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WKU Softball predicted fourth in CUSA Preseason Poll

Austin Rice, Sports Editor
January 22, 2026
Anna Bell Lee
Western Kentucky University infielder Maci Masters (30) enters a tunnel of her teammates celebrating after hitting a homer during a game against the University of Kentucky at the WKU Softball Complex on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Conference USA released its annual Preseason Poll, with WKU Softball predicted to finish fourth in the standings. 

The two-time defending regular season champion Liberty Flames were predicted to finish first for the third straight season with 142 votes, followed by Louisiana Tech with 121. 

The Flames received 11 of the 12 first-place votes, with the Lady Toppers receiving the final vote. 

WKU received 105 votes, just edged out by Jacksonville State (110) for third place. 

The Lady Toppers are fresh off a 30-20-1 campaign that ended with a loss to Louisiana Tech in the CUSA tournament, their fifth straight 30-win season.

About the Contributors
Austin Rice
Austin Rice, Sports Editor
Austin Rice is the sports editor for the Herald.
Anna Bell Lee
Anna Bell Lee, Staff Photographer
Anna Bell Lee is a freshman on the Hill and works on the news and photo staff for the Herald. She is a double major in public relations and visual journalism and photography. Lee is originally from Texarkana, Texas.