ATLANTA, Ga. (January 24, 2024) – Coming off the most successful season in program history and a No. 3 ranking in the final NFCA National Poll, Berry was selected No. 1 in the 2024 Southern Athletic Association Preseason Poll.
 
The Vikings earned 36 points and six first-place votes. Birmingham-Southern checked in at No. 2 with 25 points while Centre was third with 23 points. Millsaps earned a first place vote and tied with Sewanee four fourth with 21 points.
 
The ranking was conducted among the SAA’s seven head coaches.
 
SAA 24 SAA Softball Preseason Poll
1. Berry - 36 pts (6)
2. Birmingham-Southern - 25 pts
3. Centre - 23 pts
T4. Millsaps - 21 pts (1)
T4. Sewanee - 21 pts
6. Rhodes - 15 pts
7. Hendrix - 6 pts
 
Berry ran the table in the SAA regular season a year ago, going 17-0 against conference competition. The Vikings posted a 43-7 overall mark, winning the NCAA Regional and Super Regional to advancing to the NCAA National Tournament. Riding its deep pitching staff, Berry advanced to the final of its bracket, but were turned away by Salisbury just one step away of playing for a national title. Head coach Jessica Stong returns five All-SAA first-teamers from last season including Player of the Year Katie White.
 
Birmingham-Southern was runner-up in the SAA in 2023, going 31-9 overall and 15-2 in conference play. BSC has won the SAA regular season twice and owns two conference tournament championships. Centre posted a 10-8 conference record last season to finish third in the 2023 SAA standings.
 
Berry has eight SAA regular season championships and six conference tournament titles in its history. The 2024 SAA Softball Championship will start with pods April 26-27 hosted at the two highest seeds. The three-game championships series will be played May 3-4 at the highest remaining seed.  
 
Fans can follow SAA softball all season long with live links on SAA-Sports.com.