The WKU softball team was predicted to finish second in the Conference USA Preseason Coaches Poll, the league office announced on Thursday.
The Hilltoppers received two first-place votes from the league’s 12 head coaches, earning their highest preseason ranking in their time in the league.
Additionally, senior pitcher Kelsey Aikey and junior catcher Kendall Smith were selected to the C-USA Preseason All-Conference Team.
North Texas was predicted to win the league this season, collecting nine of the 12 first-place votes. WKU came in second while Louisiana Tech and Marshall tied for third.
Alabama-Birmingham, Middle Tennessee State, Southern Mississippi and Florida Atlantic were picked to round out the postseason tournament field, respectively.