Softball is predicted to finish third in the MAC West in the preseason poll voted on by the 12 head coaches, the conference announced today.

The Huskies received one of the first first-place votes to win the MAC West. They’ve made it to the MAC Tournament in each of the season with Christina Sutcliffe at the helm of the program.

The Huskies begin play at the Texas State Invitational this weekend in San Marcos, Texas. They take on Pittsburgh 12:30 p.m. and Texas State 5:30 p.m. Friday. The Huskies face Sam Houston State 3 p.m. and Pittsburgh 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They close the weekend against Texas State 11 a.m. Sunday.

Below is the entire poll with first-place votes in parentheses.

MAC East

1. Ohio Bobcats (8)

2. Kent State Golden Flashes (2)

3. Akron Zips (1)

4. Buffalo Bulls (1)

5. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

6 Bowling Green Falcons

MAC West

1. Central Michigan Chippewas (6)

2. Ball State Cardinals (5)

3. NIU Huskies (1)

4. Western Michigan Broncos

5. Toledo Rockets

6. Eastern Michigan Eagles

MAC Tournament Champion: Ohio (5), Ball State (2), Akron (1), Buffalo (1), Central Michigan (1)