LOCK HAVEN, Pa. --- The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference released their 2026 preseason softball coaches' poll on Wednesday. Clarion was predicted to finish sixth in the PSAC West division this season.
 
The Golden Eagles are coming off a season where they finished 12-28 overall and 8-16 in conference play, putting them one spot off the final playoff berth in the PSAC Tournament. Playing in the Golden Eagles' favor for a step forward is the fact they return the vast majority of their starting lineup from a year before, led by Second Team All-PSAC West shortstop Emily Buchleitner. The program's all-time leader in hits, Buchleitner finished the season ranked third on the team with a .908 OPS, producing a slash line .293/.399/.509 over the course of the full season. She had 12 total extra base-hits on the year, hitting four doubles, three triples and a team-high five home runs, and she also led the team with 25 RBIs.
 
Clarion returns six batters that started 20 or more games a year ago, including five players – Delanie Davison, Alexis Valencia, Jordy Best, Haylie Rimmey and Buchleitner - that started 35 or more games.
 
In addition to the experience at the plate, the Golden Eagles return the three pitchers that led the team in appearances a year ago. Ainsley Perdicaris, Emma Hipps and Angelina Pepe all appeared in 18 or more games last season, with Perdicaris leading the team with six wins.
 
EAST DIVISION (# 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
 
WEST DIVISION (# 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