VIDEO: Michael Graves Interview

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman has been picked fifth in the South Atlantic Conference preseason coaches poll, the league office announced Wednesday morning.

Carson-Newman returns seven starters from last year's team that went 35-18 and 13-11 in South Atlantic Conference play en route to an appearance in last year's SAC title game and Southeast Region tournament. 

"It seems like we've landed fourth or fifth the last couple years," head softball coach Michael Graves said. "It's always interesting to see what people think of you.  What matter is how we go out and approach the games. We want to make sure we are in the league tournament and the regional tournament." 

Carson-Newman picked up 104 points in the poll.

Anderson was picked to repeat as champion with 139 points and seven first-place votes. Lincoln Memorial and Lenoir-Rhyne were slotted directly behind Anderson with 125 and 124 points, respectively.  Both the Railsplitters and the Bears had three first-place votes.  

Wingate was slotted fourth with 118 points.  Carson-Newman was the final school to receive triple-digit points. 

Newberry, Tusculum and Limestone rounded out the top eight.  Coker, Emory & Henry, UVA Wise, Mars Hill and Catawba wrap up the bottom five. 

Carson-Newman is set to open the season Feb. 1 at the Vickee Kazee-Hollifield Softball Complex against Concord at noon. 

2023 Softball Preseason Poll

Rank School (First Place Votes) Points

1. Anderson (7) 139

2. Lincoln Memorial (3) 125

3. Lenoir-Rhyne (3) 124

4. Wingate 118

5. Carson-Newman 104

6. Newberry 85

7. Tusculum 76

8. Limestone 62

9. Coker 50

10. Emory & Henry 44

11. UVA Wise 40

12. Mars Hill 26

13. Catawba 21