NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State has been picked to finish second in the Southland Conference preseason poll released by the league office on Friday.

The Lady Demons collected 120 points and two first-place votes in the poll of the league's coaches and sports information directors, placing them behind McNeese, who received 132 points and 12 first-place votes. NSU slid into the number two spot ahead of Southeastern giving Louisiana teams the top three spots.

NSU went 24-22 in 2021 to record their eighth winning season in the last nine under head coach Donald Pickett who enters his 14^th season at the helm of the program this year. Their 16-11 conference mark earned them the four seed in the SLC tournament.

The Lady Demons return four position starters from a season ago, led by preseason all-conference selections Keely DuBois at short stop and Cayla Jones at second, with several more who saw significant playing time.

In the circle, junior Bronte Rhoden returns with the most innings under her belt of any pitcher, with Kenzie Seely second. The rest of the staff will be making their NSU debuts this season.

Northwestern State opens its season with the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission Lady Demon Classic on Feb. 11 against Chattanooga.

Southland Conference Softball Preseason Poll:
 
Coaches and SIDs Poll (first place votes) 

1.	McNeese (12)	132
2.	Northwestern State (2)	120
3.	Southeastern	113
4.	HBU	102
5.	UIW	84
6.	Texas A&M-Corpus Christi	82
7.	Nicholls	81