Cleveland, OH-The Cleveland State softball team is picked seventh in the Horizon League Preseason Poll following a vote among league coaches, the league office announced today.

The Vikings finished with 32 points, just behind IUPUI who was picked sixth with 37 points. Northern Kentucky and Oakland tied for first with 75 points, with NKU getting the nod for the regular season title with five first place votes to Oakland's four.

The Vikings return almost the entirety of their roster following a 15-win campaign a year ago. First Team All-League selections Jenna Deang and Becky Hurosky return to anchor the starting lineup, and Melissa Holzopfel returns to anchor the pitching staff following a second-team all-league selection a year ago.

The Vikings kick off the 2024 season this weekend with five games at the College of Charleston Invitational in Charleston, SC. Cleveland State opens the regular season on Friday against East Carolina with first pitch scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

2024 Under Armour #HLSB Preseason Poll 
Place. Team (First Place Votes) – Points 

T1. Northern Kentucky (5) – 75

T1. Oakland (4) – 75

3. RMU – 64

4. Youngtown State – 48

5. Green Bay – 43

6. IUPUI – 37

7. Cleveland State – 32

8. Purdue Fort Wayne – 21 

9. Detroit Mercy – 10