Villanova Edges UConn for Top Spot in BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll

The following release information was issued by the Big East Conference and information and photo courtesy of the Big East Conference…

NEW YORK – The Villanova Wildcats were voted preseason favorites following the 2024 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the league. Behind four first place votes, the perennial powerhouse earned a league-best 59 points. UConn followed close behind with 58 points, appearing first on three ballots. Reigning BIG EAST Champions, Seton Hall, rounded out the top three with a pair of first place votes and 53 total points.

DePaul was elected to finish fourth with 40 points followed by Butler in fifth (37) and Creighton in sixth (27). St. John’s was voted to finish seventh (21), Georgetown in eighth (15), and Providence in ninth (14).

Last season, Villanova enjoyed a 37-22 overall record and 18-6 mark in conference play before advancing to a third consecutive BIG EAST Softball Championship title game. Head coach Bridget Orchard’s Wildcats return 2023 BIG EAST Player of the Year Tess Cites who led the league in hits (74) and total bases (112) last season. Other notable returners include, 2023 All-BIG EAST First Team infielder Ava Franz, 2023 All-BIG EAST Second Team pitcher Kat Gallant and first baseman Victoria Sebastian, and two-time All-Conference catcher Ally Jones (2021, 2023). The 2024 campaign will mark the collegiate debut of 2021 Pennsylvania Player of the Year and MaxPreps Pennsylvania No. 1, Maranda Runco.

UConn concluded the 2023 campaign with a 34-15 (19-5) record and the top seed in the BIG EAST Championship. Led by head coach Laura Valentino, the Huskies return 2023 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Grace Jenkins and All-Conference first teamer Lexi Hastings. In the circle, 2023 BIG EAST First Team pitcher Payton Kinney looks to her senior season.

2023 BIG EAST victors Seton Hall put on a dominant performance at last year’s championship, going undefeated in the dual-elimination tournament to claim the program’s first title since 2005. Head coach Angie Churchill welcomes back 2023 BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year Kelsey Carr. An NFCA All-Region First Team honoree, Carr led the BIG EAST last season with a 1.82 ERA in conference play while hammering a team-best 13 home runs and 50 RBI.

DePaul made its 17^th consecutive BIG EAST tournament appearance last season, ending the year with a 9-15 mark in conference play (19-32, overall). Key returners for head coach Tracie Adix-Zins include fifth-year first baseman Brooke Johnson, senior catcher Riley Pool, and sophomore pitcher Bella Nigey. The Blue Demons also welcome a trio of transfers in Bibi Rodrigez (Michigan State), Ava Paganis (Bryant), and Kali Blount.

Butler (12-9, 18-35) concluded the 2023 campaign as the fourth seed in the BIG EAST Championship. Head coach Scott Hall’s Bulldogs return every defensive starter this season, including 2023 All-BIG EAST selections Sydney Carter (INF), Paige Dorsett (INF), and Cate Lehner (OF).

Creighton collected a 6-18 conference record last season, owning a 22-31 overall mark. Head coach Krista Wood’s roster boasts unanimous All-BIG EAST First Team and All-Region First Team selection Cayla Nielsen.

St. John’s (8-13, 23-19) will look to return to the BIG EAST Championship in 2024 after earning the fifth seed last season. First year head coach Michelle DePolo’s squad includes 2022 All-BIG EAST First Team infielder London Jarrard.

Georgetown (9-15, 6-32) enters 2024 with sights on the BIG EAST tournament. Pat Conlan’s team welcomes back pitchers Julia Parker and Kayla Dunn.

Providence (6-12, 15-32) will host the 2024 BIG EAST Softball Championship. First-year head coach Kelsey Christensen will look to utilize All-Conference Second Team utility player Jacque Harrington as well as freshman Alyssa Twomey, a two-time Gatorade Rhode Island Player of the Year.

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