LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University softball is set to be honored by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, Sept. 4 prior to their 12:05 p.m. game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
 
The softball program will gain access to the field level at PNC Park prior to the game as an honor to their five-straight Northeast Conference titles. Saint Francis defeated LIU 9-0 on May 14 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Regionals at No. 3 Virginia Tech.
 
The five-title winning streak gave Saint Francis the longest in NEC history as they surpassed Robert Morris (1991-94) and LIU (1987-90). The Red Flash hold a 15-1 NEC Tournament record during the historic run.
 
Since-graduated infielder Mekenzie Saban was named NFCA First Team All-Region, NEC Player of the Year and All-NEC First Team last season. She was also an NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee and was named NEC Softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Female Team Co-Student-Athlete of the Year.
 
Returning senior Rachel Marsden was an NFCA First Team All-Region, NEC Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-NEC Pitcher and Second Team All-NEC Designated Player. Grace Vesco returns after she earned NFCA Third Team All-America, First Team All-NEC and NEC Tournament MVP last season. Sophomore Olivia Ulam was a First Team All-NEC, All-Rookie Team and All-Tournament Team selection as a freshman.
 
Saint Francis is set to begin its fall schedule on Sept. 17 against Penn State and Bowie State, with both games played at Penn State.