By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the softball season a week away, the Ohio Valley Conference released its preseason poll and Tennessee Tech was projected to finish third in 2023.

The poll was voted on by the league's coaches and sports information contacts.

Each member school also submitted its Player to Watch for the upcoming season and graduate infielder Haeli Bryson was Tech's selection.

The Golden Eagles finished sixth last year as they went 13-14 in the OVC, 32-22 overall. Tech won its first-round game against Eastern Illinois, but fell in the consolation bracket trying to advance In the tournament – its first appearance in the OVC field since the 2017 campaign.

Bryson is coming off a season where she was named first-team All-OVC as she batted a team-high .392 with 67 total hits – 12 doubles, a triple and nine home runs – while also driving in 41 RBI and scoring 46 times.

Tech, now under the direction of Danielle Penner, returns five of its top eight hitters from the 2022 campaign with Bryson leading the way, followed by Carmen Betts (.296, 32 RBI, 38 R), S.J. Talley (.264, 28 RBI, 22 R), Abby Buettner (.256, 35 RBI, 29 R, 10 HR) and Sydney Dukes (.250, 26 RBI, 22 R).

The Golden Eagles will see experience return in the circle with Callie Piper and Gracelyn Woollen returning for another campaign, as well as newcomer Avery Flatford and outfielder Kaylan Cole expected to see time pitching.

UT Martin was projected to win the nine-team league, followed by Southeast Missouri and Tech. Eastern Illinois, Southern Indiana, SIUE, Lindenwood, Tennessee State and Morehead State filled out the remainder of the preseason poll.

The Golden Eagles open the season next week at the Alabama State Stinger Classic, facing Western Carolina, Kennesaw State in three games and a finale against the host Hornets.

Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information