Softball tabbed fifth in HCAC preseason poll

CARMEL, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) announced the results of the softball preseason poll, with Transylvania University voted to finish first in the 2023 season and the Yellow Jackets picked to finish fifth. 

The Pioneers took first in a vote of league coaches, with 61 points and five first-place votes. Mount St. Joseph came in second with four first-place votes and 59 points.

Three Yellow Jackets were named to the Athletes to Watch list. Senior Josilyn Guzman, senior Marissa Roberts, and junior Brooke Silcox.

All three are key returners for the Yellow Jackets this season and each played in all 36 games last season.

Defiance finished 21-16 overall and tied for third in conference play with a 10-6 record last season. The Yellow Jackets lost their opening two games of the HCAC tournament to end their season.