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The Bethel University softball team is set to open its 2016 campaign this Saturday, when they travel to Rochester, Minnesota to take on No. 21-ranked Central College in a nonconference doubleheader. Prior to this weekend's twin bill, we answer eight questions you need to know about the upcoming season.

Where were the Royals voted in the 2016 MIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll?

Rank	Institution	Total
1.	St. Thomas (4)	111
2.	Gustavus (3)	110
3.	Bethel (3)	100
4.	Hamline (2)	91
5.	St. Catherine	82
6.	Saint Benedict	75
7.	Saint Mary's	64
8.	St. Olaf	46
9.	Macalester	39
10.	Carleton	36
11.	Augsburg	20
12.	Concordia	18

How did the Royals finish one year ago?
Bethel finished the 2015 season with an 18-4 record against MIAC opponents and a 28-15 mark overall. Their 28 total wins and 18 MIAC wins were both a program record for single-season wins. Their winning percentage (.651) also set a single-season record.

What happened in the postseason?
The Royals earned hosting rights and the No. 1 seed as the MIAC's regular-season champion. Unfortunately, though, Bethel was unable to take home the tournament title, as they fell to St. Thomas in the opening round of the MIAC Playoffs. BU defeated Hamline 12-4 on day two, but UST knocked them out of the double-elimination tournament later that day.

Who are BU's key returners?
Karli Persson (P, Sr. | Two-time MIAC All-Conference, 38-19 career record, 382.0 IP, 164 ER, 3.01 ERA, 260 K's)
Caroline Kivisto (C, Sr. | Two-time MIAC All-Conference, .395 career AVG., 665 career SLG., 99 R, 139 H, 24 2B, 23 HR, 111 RBI, 234 TB)
Kalyn Sorensen (INF, Sr. | 2015 MIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention)
Micayla Moore (INF, Sr. | 2015 stats: .289 AVG., .390 OBP, .364 SLG, 35 H, 14 R, 22 RBI, 44 TB, 87 A)
Abbie Bircher (OF, Sr. | 2015 stats: .329 AVG, .368 OBP, .399 SLG, 47 H, 24 R, 29 RBI, 57 TB)
Lindsay Edeen (P, Sr. | 2015 stats: 3.21 ERA, 11-7, 115.2 IP, .284 B/AVG.)

Who's shoes need to be filled?
Angie Jackson (SS | Two-time NFCA All-American, Three-time NFCA All-Region, Two-time MIAC Player of the Year)
Kelsey Anderson (1B | Two-time NFCA All-Region)
Jessica Brown (OF)

What key statistics should we know heading into the season?
38: Senior pitcher Karli Persson has amassed 38 wins, 260 strikeouts, and a cumulative ERA of 3.01 in 382.0 innings pitched. Persson's career ERA ranks No. 1 in program history, while her 38 wins are just four shy of a new record.
Caroline Kivisto has recorded 23 career home runs, which is just four away from breaking Bethel's all-time record. Her home run total has helped her drive in 111 runs, which is on pace to shatter BU's career RBI record.

Did You Know?
Graduated shortstop Angie Jackson became the third player in conference history to win two MIAC Player of the Year awards. Jackson led the league in runs and total bases, ranked second in hits, home runs, and batting average, and third in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Any news off the field?
Bethel University played host to national fastpitch professional and gold medalist Monica Abbott on January 29-30. Abbott was a four-year All-American at the University of Tennessee and the first player to ever throw a perfect game at the Olympics (2008 Beijing).