The Harding softball team is picked to finish tied for second place in the Great American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Lady Bisons and Arkansas Tech both had 105 points and each received one first-place vote.

Southern Arkansas had 120 points to finish first in the poll. The Muleriders won the GAC regular season championship last season. Arkansas Tech finished second with Harding third.

Harding had a 35-23 overall record and a 26-18 GAC record.

Harding returns three All-GAC players from last season. Pitcher Jenna Hipp and catcher Briley Feringa were second-team All-GAC, and infielder Amanda Fields was honorable mention.

The Lady Bisons will open the 2020 season at the Arkansas Tech Invitational in Conroe, Texas, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Harding will play Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Commerce Friday and Texas-A&M-International and Cameron Saturday.

Harding’s first home games will be at the Harding Invitational Feb. 7-9. The Lady Bisons will play four games that weekend.