RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Oklahoma Baptist softball team was picked to finish first in the 2024 Great American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the league's committee on Tuesday.
It is OBU's highest preseason ranking since the program joined the GAC.
The Bison racked up 117 votes and eight first-place nods for the top slot, ahead of Southern Arkansas (2) and Harding (2), who made up the top three teams.
Oklahoma Baptist claimed the league's regular season title in 2023 for the first time in school history after posting a 44-12 overall record and a 28-5 GAC mark. The Bison also made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in the Division II era.
Additionally, the magical season saw a 15-1 home-field record and a streak of 17 victories. OBU's 44 wins were the most since joining DII and one shy of the school record for victories in a season.
2023 GAC Coach of the Year Sam Maples returns for her sixth season, primed for another year of success with her entire starting lineup returning.
That includes fifth-year pitcher Kayleigh Jones, who became the program's first Division II All-American (D2CAA/NFCA) and Great American Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 2023. She also was named the D2CCA Central Region and GAC Pitcher of the Year.
Joining Jones is the GAC's 2023 Player of the Year, Emily Adler, and Freshman of the Year, Kennedy Clark. Additionally, All-Conference selections Adi Reese, Morgan Max, and Sammie Greene look to repeat as GAC champs.
The 2024 campaign will begin Feb. 1-3 at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Lafayette, La. OBU will face Augustana (SD), Central Oklahoma, Mississippi College, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and Union (TN).
2024 GAC Preseason Softball Poll
1. Oklahoma Baptist - 117 (8)
2. Southern Arkansas - 111 (2)
3. Harding - 101 (2)
4. Southeastern - 95
5. Arkansas Tech - 73
6. Arkansas-Monticello - 70
7. Southern Nazarene - 64
8. East Central - 50
9. Henderson State - 41
10. Northwestern Oklahoma State - 27
11. Southwestern Oklahoma State - 23
12. Ouachita Baptist - 20
For more information on OBU Softball, follow the team on Twitter (@OBU_Softball) and Instagram (@OBU_Softball).
