ATLANTA – Winners of seven Southern Athletic Association regular season titles, including last season, Berry was picked for the top spot in the 2023 SAA Softball Preseason Poll. Birmingham-Southern was tabbed second in poll with 47 points, including two first place votes. 

BSC posted a 32-8 record last season, going 13-3 in league play and advancing to the SAA Tournament Championship Series. The Panthers rattled off an 18-game winning streak before running into Berry in the season finale. SAA Pitcher of the Year Hailee Bryan headlines a trio of returning first team All-SAA members from a year ago, joining Izzy Berkopec and Jada Askew on the list.

2023 SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL RESULTS
1. Berry - 47 pts. (5)
2. Birmingham-Southern - 44 pts. (2)
3. Millsaps - 34 pts.
4. Hendrix - 25 pts.
5. Rhodes - 21 pts.
6. Centre - 16 pts.
7. Sewanee - 9 pts.
(Fist place votes)

The Panthers open up their season on Saturday, Feb. 11 as they host LaGrange College at 1 p.m.

To see the complete Southern Athletic Association Preseason poll, click here.