WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University softball team was picked to finish second in the Mountain East Conference North Division when the league released its 2026 preseason poll on Thursday.

The Hilltoppers collected two first-place votes from the league's head coaches after a strong 2025 campaign in which West Liberty posted a 31-25 overall record and finished 18-10 in MEC play. WLU advanced to the MEC Tournament championship game, earning runner-up honors.

Fairmont State was selected as the North Division favorite, earning nine first-place votes after finishing atop the division a season ago. Point Park, Wheeling, and Frostburg State rounded out the remainder of the North Division poll.

In the South Division, Charleston was tabbed as the preseason favorite following its third consecutive MEC Championship. The Golden Eagles were followed closely by Glenville State, Davis & Elkins, West Virginia Wesleyan, Concord, and West Virginia State.

The 2026 MEC Softball Preseason Poll was voted on by the league's head coaches, with coaches prohibited from voting for their own teams.

The Hilltoppers open their season Feb. 14 at the King Invitational in Bristol, Tenn. 





 

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.