Softball Picked Eighth in SLIAC Preseason Poll
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference released its 2026 preseason softball poll on Wednesday, with the Eureka Red Devils selected eighth heading into the upcoming season.
Spalding topped the poll with 62 points and six first-place votes, followed by Greenville with 55 points and two first-place votes. MUW earned 52 points and one first-place vote to come in third, while Blackburn placed fourth with 43 points. Westminster (36), Lyon (27), and Webster (26) rounded out the teams ahead of Eureka, which finished with 14 points. Principia completed the poll with nine points.
The 2026 season marks a new era for the Red Devils as Jared Sotelo enters his first year as head coach. Eureka will be led by senior Ashlyn Voyles, a First Team All-SLIAC selection from a year ago. Voyles batted .341 and drove in 18 runs last season, providing consistent production in the middle of the order.
The Red Devils also welcome back Lexi Liptak, who hit .266 with 12 RBIs last year, adding depth to the offense and strong defensive play from the middle of the infield. Eureka will look for an immediate impact from newcomers Kaitlyn Robinson, a dual-sport athlete who also plays volleyball for the Red Devils, and Kayleigh Zerrusen.
Eureka will open the 2026 campaign at home on Friday, March 7, hosting Grinnell in a doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
2026 Preseason SLIAC Softball Poll (First-place votes)
- Spalding - 62 (6)
- Greenville - 55 (2)
- MUW - 52 (1)
- Blackburn – 43
- Westminster – 36
- Lyon – 27
- Webster – 26
- Eureka – 14
- Principia - 9