Softball Picked In Top Four In MAC Preseason Poll

CLEVELAND, Ohio - - The Ball State softball program was one of four teams picked to earn a berth into the 2023 Mid-American Conference Tournament in the league's annual preseason coaches poll released Thursday (Feb. 9).

The Cardinals were selected to finish fourth in the MAC regular season race, earning 82 points. Three-time defending regular season champion Miami earned the top spot with 120 points and 10 first-place votes. Central Michigan followed with 109 points and one first-place vote, while Ohio was third with 90 points.

The RedHawks were also selected as the preseason favorite to defend its 2022 MAC Tournament title, earning eight of the 11 votes to win the post-season event. Central Michigan garnered two votes, and Kent State picked up the final tally.

The Ball State softball team concluded the 2022 season with a 15-14 league record, finishing one spot out of a MAC Tournament berth. The Cardinals return seven players who finished the campaign in the starting lineup, along with another regular starter who was injured partway through league play.

BSU also welcomes back two of its top three pitchers from a year ago, including win leader Angelina Russo who threw the program's first perfect game in the nightcap of a doubleheader versus Western Michigan on April 20, 2022.

The Ball State softball team opens the 2023 season next Friday (Feb. 17) with a doubleheader at Samford. First pitch for the opening game is set for 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT.

2023 MAC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Miami (10) – 120 points
2. Central Michigan (1) – 109 points
3. Ohio – 90 points
4. Ball State – 82 points
5. Buffalo – 65 points
6. Kent State – 64 points
7. Akron – 58 points
8. Western Michigan – 39 points
9. Bowling Green – 37 points
10. Northern Illinois – 34 points
11. Toledo – 28 points

MAC Tournament Champion: Miami (8), Central Michigan (2), Kent State (1)

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