From January 3 through the beginning of the regular season, we’re going to take a look at every Division 1 conference and Forecast what to expect in each league this season. Today, we take a look at the ASun Conference, formerly known as the Atlantic Sun.
I. Conference Breakdown
There are twelve softball programs that play in the ASun. Those programs include Bellarmine, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Lipscomb, North Alabama, North Florida, and Stetson..
Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, and Jacksonville State are all entering their first year of competition in the ASun after realigning to join the league last July. Jacksonville State won’t stick around long, as the Gamecocks and Liberty will both leave the conference next summer to join Conference USA.
Last season, in a unique conference setup, Liberty won both the regular-season and conference tournament titles, losing just two games in conference play during the regular season and were the only ASun team to cross the 30- and 40-win plateau on the year.