The Oklahoma Baptist softball team was voted to finish fourth in the 2023 GAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the league announced on Tuesday afternoon.
OBU tallied 93 votes to garner its highest preseason ranking since joining Division II. The best ranking earned before today’s release was sixth, coming in back-to-back seasons (2021, 2022).
The top-five ranking comes as no surprise after the Bison posted its best season in the Division II era, finishing last year with 33 overall wins and 19 conference victories. Before making a second straight trip to the postseason, OBU ended the year on a six-game winning streak with back-to-back sweeps.
Oklahoma Baptist looks to build upon last season’s success with pitcher Kayleigh Jones, who led the GAC in strikeouts a year ago, and All-Region honoree Reagan Ford returning to the lineup.
Southern Arkansas was tabbed the league favorite with 116 total votes, including seven first-place nods. Next came Harding at No. 2 with 108 (2) votes and Arkansas Tech in third with 94 (2).
OBU will kick off its 2023 campaign the first weekend in February at the Mardi Gras Invitational. The Bison will face opponents in Delta State (Feb.2), Texas A&M Kingsville (Feb. 3), Midwestern State University (Feb. 3), Union University (Feb. 4), and Mississippi College (Feb. 4).
2023 GAC Preseason Coaches Softball Poll
1. Southern Arkansas – 116 (7)
2. Harding – 108 (2)
3. Arkansas Tech – 94 (2)
4. Oklahoma Baptist – 93
5. Southern Nazarene- 89 (1)
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State – 74
7. Arkansas-Monticello – 55
8. Ouachita Baptist – 47
9. East Central – 40
10. Henderson State – 33
11. Southwestern Oklahoma State – 28
12. Northwestern Oklahoma State – 15
For more information on OBU Softball, follow the team on Twitter (@OBU_Softball) and Instagram (@OBU_Softball).
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