As part of our in-depth preseason college softball coverage, today we dive into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – the MAAC – and forecast what could be in store for the league during the 2023 season.
1. Conference Breakdown
Northern Iowa won the Valley’s regular-season conference title a year ago, losing just twice in league play. It was regular-season runners-up Missouri State, though, that took home the MVC tournament crown and represented the league in the NCAA tournament.
One of the leagues most affected by conference realignment this summer, the Valley welcomed three new programs to their membership while saying goodbye to an additional squad. New members include Murray State and Belmont (moving over from the Ohio Valley Conference) and Illinois-Chicago (moving over from the Horizon League), while Loyola Chicago departed the MVC membership.
Twelve teams make up the MVC softball offering – those programs include Belmont, Bradley, Drake, Evansville, Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois, and Valparaiso.
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