NEW HAVEN, Conn. (Feb. 1, 2023) - Defending CACC Regular Season Champions, Georgian Court Softball gets their season under way later this month. With the start of the season upcoming, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) released their 2023 preseason coaches poll with the Lions checking in at No. 3. 

Georgian Court earned 134 points in the poll and picked up two first-place votes. They sit behind Wilmington who earned 149 points and six first-place votes. Caldwell was picked to finish second with 140 points and two first-place votes.

Five teams earned first-place votes from the 13 league coaches. Behind the Lions is CACC newcomer Bridgeport who scored 132 points and two first-place votes. Holy Family secured the final first-place vote. They finished eighth in the poll.

GCU was 40-15 last season overall, finishing 21-3 in conference play. Georgian Court not only won the CACC Regular Season, they advanced to the NCAA East Regional earning the league's automatic bid as tournament champion. They had advanced to the championship game and were set to play to winner of No. 2 Wilmington and No. 3 Caldwell before the remainder of the tournament was cancelled due to rain. 

The 2023 season begins Feb. 17 at the Tucson Invitational Games - D2 Cactus Classic in Tucson, Ariz. They'll play five games opening weekend in Arizona before heading to the southeast and Columbus, Ga. for the NFCA Leadoff Classic at the end of the month. The Lions will work their way north the following week with doubleheaders in the Carolinas against UNC Pembroke, Francis Marion and Barton. 

The Lions first home games come March, 11 against Southern New Hampshire. A week later is the start of the CACC portion of their schedule. League games begin March 18 at Felician. Georgian Court will once again host the semifinals and finals of the CACC Tournament. The opening round, held on campus sites is Saturday, April 29. The top-four teams will then head to Lakewood May 4-6 for the semifinal and final rounds. 

2023 CACC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Wilmington 149 points (6 first-place votes)
2. Caldwell 140 (2)
3. Georgian Court 134 (2)
4. Bridgeport 132 (2)
5. Post 94
6. Jefferson 90
7. Bloomfield 89
8. Holy Family 88 (1)
9. Dominican 78
10. Felician 65
11. Goldey-Beacom 48
12. Alliance 35
13. Chestnut Hill 28