MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois University softball was selected ninth in the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Softball Predicted Order of Finish, as voted on by the league's head coaches, the conference announced Thursday.

2026 OVC Softball Predicted Order of Finish

1. Southeast Missouri (8 first-place votes) – 148 points

2. SIUE (8) – 139

3. Eastern Illinois (3) – 138

4. Lindenwood – 108

5. Southern Indiana (1) – 107

6. Tennessee Tech – 75

7. Tennessee State – 68

8. UT Martin – 55

9. Western Illinois – 41

10. Morehead State – 21

Southeast Missouri claimed the top spot in the preseason poll with 148 points and eight first-place votes, while SIUE (139 points) and Eastern Illinois (138 points) rounded out the top three. Lindenwood, Southern Indiana, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State, UT Martin and Morehead State completed the poll.

Western Illinois returns key contributors and will look to build momentum during the 2026 season as it competes in a balanced OVC field.

The Leathernecks were represented among the conference's Returning All-OVC selections by Payton Brown, an infielder/utility player, who earned preseason recognition after her performance last year that resulted in her winning OVC Player of the Year. 

Western Illinois also placed multiple players on the OVC Players to Watch list, with Lillie Wools, a pitcher/utility player, and Sophia Sanchez, a second baseman, earning preseason honors. Wools provides versatility in the circle and at the plate, while Sanchez adds experience and stability to the middle infield.

Western Illinois enters the 2026 season aiming to outperform its preseason projection and compete throughout the conference slate behind its returning experience and emerging talent.

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