Webster University’s softball team was selected to finish third in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) preseason poll, announced by the league. The Owls finished with 52 points and received one first-place vote, coming off a 25-17 season that saw them reach the conference tournament semifinals.
Head coach Becca Oldham returns a mostly young roster, featuring seven returning players, including four all-conference selections. Brooklyn Rhodes, the SLIAC co-Freshman of the Year, leads the lineup along with Chloe McClain and Kaitlyn Bearley, giving the team three hitters with averages over .300. Rhodes also contributes in the circle alongside Phallyn Clark.
The team’s newcomers include Madison York, Trinity Garvin, and Brianna Byrd, who are expected to make immediate impacts. Despite the youth, the Owls aim to build on their recent success and improve their standing in the conference this season.
The SLIAC preseason favorites are the Spalding University Golden Eagles, who received 62 points and six first-place votes. Greenville University is second with 55 points and two first-place votes. The Beavers of Blackburn College are fourth, followed by Westminster College in fifth, Lyon College sixth, Webster University seventh, Eureka College eighth, and Principia College ninth.
