CANTON, Ga. - The Berry Vikings were picked as favorites for the 2026 Southern Athletic Associaition Softball Title.
The Vikings earned 41 points with five first place votes while Trinity brought in two first place votes and 38 total points. Millsaps and Rhodes fought for third place with 30 and 28 points, respectively.
Voting was conducted among the SAA’s seven head coaches.
2026 SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL RESULTS
1. Berry - 41 (5)
2. Trinity - 38 (2)
3. Millsaps - 30
4. Rhodes - 28
5. Southwestern - 23
6. Sewanee - 17
7. Centre - 12
Berry capped off the 2025 season four-peating as SAA champions. The team returns Lauren Cothern who is steady at the plate along with Elly Bennett a senior outfielder. In the circle for the Vikings will be Ava Fouts who was named the SAA Newcomer of the Year and SAA Pitcher of the Year back in 2024.
After a devastating end in the SCAC tournament last season, the Tigers look to make strong moves in their first year with the SAA. The team returns three key NFCA All-Region Players in Carsyn Lee, Mariana Garcia, and Ella Whitacre.
Last year’s runner-up, Millsaps takes third in this seasons poll. The team returns the 2024 SAA Rookie of the Year in Hailey Peterson along with four second team All-Conference selections.
The 2026 SAA Softball Championship is slated for May 7 - 9 in Columbus, Georgia at the South Commons Complex.
For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the SAA's home on the internet at
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