Muskingum picked 2nd in OAC Softball Preseason Poll

The Muskingum softball team was picked second in the OAC Softball Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the league's softball coaches.

The Muskies, who were ranked 19th in the NFCA/GoRout Division III Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll, are led by Head Coach Laina Connor. Last season, the Muskies earned an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, won the NCAA Regional Championship, and advanced to their first-ever Super Regional since the NCAA changed the tournament format in 2014. Muskingum ended the year ranked 17th with a 31-16 record and made its 21st NCAA Tournament appearance.

Muskingum returns junior Cara Taylor, junior Sadie Smith, and sophomore Tareyn Born, all of whom earned All-OAC honors last season. Taylor was named First-Team All-OAC, Smith received Second-Team All-OAC recognition, and Born earned Honorable Mention.

The Muskies will open their season in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic on Friday, March 7. 

2025 OAC Softball Coaches Poll (First Place Votes)

1. Mount Union (9) - 81 points
2. Muskingum - 69 points
3. Baldwin Wallace (1) - 68 points
4. Ohio Northern – 54 points
5. Wilmington – 41 points
6. Marietta - 40 points
7. Capital – 37 points
8. Heidelberg – 27 points
9. Otterbein – 23 points
10. John Carroll – 10 points