The USA South Athletic Conference released its softball preseason coaches poll on Wednesday afternoon. Piedmont was picked to win the conference, while Covenant was selected to place 11th in the 13-team league.
Piedmont garnered 11 of the 13 first place votes, while Averett had two. Piedmont finished last season ranked No. 21 by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Covenant is in its second year of USA South membership. The Lady Scots, under seventh-year head coach Sara Russell, return several key players from last season. Jordan Brett and Morgan Lane are team's top returning hitters, while Cori Hilt and Hannah Rogers both return on the pitching side. Russell brought in a huge recruiting class that looks to make an impact immediately.
Covenant opens its season on Feb. 14 at home against Berry.