VIDEO: Michael Graves Interview 

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman's softball program has been picked fourth in the South Atlantic Conference's preseason poll, the league office announced Wednesday morning. 

C-N returns eight offensive starters from last year's 31-18 team that went 13-11 in South Atlantic Conference play and made the Southeast Regional as a six seed. 

"It's good to be thought of well and be put toward the top of the conference," Carson-Newman head softball coach Michael Graves said. "I appreciate coaches thinking that highly of us to put us near the top. It's a tough league and anytime you're in the top quarter, it's a good sign."

The Eagles picked up 108 points in the preseason poll.  Wingate was picked to repeat as conference champion with 143 points and 11 first place votes.  Lenoir-Rhyne checked in in second with 129 points, while Lincoln Memorial was in third, four points ahead of C-N with 112 and the remaining two first-place votes. 

Carson-Newman was the final team in the preseason poll to receive triple-digit points. 

The final four positions that would be spots to make the league tournament were narrowly separated.  Emory & Henry checked in fifth with 99 points, while two votes separated Anderson, Catawba and Newberry in sixth through eight.  Anderson had 84 votes, while Catawba and Newberry were tied with 82. 

"There's so many good teams in this conference," Graves said. "We've stressed that to our newcomers. You have to be ready to play every day, because even teams that are picked toward the bottom of this league still have stellar pitching and some really good bats. You have to be ready to go no matter who you are playing in this league." 

Limestone, Tusculum, Coker, Mars Hill and UVA Wise round out the remainder of the preseason poll. 

Carson-Newman opens the season Feb. 2 at Eckerd with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. C-N will then head to Florida Southern and Tampa for six games on the opening weekend. The contests will be broadcast on the Eagle Sports Network at cneagles.com/live. 

2024 Softball Preseason Poll

Rank School (First Place Votes) Score

1 Wingate (11) 143

2 Lenoir-Rhyne 129

3 Lincoln Memorial (2) 112

4 Carson-Newman 108

5 Emory & Henry 99

6 Anderson 84

T-7 Catawba 82

T-7 Newberry 82

9 Limestone 53

10 Tusculum 47

11 Coker 37

T-12 Mars Hill 19

T-12 UVA Wise 19