(ATLANTA, Ga.) – The Piedmont softball team has been selected to finish fourth in the Collegiate Conference of the South Preseason Coaches Poll, the conference announced Thursday afternoon. The program is coming off a semifinals tournament loss to eventual CCS champion Belhaven during their 2023 campaign.
The Blazers topped the 2024 preseason poll with a total of 63 points and seven first place votes, making them the clear favorite. Maryville placed second with 53 points while receiving one first place vote. The Hawks of Huntingdon slotted just above Piedmont with 51 points while the Lions received 47 points and the remaining first place vote.
Directly behind Piedmont are the Scots of Covenant with 34 points while LaGrange (30), Agnes Scott (21), Wesleyan (17) and Berea (8) round out the list.
The Lions return ample talent to the team this year, including both corner infielders, seniors Kara Taylor and Kaitlin Isley. The duo also play a huge role in the lineup, occupying the 3rd and 5th slots in the lineup during the CCS tournament in 2023. In addition to the senior duo, the program returns three all-conference players from last season in the junior trio of Jasmine Lowery, Lyndzi Partlow and Kennedy Votava. Lowery also went on to be named to the NFCA All-Region list.
Piedmont opens the 2024 season at home as the Lions face off against Mount Saint Joseph and Cal Lutheran on Saturday, Feb 17.
CCS conference play begins on the road at Berea on Sunday, March 17.
The 2024 CCS Softball Championship opens on Wednesday, May 1 and is capped by the championship game on Saturday, May 4, hosted by the highest seeded team.
2024 CCS Softball Preseason Coaches Poll:
| 1. | Belhaven | 63 points (7) |
| 2. | Maryville | 53 points (1) |
| 3. | Huntingdon | 51 points |
| 4. | Piedmont | 47 points (1) |
| 5. | Covenant | 34 points |
| 6. | LaGrange | 30 points |
| 7. | Agnes Scott | 21 points |
| 8. | Wesleyan | 17 points |
| 9. | Berea | 8 points |
