SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University softball team was voted second in the 2026 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Preseason Coaches' Poll released Wednesday afternoon by the league office.
 
The voting is conducted by the league's head coaches.
 
This marks the Raiders highest PSAC preseason ranking since 2023 when the team was voted first in the poll. It is the first time since 2015 that the team has been voted second.
 
Shippensburg posted a 36-22 record last season and won the 2025 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region title to earn the program's third-ever trip to the NCAA Championships.
 
SU returns 17 players from last year's squad and welcomes a strong class of seven newcomers.
 
The Raiders open their season Saturday, Feb. 28 in North Carolina against Catawba.
 
Eastern Division (Number of first-place votes)
 
1. East Stroudsburg (6)
2. Shippensburg (2)
3. Shepherd (1)
4. Kutztown
5. West Chester
6. Bloomsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven
9. Mansfield
 
Western Division (Number of first-place votes)
 
1. Slippery Rock (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Gannon (1)
4. Seton Hill
5. California
6. Clarion
7. Pitt-Johnstown
8. Edinboro