The Emporia State softball team has been selected eighth in the MIAA Preseason Softball Poll released on Friday. Pittsburg State is the favorite to win the league after finishing second last year. Defending champion Central Oklahoma was picked seventh followed by Missouri Southern and Rogers State with all three teams receiving one first-place vote. The team is under new management as Megan Hill takes over after April Rosales stepped down as head coach in December to become ESU’s Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations in December. However, the cupboard is far from bare for the Lady Hornets with ESU returning nine of their top 10 hitters from a year ago, including sophomore Sydney Wagner who led the team hitting .367 with 10 doubles and a .425 on base percentage. However, ESU doesn’t return a single pitcher who spent time in the circle a year ago. ESU finished 31-23 in 2025 with a 10-14 MIAA record falling in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. The Big Gold opens the year at the Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, Texas beginning January 30 with Opening Day at the Trusler Sports Complex set for March 8 against Augustana.
Lady Hornets Picked Eighth in Preseason Softball Poll
Emporia State Power E logo. Courtesy ESU Athletics.
