
 
No Bowie State University student-athletes were selected to the Pre-Season All-Conference Team.
 
The Bulldogs will open its season Saturday, February 9 in the HBCU D-II Tournament in Ackworth, Ga. Bowie State will face Tuskegee University at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 2 p.m. contest against Lane College. The 2019 CIAA Softball Championship will be held April 29 through May 1 at Moyer Park in Salem, Va.