STATESBORO - Georgia Southern softball has been picked to finish eighth in a preseason poll of Sun Belt Conference coaches, released today by league officials.

The Eagles, who enter the Spring of 2022 with new head coach Sharon Perkins, return 15 players from last season's squad that went 17-26 overall and tied for sixth in the league standings with a 9-14 conference record.

Louisiana was voted to finish first, receiving 97 points and seven of a possible nine first-place votes. Texas State was picked second with 87 points and a pair of first-place votes. Georgia Southern will host both schools at Eagle Field this season.

Troy was picked third with 82 points and the final remaining first-place vote. South Alabama (74) and UTA (49) were picked fifth and sixth. App State (46) and Coastal Carolina (37) come in ahead of the Eagles, who received 32 points. ULM (27) and Georgia State (19) round out the poll.

Georgia Southern opens up the 2022 season on Friday, February 11, hosting Binghamton at 4 p.m. in the Bash in the Boro tournament at Eagle Field.

2022 Sun Belt Softball Preseason Coaches Poll 
1. Louisiana (7) - 97
2. Texas State (2) - 87
3. Troy (1) - 82
4. South Alabama - 74
5. UTA - 49
6. App State - 46
7. Coastal Carolina - 37
8. Georgia Southern - 32
9. ULM - 27
10. Georgia State 19