FRISCO, Texas - According to the 2021 Southland Conference preseason poll, voted on by coaches and sports information directors, the Nicholls State University softball team dropped three spots from last year and is picked to finish seventh. 

In the past five seasons, Nicholls has seen four conference tournaments, with a pair of second-place finishes, a regular-season title, and a season cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicholls received 131 votes, putting them ahead of Lamar (86), Abilene Christian (82), Houston Baptist (81), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (47) and UIW (32).

In the games the Colonels were able to play last season, they went 12-14 overall and 2-1 in Southland play. 

Stephen F. Austin claimed the top spot with 235 votes and 11 first-place votes. Last season, the Ladyjacks were also favorites in the poll and went 19-4 overall and 3-0 in conference play. 

McNeese finished second in the polls with 217 votes and four first-place votes. Southeastern followed with 183 votes. Sam Houston and Central Arkansas both finished with one first-place vote each and with 172 and 162 votes respectively.  Northwestern State finished just ahead of Nicholls with 156 votes and one first-place vote. 

Nicholls opens up the season Feb. 12 at the Lion Classic in Hammond, Louisiana.

Coaches and SIDs Poll (first place votes)