Heartland Conference

WACO, Texas – St. Mary’s is picked to win the 2019 Heartland Conference Softball title following a vote of the league’s coaches and sports information directors.
 
The Rattlers picked up 90 total points and nine of the 14 possible first-place votes up for grabs. StMU is seeking its fifth-straight regular-season title as the Rattlers return a number of key players in 2019. Reigning Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Year Staci Johns and shortstop Taylor Germain were named to the preseason All-Heartland Team this season.
 
After a run to the Heartland Conference tournament final last season, Oklahoma Christian begins this season second in the conference’s preseason poll. The Lady Eagles picked up 76 total points and two first-place votes as OC begins its first season under head coach Shanon Hays who took over the program from long-time coach Tom Heath who retired following the 2018 season. Oklahoma Christian’s Kaylie Upton and Kayla Eichler were both named to the preseason All-Heartland team as OC looks to make its fourth consecutive conference tournament.
 
Just behind the Lady Eagles was Lubbock Christian who earned 74 total points and one first-place vote. The Lady Chaps are looking for their first title since 2014 when LCU went 19-4 in conference play in their first season as provisional members of the Heartland. LCU had a conference-leading three preseason All-Heartland selections headlined by 2018 Heartland Conference Player of the Year Lindzi Clemmer who returns for her senior season this year. Morgan Dufour at third and K’Leigh Arredondo in the outfield were also selected for the preseason All-Heartland Team.
 
Reigning Heartland Conference tournament champions Rogers State was picked to finish fourth with 59 total points and one first-place votes. The Hillcats became the first fifth seed to win the conference tournament after an epic 13-inning showdown with Oklahoma Christian. RSU returns preseason All-Heartland selections Danelle Day at catcher and Allie McFetridge at designated player.
 
Texas A&M International was tabbed fifth with 51 total points and one first-place votes. The Dustdevils are seeking a 11th-straight tournament appearance and are led by outfield duo Maddison Schofield and Lindsey Smith who were both named to the preseason All-Heartland Team.
 
Newman was picked fifth in the poll with 24 total points followed by St. Edward’s who finished the preseason poll with 18 total points.